Toilet Refill Hose Keeps Coming Out [7 Easy Solutions]

The major reasons behind the toilet refill hose keeps coming out include a damaged hose clip, excessive water pressure to the tank, and the worn-out bottom seal of the pipe base. Besides, the wrong position of the refill tube or, if the tube is too long, the water starts popping out from it. 

toilet refill hose keeps coming out

While troubleshooting this issue, you have to replace the broken hose clip and need to take the necessary steps to reduce water pressure. Then, check the bottom seal and replace the broken one. 

If the tube is clogged, need to clean it and ensure a perfect placement with the fill valve. Read through the below article to get a comprehensive guide to fixing the issue effectively. Before moving to the solutions steps, let’s have a glimpse at the toilet refill tube and how it works. 

What Is Toilet Refill Tube And How Does It Work

The refill tube is an integral part of the toilet tank, which closely interacts with the overflow tube and the fill valve. The core function of the refill tube is signaling to the overflow tube how much water to input into the bowl. Here, the refill tube is connected with the fill valve from one side.

The bottom side drains down directly into the flapper. First, the fill valve signals the tank to refill the tank. Then, some water from the incoming water flows goes to the refill tube. The water then flows into the overflow tube and dumps clean water into the bowl through the flapper.

Now, if the refill tube is not connected with the fill valve or due to stuck debris, the water starts popping out from the refill tube. Read through the below sections to get a complete solution for this trouble.

Toilet Refill Hose Keeps Coming Out [7 Easy Solutions]

Here are the common reasons behind your toilet refill hose keeps coming out with solutions.

Note: You can also read why low water pressure after replacing the cartridge.

1. Damaged Refill Hose Clip

If your toilet refill tube keeps coming out, a damaged tube clip would be the first culprit. Here the hose clip might be broken or completely damaged, which is why the hose is emerging out continuously.

damaged refill hose clip

There is an adjacent adapter clip with the refill tube, which is used to restore the toilet fill valves’ performance. The refill tube is supposed to be attached with a metal clip to the overflow tube. 

But in this case, a broken clip causes a refill tube to pop out and a significant waste of water. Most of the time, the metal clip gets corroded and loses its efficiency. 

Now you need to check and replace the broken tube clip if you want to get rid of this issue. Follow the below instructions:

Solutions:

  • First, switch off the water supply from the tank.
  • Then, carefully pull out the hose from the empty tank.
  • Now, remove the old and broken hose clip from the attachment. 
  • Place and install the new clip there. 
  • It will be better to purchase a plastic clip there to prevent corrosion and worn-out issue.
  • Ensure a sung connection of the clip with the refill and overflow tubes.
  • Finally, switch on the water supply to fill up the tank.
  • Check if the tube popping problem is resolved or not.
  • If not, go below section. We have many more options. 

2. High Water Pressure

Most of the time, the refill hose keeps coming out due to high water pressure. Here, the water pressure might be increasing from the main tank, and that pushes the hose clip loose. For this reason, water starts coming out from the refill tube.

adjust the water level

Also, the high water level in the tank can also be another reason. The water level should be below the top of the tank’s overflow tube. If that is not, you need to adjust the water level in the tank. Here are the needed steps that you have to follow:

Solutions:

  • You will find a float rod and rod ball connected with the fill valve. The float rod and the ball will be attached with a tube, and there is an adjustment screw that secures the rod with the fill valve. 
  • Now you need to bend the float rod down to lower the fill level.
  • Continue adjusting the rod until you will see the desired level.

3. Worn-Out Bottom Seal

If your toilet refill tube is still popping out, be sure the bottom seal of the pipe base might be worn out or damaged. In the case of the toilet, having a tower-style flush valve comes with a seal at the bottom. But a faulty bottom seal fails to push down the handle, and the water starts popping out. 

So, now you need to check and replace the faulty bottom seal from the bottom. Here you have to purchase the right size flush valve seal for your particular toilet.

