People tend to worry about their toilets overflowing, yet there is another frustrating plumbing issue that can make using the bathroom difficult. Low water levels in the toilet make it hard to use the fixture comfortably, and this is often a symptom of a bigger issue that needs to be addressed before it gets worse. If the bowl of your toilet is no longer filling like it used to, then consider these possible issues that can all be corrected with residential plumbing repair.

Look for a Leak in the Fill Valve

There is a special device in the tank of the toilet that is designed to help fill the bowl. Take the lid of your toilet off and identify the tall tube that is connected to the float. You can then flush the toilet and watch to see how they fill valve functions. You should not see water flowing out of the top. Instead, it should go through a fill tube that is connected to the overflow tube. A fill valve can be repaired if it is just debris creating the problem, or a new one can be put in its place. If you suspect a fill valve is the issue, then repairing the issue as soon as possible can also prevent you from dealing with problems such as a toilet that constantly runs. 

Check for Signs of a Clogged Drain

Normally, a clogged drain creates problems with the water backing up. However, a partial clog lower in the system can sometimes cause the water to be wicked out of the toilet bowl. If this is the issue, then you may notice that the bowl fills properly but loses water over a period of time when it is not being used. You can try the traditional methods to safely clear a clog such as plunging. If that does not work, then you may need to have a plumber snake the drains.

Find Out if the Vent is Blocked

The plumbing in your home may all look as though the pipes go down, but there is one very important vent that is often hidden behind the wall. You can see this vent up on the roof of your house where it serves an essential role by allowing sewer gas to safely escape your house after someone flushes. If this vent gets clogged, the disrupted airflow

can cause issues with the water level in the toilet. Sewer vents get clogged by things such as leaves, animal nests and occasionally ice depending upon where you live. A plumber may check this vent for blockages if they suspect that an airflow issue is causing the problem.