Why Won't the Toilet Tank Fill Up?
Toilet tanks are made to fill up and flush water when needed. However, they can sometimes fail to do these basic tasks well, or at all. If a toilet fails to fill up with water properly after being flushed, it could be due to several issues.
Thankfully, the steps to recognize the source of the problem are straightforward. Here are the most common reasons the toilet tank doesn’t fill up and how to fix them.
Check the water valve and water pressure
To diagnose the problem, check whether the water valve is open and checking the water pressure elsewhere in the house. If there’s insufficient water pressure, the problem isn’t with the toilet tank itself, but the low water pressure.
If the valve is open and there’s sufficient water pressure in the house, the next thing to check is the water intake line. Close the valve, flush the toilet, and disconnect the intake line from the toilet line. If opening the valve pushes water through the intake line, that means the problem is most likely with the toilet tank. If there’s no water going through the intake line, investigate it for clogs.
Check the toilet float and fill valve
If water goes into the toilet but doesn’t fill it all the way, the problem is likely with the float or fill valve. Flushing the fill valve will remove debris that might be causing it to clog and the tank not to fill up. Here’s how to flush the fill valve:
Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet, and remove the tank lid.
Hold the shaft of the fill valve at the bottom with one hand, and unscrew it by turning it 1/8th of a turn counterclockwise.
Check the fill valve for debris and clean it up if needed.
Hold a cup upside-down on the valve to prevent water from splashing, then open the water supply and let the water pressure flush the debris down the toilet.
Put the fill valve back in and screw it clockwise.
Another method of getting the tank to fill up more is to adjust the float. Depending on which type of float is in the tank, the process can be relatively simple:
Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet, and remove the tank lid.
If you have a ball float, use a screwdriver clockwise to screw in where the float arm connects to the fill valve.
If there’s a float cup instead, use a screwdriver clockwise on the long plastic screw alongside the float.
Use small increments while adjusting the float before filling the tank back with water to check if the level is suitable. The tank should fill about half an inch below the overflow tube.
Put the tank lid back on.
If flushing the fill valve and readjusting the float doesn’t solve the issue, we recommend replacing the fill valve entirely.
If the tank doesn’t fill with a flushed and replaced fill valve, unclogged intake line, and an adjusted float, it might be time to call in a professional to assess the tank and make repairs.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix Arizona and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company with thirty-five years of experience in plumbing. From a simple leak to a complete plumbing renovation, we strive to be reliable, honest, professional and all of our work is guaranteed. Call 602-883-2787 today!
