Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you stress, relax knowing that correcting this problem is usually straightforward. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with a knowledgeable plumber. Follow these tips to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first action is to ensure that the water is turned on. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To check, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall in back of the toilet. If the valve was turned off, water will now start refilling the tank. If this doesn’t work, test the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you might have a more substantial water supply issue. Contact your water company to get more details.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to determine the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball reaches a specific 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 move 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 could 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 design. 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 some tips to consider:
- 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. Make sure it’s secure and evenly connected to the tube. Then, change the water level. Newer 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 make it possible for the tank refill to test 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 debris could be covering the valve and stopping your toilet from filling. Shut off the water behind the toilet and take off the fill cap. Then, steadily 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 dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could also be plugged. Shut off the water and take off the valve hardware. Then, insert a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on slightly to flush away the blockage. 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 any luck, the one remaining possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This element links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. 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 twisted, worn or broken, replace it. Whether you finish 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 working toilet, so call [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is old and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest easy that every plumbing repair and replacement we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an evaluation from one of our licensed professionals, please contact your local [Company name] office today.