Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Peek inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you stress, rest assured that correcting this issue is usually simple. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always set up 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 turned on. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you may have turned off the water first. Did you forget to turn it back on? To find out, rotate the water shut-off valve on the wall in back of the toilet. If the valve was closed, water will now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, test the water at your sink or another plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you might have a larger water supply issue. Call your water company to learn more.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet brands use a float ball to gauge the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball hits a specific height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water may enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is faulty. 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 may need to replace the whole float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can work with a plumber for help. Just understand 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
Modern toilets operate with 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 plugged. Here are ] tips to consider:
- Adjust the fill valve: Glance inside the toilet and locate 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, change the water level. Newer toilets have an adjustment knob you can turn by 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 verify the water level. Modify it until the water comes to ] one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clean the fill valve: Mineral buildup and other gunk might be blocking the valve and stopping 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, scrub the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is damaged, swap it out.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve might also be blocked. Shut off the water and remove the valve hardware. Then, place a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on just a little 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 any luck, the one remaining possibility is a broken trip assembly. This part connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s not working or positioned poorly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank empty. Detach 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 busted, replace it. Whether you perform 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 reliable toilet, so reach out to Service Experts to request a toilet repair. We can figure out 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 your bathroom. Be assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we conduct is backed by a Service Experts Guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed crews, please reach out to your local Service Experts office today.
