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 fixing this problem is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with an experienced plumber. Follow these tips 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 running. If you or someone in your household recently completed a toilet repair, you may have turned off the water first. Did you not realize you had 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 closed, water ought to now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, check the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you might have a bigger water supply issue. Contact your water company to find out more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet designs use a float ball to measure the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball hits 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 top. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to adjust where it sits in the tank. If this does not fix the problem, you could need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can hire a plumber for help. Just note that float balls are old toilet design. You may prefer improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Newer toilets operate with a float cup instead 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 blocked. Here are some techniques to try:
- Test the fill valve: Have a look inside the toilet and identify 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, fine-tune the water level. More modern toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn by hand, while older versions 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. 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 gunk may be clogging the valve and stopping your toilet from filling. Shut off the water behind the toilet and take off 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, scrub the fill cap to remove hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be clogged. Shut off the water and remove the valve hardware. Then, stick a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on slightly to flush away the junk. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your work.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve tried the steps above without any luck, the last possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This part connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Take off the toilet tank lid and check the trip assembly attached to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or busted, replace it. Whether you complete the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this uncomplicated repair should get your toilet tank filled with water once again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a reliable toilet, so reach out to [Company name] to inquire about a toilet repair. We can figure out why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the right fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team can easily 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 evaluation from one of our licensed team members, please contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.