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 problem is usually straightforward. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with an experienced 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 turned on. If you or someone in your household recently did a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you forget to turn it back on? To check, spin 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 doesn’t work, turn on the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you might have a larger water supply issue. Call your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet designs use a float ball to determine the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball reaches a specified 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 adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank top. Bend the float arm up a little to adjust where it sits in the tank. If this fails to fix the problem, you may need to replace the whole float mechanism. You should be able to complete this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can employ a plumber for help. Just realize that float balls are old toilet technology. You may enjoy improved dependability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
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 recommendations to try:
- Adjust the fill valve: Glance inside the toilet and identify 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, change the water level. Current models of 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 let the tank refill to check 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 may be blocking the valve and preventing 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 all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, scrub the fill cap to dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is broken, swap it out.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could also be plugged. Shut off the water and remove the valve hardware. Then, place 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 test your adjustments.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without positive results, the last possibility is a damaged trip assembly. This component connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Remove 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 crooked, worn or broken, change it out. Whether you perform the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this simple repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a reliable toilet, so reach out to [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we complete 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.