Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing changed? Peek into the tank, and you could see no water inside. Before you panic, relax knowing that repairing this challenge is usually straightforward. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always schedule toilet repair with an experienced plumber. Follow these recommendations to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.
Check the Water Supply
The first action is to ensure that the water is turned on. 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 find out, rotate 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 fails to work, turn on the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you could possibly have a larger water supply issue. Contact your water company to get more details.
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 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 move the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank top. Bend the float arm up a little 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 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 appreciate improved durability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet entirely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets use 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 plugged. Here are a few recommendations to attempt:
- Adjust the fill valve: Glance inside the toilet and find the fill valve on top of a vertical tube device on the left side of the tank. Make sure it’s secure and evenly connected to the tube. Then, fine-tune the water level. Current models of 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 make it possible for the tank refill to test the water level. Adjust it until the water comes to roughly 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 off the water behind the toilet and remove the fill cap. Then, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to block 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, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve could also be clogged. Shut off the water and take off the valve hardware. Then, stick a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on a little to flush away the debris. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve followed the steps above without positive results, the last possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This component connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. 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 bent, worn or broken, replace it. Whether you perform the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this uncomplicated repair should get your toilet tank filled with water 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 correct fix. If your plumbing fixture is outdated and worn out, our team can easily install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we complete is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed crews, please contact your local Strogen's Service Experts office today.