Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Peek inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you worry, relax knowing that fixing this problem is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t do it yourself, you can always schedule toilet repair with a knowledgeable 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 flowing. 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 see, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall in back of the toilet. If the valve was shut, water ought to now start refilling the tank. If this doesn’t work, check the water at your sink or another plumbing fixture. If nothing flows from the tap, you could possibly have a bigger water supply issue. Call your water company to find out more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to determine the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball passes a certain height, the float arm it’s connected to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water might enter the tank if the ball is positioned improperly or the arm is broken. To correct 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 fails to fix the problem, you might need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can employ a plumber for help. Just note that float balls are old toilet technology. You may appreciate improved dependability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
Newer toilets use a float cup instead of a float ball, coupled with a fill valve and water level rod. There may very well be no water in the toilet tank because the valve has slipped out of place or become clogged. Here are some recommendations to attempt:
- Modify the fill valve: Glance inside the toilet and identify the fill valve on top of a vertical tube device on the left side of the tank. Verify that it’s secure and evenly connected to the tube. Then, fine-tune the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn manually, while older models may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and let the tank refill to verify 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 debris might be clogging the valve and keeping your toilet from filling. Turn off the water behind the toilet and take away the fill cap. Then, steadily 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, scrub the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is cracked, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve may also be plugged. Shut off the water and take away 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 blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to test your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve tried the steps above without positive results, the last possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This part attaches the flush handle to the tank. If it’s broken or positioned poorly, 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 twisted, worn or broken, change it out. Whether you finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this simple repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.
Schedule Toilet Repair Today
You can’t go long without a working toilet, so phone [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team can easily install a high-efficiency toilet in your bathroom. Rest assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we complete is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule a visit from one of our licensed crews, please call your local Teays Valley Service Experts office today.