Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Peek inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you panic, relax knowing that fixing this issue is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with a knowledgeable plumber. Follow these guidelines to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first step is to verify that the water is running. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you most likely turned off the water first. Did you forget to turn it back on? To check, rotate the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was shut, water will now start refilling the tank. If this doesn’t work, check the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you could possibly have a larger water supply issue. Phone your water company to get more details.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet designs use a float ball to gauge the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball passes a certain height, the float arm it’s connected to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is damaged. To move the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up a little to alter where it sits in the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you could need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the instructions that come with the replacement parts, or you can hire a plumber for help. Just understand that float balls are old toilet systems. You may enjoy improved reliability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Newer toilets operate with a float cup rather than a float ball, coupled with a fill valve and water level rod. There may be no water in the toilet tank because the valve has slipped out of place or become clogged. Here are some tips to consider:
- Test the fill valve: Glance inside the toilet and find the fill valve on top of a vertical tube device on the left side of the tank. Ensure it’s secure and evenly attached to the tube. Then, adjust the water level. More modern toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn with your hand, while older designs may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and allow the tank refill to test the water level. Modify it until the water comes to about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other debris could be blocking the valve and preventing your toilet from filling. Shut off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, steadily turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to block water from spraying all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, clean off the fill cap to dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is broken, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could also be plugged. Shut off the water and take away the valve hardware. Then, insert a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on slightly to flush away the blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to check your work.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve followed the steps above without positive results, the last possibility is a damaged trip assembly. This element links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Remove the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly attached to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or wrecked, swap it with a new one. Whether you finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this simple repair should get your toilet tank filled with water once more.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a working toilet, so call [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and suggest the correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Rest easy that every plumbing repair and replacement we conduct is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an evaluation from one of our licensed crews, please reach out to your local [Company name] office today.