Are you hearing strange gurgling sounds coming from your toilet each time you flush it? Does the tank not seem to fill with water after flushing, no matter how much you jiggle and adjust the handle? If so, then chances are your toilet is having trouble refilling its tank.
Instead of running to get a contractor that will likely charge you an arm and a leg, why not take matters into your own hands and try to troubleshoot what could be causing this problem. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to fix toilet tank not filling up – complete with detailed steps that are easy enough for anyone who’s handy around plumbing fixtures. So let’s dive in and see if we can’t diagnose the issue!
Why Is My Toilet Tank Not Filling up with Water?
A toilet tank that is not filling up with water can be a frustrating problem. It may seem like a simple issue, but the cause could be much more complicated than you think. There are several different possible causes of this issue, and it’s important to diagnose the specific cause so that you can fix it correctly.
The most common causes of a toilet tank not filling up with water are: fill valve problems, clogged flush valves, blocked supply tubes, low water pressure from the main source, or even old and worn-out pipes inside your walls. All of these could lead to a malfunctioning toilet tank.
If your toilet tank isn’t filling up with water after flushing it, then the likely cause is either a clogged or defective fill valve. The fill valve is responsible for bringing fresh water into the tank after each flush, and if it’s not working properly then you won’t be able to get any water into the tank. To diagnose this issue, check the fill valve for any obstructions or leaks that could be preventing it from working correctly.
If your toilet still isn’t filling up with water after flushing and there aren’t any issues with the fill valve, then it might be due to a blocked supply tube. Supply tubes are responsible for bringing water from the main supply line to the toilet tank, and if one of them gets blocked by debris, then you won’t be able to get any water into the tank. To diagnose this issue, you need to locate the supply tubes and make sure that they are not blocked or clogged in any way.
Finally, if none of these issues seem to be causing your toilet tank not to fill up with water after flushing, then it could be due to low water pressure from the main source. This problem can usually be fixed by simply adjusting the water pressure valve on the incoming line. If this doesn’t fix your issue, then you may have an old and worn-out pipe inside your walls that need replacing.
9 Methods How to Fix Toilet Tank Not Filling Up
1. Check the Water Supply Valve.
The water supply valve is located at the back of the toilet tank and controls the flow of water into the tank. If this valve is not fully open, it could be preventing water from entering the tank, which would explain why the tank is not filling up.
To fix this problem, simply turn the valve clockwise until it is fully open. If this doesn’t solve the issue, move on to step two. However, if the valve is already open, you may need to replace it. Make sure you check if the valve is open before replacing it.
2. Check for Leaks.
A leaky toilet can also cause the tank to not fill up properly. To check for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and see if the color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes. If it does, then you have a leak that needs to be fixed. To fix leaks, you should replace the flapper valve and inspect the drain pipe.
You may also need to replace the fill valve if it is damaged. Additionally, check the rubber gaskets around the tank bolts to make sure they are not worn if they are, then replace them as well.
3. Adjust the Float Level.
The float is a small device that controls how much water is allowed into the toilet tank. If the float is set too low, it will not allow enough water into the tank, and the tank will not fill up properly. To adjust the float level, simply turn the adjustment screw located on the side of the float clockwise or counterclockwise until it is set at the desired level.
Make sure to turn off the water supply before adjusting the float level. Once you have adjusted the float, turn on the water supply and make sure that the toilet tank is filling up properly. If it still isn’t, you may need to adjust the float again until you get it right.
4. Clean or Replace the Fill Valve Screen.
The fill valve screen is located at the bottom of the fill valve and prevents debris from entering the valve and clogging it up. Over time, this screen can become clogged with debris, which can prevent water from flowing through it and into the toilet tank. To clean or replace this screen, simply remove it from the bottom of the fill valve and either clean it with a brush or replace it with a new one.
This should clear up the clog and allow water to flow through again. You may also want to check the valve itself for any debris or blockages. If the fill valve has become clogged or blocked, you may need to replace it with a new one.
5. Adjust or Replace the Flush Valve Seal.
The flush valve seal is located at the bottom of the flush valve and helps to prevent water from leaking out of the tank and into the bowl. If this seal is worn out or damaged, it can cause water to leak from the tank and prevent it from filling up properly. To adjust or replace this seal, simply remove it from the flush valve and either clean it with a brush or replace it with a new one.
6. Replace the Fill Valve.
If none of these steps have fixed your issue, then it is possible that the fill valve itself is defective and needs to be replaced. To do this, you will need to turn off the water supply to the toilet and then flush it until all of the water has been drained from the tank.
Once this is complete, use a wrench to disconnect the fill valve from the tank and take out any parts that are connected to it. At this point, you can go ahead and install a new fill valve in its place, making sure to follow the instructions that come with the new part.
7. Inspect the Water Supply Line.
Inspect the water supply line for any signs of damage or blockage that could prevent water from entering the toilet tank. If the line is old, it could be cracked and leak water out of the supply line instead of filling up the tank. Replace an old or damaged water supply line with a new one to allow water to flow into the toilet tank.
8. Check the Water Pressure.
If your toilet is still not filling up after flushing, then it could be due to low water pressure from the main water line. You can check the pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to your main water valve and running it for a few minutes. If your reading is below 25 psi, then you need to increase the pressure in order to fix the problem.
9. Replace the Supply Tubes.
If there are no issues with the main water supply line and the water pressure is normal, then it could be due to the supply tubes. Check for any leakages, kinks or clogs in the supply tubes and replace them if necessary. Make sure to use new supply tubes that are approved for potable water.
By following these steps, you can quickly and easily diagnose why your toilet tank is not filling up after flushing and take the necessary steps to fix the issue. If all else fails, then you may need to call in a professional plumber for help. With their experience and expertise, they should be able to determine what’s causing your problem and get your toilet working properly again in no time.
Conclusion
Learning how to fix a toilet tank not filling up the bowl is an important skill for any homeowner. This convenient step-by-step guide covers both minor and major issues that could be causing your toilet’s water levels to be low. From checking the condition of the main shutoff valve to inspecting the flapper valve, you ought to stay on top of these troubleshooting tips so you can avoid a potentially costly professional call.
Though DIY repairs may not be everyone’s cup of tea, even those who have little plumbing experience can handle most simple fixes with the proper tools and guidance. So don’t hesitate any longer – take care of your toilet’s water level issues today with this helpful guide on How to Fix Toilet Tank Not Filling Up!