How To Replace Toilet Flush Valve Seal

replace toilet flush valve seal
  • First and foremost, drain the water from your toilet’s tank and access the flush valve inside. Flush the toilet to drain the remaining water from the tank.
  • Disconnect the lid from the top of the toilet tank and locate the flush valve seal. You will find it in a red, blue, or yellow round seal at the bottom of the flush valve.
  • Now, Remove the refill tube by pulling it out or removing the clip.
  • Unhook the trip lever from the flush valve tower. Then lift up the tower assembly slightly. Then bend it away from the trip to slide it out.
  • Lift off the assembly and set it aside. 
  • Remove the worn valve seal by pulling it, and then insert the new flush valve seal there.
  • Makes sure the seal is properly seated in the groove
  • Finally, reinstall the flush valve tower assembly.
  • Reattach the trip lever and connect the refill tube
  • Place the lid back on the top of the toilet tank and turn the water to the toilet back on.
  • Great job!! You have successfully replaced the faulty bottom seal from the toilet tank. 
  • But if your toilet uses a flush valve with a flapper, you need to install the new flapper. After installing, make sure it opens and closes freely.

4. Wrong Position Of The Refill Hose

Sometimes water from the refill tube starts coming due to the wrong position of the refill tube. It might not be positioned in its place. Now, surely you might be wondering about how to adjust the toilet refill tube. 

metal hose clamp

To clutch the refill tube in its original place, you will need a metal hose clamp. It will operate by attaching and sealing a tube onto a fitting. Also, it will act as a seal to prevent fluid from leaking at the connection.

Solutions:

You will find the hose clamp from the toilet refill tube available in the market. Purchase a new metal hose clamp and install it with the refill tube. 

5. Refill Tube Is Too Long

Most often, the toilet refill tube keeps running if the tube is too long and fails to position correctly in the overflow tube. Here, you will have to shorten the refill tube and ensure a correct position for the overflow tube.

Solutions:

  • Turn off the water supply first.
  • Now pull the refill tube out of the overflow tube.
  • Then, hold it just above the overflow tube opening.
  • After that, start trimming or cutting it off right there.
  • Then clip it to the side of the overflow tube. This will ensure a perfect placing of the refill tube.  

6. Clogged Refill Tube

A clogged refill tube seems to be one of the big culprits for the malfunction of the tube. After long wearing and tearing, the refill tube might be blocked by sediment or algae build-up inside it. In this troubleshooting stage, you will have to clean the refill tube of the toilet.

Solutions:

  • Take a hose cleaner and insert it from one side of the pipe to another side.
  • To clean the clog and sediments from the hose, you can sponge the pipe carefully.
  • After cleaning, reassemble the refill tube in its place.
  • Now, do flush the toilet and check if the water is stopped popping out from the refill tube. 

7. Replace The Defective Refill Hose

If all the above troubleshooting fails to resolve the issue, be sure the refill tube is faulty and unable to use longer. The only solution is toilet refill tube replacement. Here are needed steps to replace the defective refill hose:

How To Replace Toilet Refill Tube

  • Turn off the water flow to the tank by turning the water supply valve handle clockwise.
  • Now take off the tank lid and then flush the toilet to drain the tank water.
  • Then, disconnect the refill tube from one end where it connects to the side of the fill valve.
  • Pull the tube from the fill valve by twisting it back and forth
  • Next, you have to unhook the opposite end of the refill hose from the top of the overflow tube.
  • Pull the holding clip out of the end of the tube to remove it.
  • Now place the new refill tube in the right position.
  • First, push the holding clip from one end into one end of the tube.
  • Then, push the other end of the tube over the nipple.
  • Check if the end of the refill tube is closely connected to the side of the fill valve. 
  • Now connect the tube clip over the edge of the overflow tube.
  • Also, check if one end of the tube is pointing inside the overflow tube.
  • Finally, turn the water supply counterclockwise and fill the water tank.
  • Connect the tank lid back on top of the tank.

FAQs:

Should the fill tube be in the overflow tube?

Yes, the refill tube of the tank should interact with the overflow tube. It should always stay above the overflow tube. If that will not, the water will start flowing backward and keep the tube full.

How do you fix a toilet fill valve that keeps running?

To fix the running toilet fill valve, you have to ensure the correct positioning of this valve. Then, clean the clogged debris inside. If still running, be sure it is defective and replace it.

Are all toilet fill valves the same size?

No!! The toilet fill valves are not the same size. The size varies according to the toilet design. Most commonly, the size starts from 2 to 4 inches. 

Wrapping Thoughts

Throughout this article, we have explored every single detail in the case of the toilet refill tube not working. Hopefully, you will effectively troubleshoot your toilet issue by following the above guide.

 Still, if you want to know any more or have any queries on any fact, feel free to let us know through comments. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

About James

James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.

Leave a Comment