Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Peek inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you worry, rest assured that fixing this issue is usually straightforward. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with a knowledgeable plumber. Follow these guidelines to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first action is to make sure the water is flowing. If you or someone in your household recently completed a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To find out, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall behind 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 find out more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet models use a float ball to measure the water level as it goes up in the tank. When the ball reaches a specific height, the float arm it’s joined to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water could enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is broken. To correct the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank cover. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to alter where it sits in the tank. If this fails to fix the problem, you may need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to do this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can employ a plumber for help. Just note that float balls are old toilet technology. You may enjoy improved reliability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet entirely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Newer toilets use a float cup in place 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 plugged. Here are some tips to try:
- Adjust 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. Ensure 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. 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 may be blocking the valve and stopping your toilet from filling. Turn 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 stop water from spraying everywhere. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, scrub the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is cracked, 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, 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 check your adjustments.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without any luck, the final possibility is a damaged trip assembly. This element attaches the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned poorly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. Detach the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly connected to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is crooked, worn or broken, swap it with a new one. 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 reliable toilet, so reach out to [Company name] to inquire about a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the right fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Rest easy that every plumbing repair and replacement we conduct is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an evaluation from one of our licensed professionals, please call your local [Company name] office today.