Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing occurred? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you stress, rest easy that correcting this problem is usually straightforward. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always schedule 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 move is to verify that the water is running. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you may have turned off the water first. Did you not realize you had to turn it back on? To see, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall to the rear of the toilet. If the valve was closed, water will 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 possibly have a larger water supply issue. Call 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 hits a specified height, the float arm it’s connected to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water could enter the tank if the ball is positioned improperly 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 change 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 perform 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 design. 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 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 blocked. Here are a couple techniques 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 ahered to the tube. Then, change the water level. More modern 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 allow the tank refill to test the water level. Adjust it until the water comes to approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other crud may be blocking the valve and preventing 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, wash the fill cap to dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve may 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 debris. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your work.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve tried the steps above without success, the final possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This component attaches the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank bone dry. Detach 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 finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this simple 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 reach out to [Company name] to inquire about a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and suggest the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is old 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 a visit from one of our licensed crews, please contact your neighborhood [Company name] office today.