Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Look inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you stress, rest easy that repairing this issue is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can always set up 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 step is to verify that the water is turned on. If you or someone in your household recently completed a toilet repair, you may have turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To find out, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall to the rear of the toilet. If the valve was turned off, water should now start refilling the tank. If this does not work, check 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. Phone your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to measure the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball reaches 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 wrong or the arm is broken. To adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up just a little bit to adjust where it sits in the tank. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you might need to replace the entire float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the instructions that come with the replacement parts, or you can work with a plumber for help. Just understand that float balls are old toilet technology. You may appreciate improved reliability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Modern toilets operate with a float cup rather than 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 some recommendations to attempt:
- Modify 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, adjust the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn by hand, while older models 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. Modify 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 take off the fill cap. Then, steadily 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, wash the fill cap to remove hard water buildup. If the cap is cracked, buy a new one.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be plugged. 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 slightly to flush away the blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to test your adjustments.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve followed the steps above without positive results, the final possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This part links the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. Remove the toilet tank lid and examine the trip assembly connected to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or broken, change it out. Whether you complete the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this easy 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 call [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can figure out why your toilet isn’t filling and suggest the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is old and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest easy that every plumbing repair and replacement we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule a visit from one of our licensed professionals, please reach out to your neighborhood McElroy Service Experts office today.