Why Is There No Water in My Toilet Tank?

Did you just try to flush your toilet, and nothing happened? Look into the tank, and you could see no water inside. Before you stress, relax knowing that repairing this issue is usually straightforward. If you can’t complete this yourself, you can always set up toilet repair with an Expert plumber. Follow these guidelines to diagnose and repair the problem of no water in the toilet tank.

Check the Water Supply

The first action is to make sure the water is turned on. If you or someone in your household recently performed a toilet repair, you probably turned off the water first. Did you neglect to turn it back on? To see, turn the water shut-off valve on the wall in back of the toilet. If the valve was shut, water will now start refilling the tank. If this doesn’t work, test the water at your sink or an alternative plumbing fixture. If nothing spills out from the tap, you could have a more substantial water supply issue. Contact your water company to learn more.

Reposition or Replace the Float Mechanism

Older toilet designs use a float ball to gauge the water level as it rises in the tank. When the ball passes a certain height, the float arm it’s attached to stops the water flow. However, insufficient water could enter the tank if the ball is positioned incorrectly or the arm is broken. To adjust the float ball, start by removing the toilet tank lid. Bend the float arm up slightly to change 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 do this yourself by following the detailed steps that come with the replacement parts, or you can hire a plumber for help. Just note that float balls are old toilet design. You may appreciate improved reliability and efficiency if you upgrade the existing tank components or replace the toilet completely.

Adjust the Fill Valve

Modern toilets use 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 clogged. Here are some tips to attempt:

• Test the fill valve: Have a 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 attached to the tube. Then, change the water level. More modern 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 check 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 gunk might be clogging the valve and keeping your toilet from filling. Shut off the water behind the toilet and remove 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, swap it out.
• Clean the valve tube: The tube below the fill valve may 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 just 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 followed the steps above without any luck, the final possibility is a damaged trip assembly. This part connects the flush handle to the tank. If it’s damaged or positioned inadequately, the flush cycle may not complete, leaving the tank void. Detach the toilet tank lid and look at the trip assembly connected to the handle. If it’s out of place, reposition it. If the assembly is bent, worn or broken, swap it with a new one. Whether you finish the job yourself or leave it to a plumber, this easy repair should get your toilet tank filled with water again.

Schedule Toilet Repair Today

You can’t go long without a reliable toilet, so phone [Company name] to schedule a toilet repair. We can determine why your toilet isn’t filling and propose the appropriate fix. If your plumbing fixture is outdated and worn out, our team can install a high-efficiency toilet in its place. Be assured that every plumbing repair and replacement we complete is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment from one of our licensed crews, please reach out to your local  Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.