Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Glance within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you panic, rest easy that fixing this challenge is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always schedule toilet repair with an Expert plumber. Follow these guidelines to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first move is to ensure that the water is running. If you or someone in your household recently did a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you not realize you had to turn it back on? To check, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was shut, water should now start refilling the tank. If this doesn’t work, test the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you might 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 measure the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball hits a specified height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water could enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is faulty. To adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to change where it sits in the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the whole float mechanism. You should be able to complete this yourself by following the directions that come with the replacement parts, or you can employ a plumber for help. Just realize 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 completely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets utilize a float cup rather than 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 blocked. Here are some techniques to try:
- Adjust the fill valve: Look inside the toilet and find 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, adjust the water level. More modern toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn with your 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 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 might be blocking the valve and preventing your toilet from filling. Shut down the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, slowly 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 dislodge any hard water buildup. If the cap is broken, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could also be blocked. Shut off the water and take away the valve hardware. Then, insert a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on a little to flush away the blockage. 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 positive results, the one remaining possibility is a broken trip assembly. This element connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank bone dry. Detach the toilet tank lid and examine the trip assembly attached to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or wrecked, swap it with a new one. Whether you finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this uncomplicated 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 call [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and recommend the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is outdated and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we conduct is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed crews, please reach out to your community [Company name] office today.