Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing changed? Look within the tank, and you might see no water inside. Before you panic, rest assured that repairing this challenge is usually straightforward. If you can’t figure it out 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 step is to make sure the water is running. If you or someone in your household recently completed a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you not realize you had to turn it back on? To find out, spin the water shut-off valve on the wall behind the toilet. If the valve was shut, water will now start refilling the tank. If this does not work, test the water at your sink or another plumbing fixture. If nothing flows from the tap, you could possibly have a more substantial water supply issue. Phone your water company to get more details.
Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism
Older toilet designs 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 joined to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water could enter the tank if the ball is positioned wrong or the arm is faulty. 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 fails to fix the problem, you may need to replace the full float mechanism. You should be able to do this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can hire a plumber for help. Just realize 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 completely.
Adjust the Fill Valve
More recent toilets operate with a float cup in place 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 blocked. Here are a few techniques to try:
- Modify 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. Make sure it’s secure and evenly connected to the tube. Then, fine-tune the water level. More modern 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 allow 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 could be blocking the valve and keeping your toilet from filling. Shut down 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 prevent water from spraying all over. After several seconds, turn the water back off. Finally, wash the fill cap to clear away hard water buildup. If the cap is broken, replace it.
- Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve may also be plugged. 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 a little to flush away the blockage. Replace the valve hardware and flush the toilet to assess your efforts.
Repair or Replace the Trip Assembly
If you’ve attempted the steps above without positive results, the last possibility is a faulty trip assembly. This element attaches the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned poorly, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank bone dry. Take off the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly attached to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is crooked, worn or broken, change it out. Whether you perform 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 reliable toilet, so call [Company name] to request a toilet repair. We can diagnose why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the right fix. If your plumbing fixture is old and worn out, our team can easily install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Rest easy that every plumbing repair and replacement we perform is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed team members, please reach out to your neighborhood R & M Climate Control Service Experts office today.