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, rest assured that correcting this issue is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t do it 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 move is to make sure the water is flowing. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you may have turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To find out, turn 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 another plumbing fixture. If nothing flows from the tap, you could have a bigger water supply issue. Contact your water company to find out more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to measure the water level as it goes up in the tank. When the ball reaches a specific height, the float arm it’s joined to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water might enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is faulty. To correct the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to adjust where it sits in the tank. If this fails to fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire float mechanism. You should be able to complete this yourself by following the instructions that come with the replacement parts, or you can hire a plumber for help. Just realize that float balls are old toilet design. 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 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 try:
- Modify the fill valve: Have a 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, change the water level. Current models of toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn manually, 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. 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 crud may be blocking the valve and keeping your toilet from filling. Shut down the water behind the toilet and take away the fill cap. Then, steadily 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, clean off the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, swap it out.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could 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 just a little to flush away the debris. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve tried the steps above without positive results, the one remaining possibility is a broken trip assembly. This element links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. Remove the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly fastened to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or broken, change it out. 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 reliable toilet, so phone [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in your home. Be assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed crews, please call your neighborhood [Company name] office today.