[mmoore0815]

Yesterday, my toilet simultaneously started making a hissing sound and refilling very slowly. I have no experience with plumbing or fixing toilets, so please give as detailed a response as possible. If you can direct me to a link with photos on how to fix it, that would be great. I just want to try to fix this problem without calling a plumber. Your response is greatly appreciated.

[mygirlsdad77]

I would suggest going and buying a fluidmaster 404a fill valve. Replace the old fill valve with this. It comes with very detailed instructions on how to change it out. Good luck.

[speedball1]

Which ballcock is yours?

[mmoore0815]

Hi, thanks for responding so quickly. I have the one in the first photo(the 400A black and white photo with labels). Thanks again and I look forward to your reply.

[speedball1]

How to fix toilet that has hissing sound and is slow to refill?

No problem! Easy fix! We get this complaint all the time in my area. The Fluidmaster seal#242, (see image) Has a hole in the center that certain types of water will make swell up and close down the center hole cutting off the water to the tank. The solution would be to replace the seal.
Purchase a FluidMaster Seal#242 from your local big box store. To replace it you will have to shut the water off to the tank and take the tank lid off. Twist the top of the ballcock off counterclockwise, (see image in above post, ) and pull up. Pry out the seal and replace it. Before you close the ballcock place a pan 9over the top and turn the water back on to flush out the supply. Reassemble, turn the water back on and give it a flush. Better now? Regards and thanks for rating my answer, Tom

[akirkland803]

How to fix a hissing tioilet sound

[massplumber2008]

Hi Akirkland

The answer to your question is right above your question (post #5).

Let us know if you have questions, OK?

Mark

[mdclw]

Hi I have this problem too. I have the 400a style fluid master although I'm not sure of the exact model #. I had this problem with my toilet and replaced the washer. The noise began again after a few weeks and so I purchased a new fluidmaster valve assembly and after a few weeks it has begun again. Any ideas on what to do? Is this the result of Box Store product quality? Try a different model like a korky or just go to a plumbing house? What do you think? Thanks!

[massplumber2008]

Hi Mdclw

Disassemble the valve as shown by Speedball1 at post #5... clean the washer as it appears that some gunk has broken loose and is causing issues at the new fill valve. Simply put, this can happen if you installed the new valve without purging the water line of sediment before installing the new fill valve... ;)

Good luck!

Mark

[Tonjha]

Thank you for the information. I have the same problem with my toilet, however I did exactly what you said and when I flush it still makes the noise. I made sure that I did not put it back together until it was cleared out. What else can it be?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Tonjha

Sometimes cleaning the washer and putting things back doesn't fix the issue.

In these cases, you need to replace the seal/washer (sold at all home improvement stores), or for best result replace the entire fill valve. Pick up a new flexible toilet supply tube while at the store... makes job go real easy!

Mark

[speedball1]

When you had the ballcock apart did you turn the water back on for a minute to flush out the supply? Let me know, Tom

[Tonjha]

Yes, I made sure I did it for a minute.

[Tonjha]

How do I know which fill valve to get? When I looked at home depot there seems to be many different but very similar fill valves.

Thank you for all of your help

[speedball1]

Both of these are good, Good luck, Tom

[Tonjha]

Thank you, I replaced the complete valve system and my toilet is back to normal and it only costs $11.00. Thank you

[speedball1]

Glad you got fixed up. What ballcock did you choose? Tom