Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you panic, relax knowing that repairing this problem is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always schedule 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 make sure 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 neglect to turn it back on? To find out, rotate the water shut-off valve on the wall to the rear of the toilet. If the valve was turned off, water should now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, turn on the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you might have a bigger water supply issue. Phone your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet models use a float ball to gauge the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball reaches a specified height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is faulty. To adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to change where it sits in the tank. If this does not fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire float mechanism. You should be able to do this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can work with a plumber for help. Just realize that float balls are old toilet design. You may appreciate improved dependability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Modern toilets use a float cup instead of 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 attempt:
- Adjust the fill valve: Look inside the toilet and find the fill valve on top of a vertical tube device on the left side of the tank. Verify that it’s secure and evenly attached to the tube. Then, adjust the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn manually, while older models may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and let the tank refill to verify the water level. Change 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 might be clogging the valve and preventing your toilet from filling. Shut off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, gradually turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to prevent water from spraying everywhere. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, wash the fill cap to dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is cracked, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve may also be blocked. Shut off the water and take away the valve hardware. Then, stick a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on a little to flush away the blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without any luck, the last possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This element links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Take off the toilet tank lid and check the trip assembly fastened to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or broken, replace it. Whether you finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this easy repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a functional toilet, so call [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can figure out why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is old and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an evaluation from one of our licensed crews, please contact your neighborhood [Company name] office today.