Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing changed? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you panic, relax knowing that repairing this issue is usually straightforward. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always arrange 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 make sure 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 not realize you had to turn it back on? To check, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was closed, water should now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, test the water at your sink or another plumbing fixture. If nothing flows from the tap, you could have a bigger water supply issue. Call 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 rises in the tank. When the ball hits a specified height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water might enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is damaged. 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 doesn’t fix the problem, you might need to replace the whole float mechanism. You should be able to complete this yourself by following the directions that come with the replacement parts, or you can work with a plumber for help. Just understand that float balls are old toilet technology. You may prefer improved reliability 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 be no water in the toilet tank because the valve has slipped out of place or become clogged. Here are a few recommendations to attempt:
- Adjust the fill valve: Look inside the toilet and locate 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, fine-tune the water level. More modern 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 make it possible for the tank refill to check the water level. Modify it until the water comes to roughly one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other gunk could be blocking the valve and stopping your toilet from filling. Turn off 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 block water from spraying all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, scrub the fill cap to remove 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 remove 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 check your adjustments.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without positive results, the final possibility is a broken trip assembly. This part connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank bone dry. Remove the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly attached to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is twisted, worn or busted, replace it. Whether you complete 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 call [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Be 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 contact your neighborhood [Company name] office today.