Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Look into the tank, and you could see no water inside. Before you stress, rest assured that fixing this problem is usually simple. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always arrange 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 verify that 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 forget 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 should now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, turn on the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you could have a more substantial water supply issue. Contact your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet models use a float ball to gauge the water level as it goes up in the tank. When the ball passes a specified height, the float arm it’s connected to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water might enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is broken. To adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank top. Bend the float arm up slightly to adjust where it sits in the tank. If this does not 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 understand that float balls are old toilet technology. You may enjoy improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets utilize 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 some techniques to consider:
- 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. Ensure it’s secure and evenly attached to the tube. Then, adjust the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn by hand, while older designs may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and make it possible for 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 crud could be blocking the valve and preventing your toilet from filling. Shut down 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 prevent water from spraying all over the place. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, wash the fill cap to remove hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be clogged. 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 check your work.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve followed the steps above without success, the one remaining possibility is a broken trip assembly. This component connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned improperly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank bone dry. Remove the toilet tank lid and examine the trip assembly fastened to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is crooked, worn or busted, swap it with a new one. Whether you finish 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 functional toilet, so reach out to [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and suggest the right fix. If your plumbing fixture is old and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in your home. Be 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 crews, please call your community [Company name] office today.