Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing occurred? Peek within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you worry, relax knowing that correcting this problem is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always arrange toilet repair with a knowledgeable plumber. Follow these recommendations to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first step is to ensure that the water is turned on. 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 check, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was turned off, water should now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, test the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you might have a larger water supply issue. Phone your water company to find out more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet models use a float ball to determine the water level as it goes up in the tank. When the ball passes a specific height, the float arm it’s joined to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned improperly or the arm is damaged. To correct the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up a little to change where it sits in the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you might need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to complete 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 technology. You may appreciate improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets use a float cup in place of a float ball, coupled with a fill valve and water level rod. There may very well be no water in the toilet tank because the valve has slipped out of place or become plugged. Here are a couple techniques to try:
- 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. Make sure it’s secure and evenly attached to the tube. Then, adjust the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn by hand, while older models may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and allow the tank refill to verify the water level. Adjust it until the water comes to approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other gunk may be covering the valve and stopping 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 stop water from spraying all over the place. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, scrub the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is cracked, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be clogged. Shut off the water and take off the valve hardware. Then, stick a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on just a little to flush away the blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to check your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve followed the steps above without any luck, the final possibility is a broken trip assembly. This component connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Take off the toilet tank lid and examine the trip assembly fastened to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is twisted, worn or broken, swap it with a new one. Whether you perform the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this uncomplicated repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a functional toilet, so reach out to [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is outdated and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we conduct is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule a visit from one of our licensed professionals, please reach out to your neighborhood [Company name] office today.