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 fixing this problem is usually straightforward. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always schedule 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 move is to make sure the water is flowing. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you forget to turn it back on? To find out, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall to the rear of the toilet. If the valve was shut, water will now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, turn on the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you could possibly have a larger water supply issue. Call your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to determine the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball hits a certain height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is broken. To adjust 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 fails to fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire float mechanism. You should be able to complete this yourself by following the instructions 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 prefer improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet entirely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Modern toilets use a float cup rather than 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:
- Test 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. Make sure it’s secure and evenly attached to the tube. Then, fine-tune 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. Adjust it until the water comes to about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other gunk may be covering the valve and preventing your toilet from filling. Turn off the water behind the toilet and remove 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, clean off the fill cap to remove hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be blocked. 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 blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to test your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without any luck, the one remaining possibility is a damaged trip assembly. This component links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned poorly, 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 busted, replace it. Whether you perform 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 figure out why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team can easily install a high-efficiency toilet in your home. Rest 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 team members, please reach out to your community [Company name] office today.