What to Do When Toilet Tank Doesn’t Fill with Water
The toilet tank not filling could also be coming from outside the toilet.
It can be frustrating when the toilet tank does not fill with enough water, whether it is just too little or none at all. Either way, the lack of water makes it difficult to flush the toilet. Several fixes will remedy this issue.
There are a few tricks to try before calling on a plumber. However, whenever there is doubt, a call to the plumber can save money in the long run.
Adjust the float ball
The float ball is the most likely culprit if the toilet tank is not filling with water. The float ball rests on top of the water and closes the fill valve when the tank is full of water. If the float ball is too low, it will limit the amount of water allowed into the toilet tank.
To fix the issue, adjust the angle of the float arm to a slight upward bend so the ball allows more water into the tank. However, if this does not fix the water level issue, a plumber may need to replace the float ball entirely.
Adjusting the fill valve
If the float ball adjustment doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem may be the fill valve, which controls how much water enters to refill the tank from the supply line. There are steps to take to make adjustments that can resolve the issue.
Remove the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve on the left side.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to adjust the screw, turning it clockwise to raise the fill valve and allow more water to enter the tank.
Flush the toilet to determine if the water level is resolved.
Alternatively, if the take has adjusted cylinders, remove the toilet lid and find the fill valve on the left side. Pinch the float clip on the float valve and slide it up to let more water in.
Fill valve block
Another reason the tank may not be filling is that the fill valve may be clogged or blocked. There are several steps to checking if this is the problem.
Shut off the water supply, then remove the cap from the fill valve in the tank.
Turn on the water and use a small plastic bowl to redirect the water into the tank.
If no water comes out of the valve, there is a clog in the line. If water does flow out, there is one other place to check, which is the supply line at the back of the toilet.
Shut the water off again and remove the supply line from the bottom of the toilet.
Redirect the water flow from the supply line into a bowl and open the valve.
Removing all water out of the supply line is essential; otherwise, the water will have to be shut off for the house to remove the valve from the wall, as the blockage is in the valve’s inlet. If the block is not in the valve, there is a good chance it is between the house and the water meter, and a plumber’s help will be needed.
Investigating a bad trip assembly
The problem could also lie in the trip assembly, part of the flash handle connected to the tank. The assembly may be improperly positioned or block itself when the lid is on, meaning the flush cannot be completed.
To inspect the trip assembly, open the toilet tank lid and see if it is bent, broken, or worn out. If so, consider replacing the trip assembly to fix the water level problem.
Issue not due to the toilet
The toilet tank not filling could also be coming from outside the toilet. One issue may be the water pressure itself. Low water pressure can cause the tank not to fill correctly. This issue can come from old pipes or leaking pipes that do not have the flow strength to reach the house.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Professional assistance may be needed to fix the toilet tank not filling. If the house is older with old piping, there can be issues with other plumbing fixtures besides the toilet.
Contact a local licensed plumber for assistance for toilet repair needs, and if there are other plumbing concerns, like weak pipes.
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