Why Is There No Water in My Toilet Tank?
Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing changed? Peek inside the tank, and you may see no water inside. Before you worry, relax knowing that correcting this issue is usually easy to accomplish. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always schedule toilet repair with a knowledgeable 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 ensure that the water is running. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you most likely turned off the water first. Did you neglect 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 turned off, water should now start refilling the tank. If this fails to work, test the water at your sink or a different plumbing fixture. If nothing comes out from the tap, you could possibly have a more substantial 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 gauge the water level as it increases in the tank. When the ball hits a specific height, the float arm it’s connected to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water might enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is broken. To move the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up a little to alter where it sits in the tank. If this does not fix the problem, you may need to replace the entire float mechanism. You should be able to perform this yourself by following the directions that come with the replacement parts, or you can work with a plumber for help. Just note that float balls are old toilet systems. You may prefer improved reliability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets use a float cup instead of 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 clogged. Here are a few tips to attempt:
- Test the fill valve: Look inside the toilet and identify the fill valve on top of a vertical tube device on the left side of the tank. Ensure 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 models may require you to loosen an adjustment screw with a flathead screwdriver. Flush the toilet and make it possible for the tank refill to verify 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 gunk might be covering the valve and keeping your toilet from filling. Shut off 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 prevent water from spraying all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, scrub 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 off the valve hardware. Then, insert a slim bottle brush or wire down the tube. Turn the water back on slightly to flush away the debris. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to test your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without success, the last possibility is a broken trip assembly. This part attaches the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned poorly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. Remove the toilet tank lid and check the trip assembly connected to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or busted, change it out. Whether you perform 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 reliable toilet, so phone [Company name] to inquire about a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and suggest the right fix. If your plumbing fixture is older and worn out, our team will 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 neighborhood Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.