Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing changed? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you stress, rest easy that repairing this issue is usually straightforward. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always arrange 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 step is to verify that the water is flowing. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you most likely turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To find out, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was shut, water will now start refilling the tank. If this does not work, test the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you could have a bigger water supply issue. Contact your water company to get more details.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet designs use a float ball to gauge the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball hits a specified height, the float arm it’s joined to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is broken. To move the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank top. Bend the float arm up slightly to alter where it sits in the tank. If this does not fix the problem, you may need to replace the whole float mechanism. You should be able to do this yourself by following the instructions that come with the replacement parts, or you can employ a plumber for help. Just realize that float balls are old toilet systems. You may prefer improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets use a float cup instead of a float ball, coupled with a fill valve and water level rod. There could quite possibly be no water in the toilet tank because the valve has slipped out of place or become plugged. Here are a few tips to attempt:
- Test the fill valve: 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 with your hand, while older designs may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and let the tank refill to test the water level. Change 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 preventing your toilet from filling. Turn 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 block water from spraying all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, clean off 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 may 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 slightly to flush away the debris. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to test your work.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve tried the steps above without positive results, 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. Remove 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 crooked, worn or wrecked, replace it. Whether you complete the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this easy repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a functional toilet, so call [Company name] to inquire about a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is old 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 appointment from one of our licensed professionals, please reach out to your neighborhood [Company name] office today.