6 Reasons Why Your Toilet Is Not Filling with Water
Every time we flush the toilet, we expect it to function normally without any clogs, leakages, or overflowing. Unfortunately, the toilet flush doesn’t always cooperate, resulting in a myriad of problems. A common issue occurs when the toilet is not filling with water. No matter how many times you flush, there doesn’t seem to be enough water filled up inside the toilet bowl.
If your toilet is not filling with water, you may feel a sense of dread and panic over this plumbing inconvenience. After all, you don’t want to visit the toilet and worry about whether there’s enough water for your next flush. Calling a plumber is your best option, and this professional will ensure your toilet is restored to full working condition.
There are many reasons why your toilet won’t fill with water after a flush. These six common causes may explain why your toilet is not filling with water:
1. The float ball in the toilet tank is too low
If the toilet tank is not filling with water, the problem might be the positioning of the float ball. This device is some sort of rubber ball that prevents the water from overflowing as it fills up the tank. When the float ball is set too low, it prevents water from getting inside the tank.
To diagnose this problem, lift the lid of the toilet tank and look inside it. If the float ball appears out of place, this can be the reason why your toilet won’t fill with water. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed with some manual adjustments. Simply elevate the height of the arm that holds the float ball, which allows enough water to fill up the tank.
2. The fill valve needs readjusting
The fill valve allows water to enter the tank after you flush the toilet. Usually placed on the left side of the tank, the fill valve controls how much water goes into the toilet. When the fill valve is misaligned, this can be the reason why the toilet won’t fill with water.
To fix this problem, you need to adjust the fill valve of the tank and allow more water to come in. There are various types of fill valves with distinct mechanisms, but you should be able to raise it simply by turning a screw clockwise.
3. The trip assembly is damaged
The trip assembly describes the parts of the flush handle located inside the toilet tank. This component needs to function for the toilet to flush and fill with water properly. When you inspect the mechanism of the handle, you may discover damage or deterioration that disturbs the toilet’s flushing capabilities. This will prevent the flush from working, so the toilet is not filling with water.
If the trip assembly seems worn out or damaged, you will need to have it replaced. Likewise, if the chain that links the trip assembly to the flapper is broken, a replacement will be necessary. You should contact a plumber to make this type of repair on your behalf.
4. The water pipes are broken
When your toilet is not filling with water, this issue can be due to low water pressure caused by worn out or leaking pipes. You may notice this problem when the water pressure seems low in a nearby faucet or shower. This is usually a sign there may be damaged pipes in the surrounding areas. The damaged pipes will make it difficult for water to circulate freely in your toilet.
Some damaged pipes are notoriously difficult to detect without professional help. A plumber can find where these damaged pipes are located, and they will repair or replace them accordingly. With brand new water pipes, you are usually guaranteed to have water flowing inside your toilet tank again.
5. The toilet’s supply valve is turned off
The supply valve is located somewhere behind your toilet, possibly next to the wall. Also known as the shut-off valve, it controls the circulation of water between the toilet and the plumbing pipes. When this valve is turned off, its intended purpose is to prevent any water from entering the toilet. This is a useful tool when you plan to troubleshoot other plumbing issues with the toilet.
Sometimes, the toilet’s supply valve may be turned off by accident. At other times, it may not function because your plumbing system is too old and worn out. Make sure you check the supply valve to ensure it is turned on and working properly. This should allow the water tank to fill up with water.
6. The toilet bowl is cracked
If you notice a small puddle of water near your toilet base, there may be cracks within the toilet bowl. These cracks are potential openings for water to escape before it has a chance to fill your toilet. Take a close look at the toilet bowl to determine if you can spot a leak. A cracked bowl may compromise the overall function of your toilet, so be prepared to make repairs or replacements.
Regardless of the reason why your toilet won’t fill with water, you should have the defective plumbing inspected professionally. Contact the Caldwell Plumbing team for a full assessment of any bathroom plumbing problems, or anywhere else around the house!
