A leaky toilet is a persistent and pesky problem. One minute, everything’s great. The next, your water bill’s higher than ever, and your bathroom suddenly becomes a weird, murky color.
Is your toilet not filling up with water? Don’t panic. Before you start wondering if you need to call a plumber, there are a few things you can check for yourself. You may find the problem was super simple (and cheap!) to fix.
That means fewer surprises in your plumbing invoice. Every penny counts, after all! Keep reading to learn how to check for a toilet not filling up before going the plumber’s route.
Clogged Toilet
If your toilet needs to fill up with water, one possible culprit might be a clogged toilet. It can happen when there are too many foreign objects or a build-up of toilet paper that cannot pass through the plumbing lines. The resulting clog stops water from flowing down the tubes, resulting in a toilet that doesn’t fill up.
If you suspect a clogged toilet is the cause of your toilet’s water issues, the best step is to call in a professional plumbing service to help. They will be able to identify the cause of the blockage and use specialized tools to dislodge it. It is the most effective way to clear and repair the toilet’s plumbing to restore the water flow to normal levels.
Broken Shutoff Valve
A broken shutoff valve can be a primary reason your toilet is not filling up with water. You can find this shutoff valve underneath your toilet, which controls the water flow. When fully opened, the valve should let water easily pass through to the toilet tank.
However, the tank may not fill up with water if you have a broken valve. It is because of many issues, such as a blocked valve, corroded or pitted valve, broken valve stem, or worn-out valve seals.
To fix the problem, inspect the shutoff valve and replace it with a new one if necessary. It is important to note that the absence of water in the tank can indicate a much larger issue, so it is always best to consult a plumber for an assessment.
Malfunctioning Float
When you have toilet tank problems, it may be due to a malfunctioning float. This float is a small cylinder that rises and lowers the water level inside the tank. It signals to the fill valve that the water reaches the appropriate level and should shut off.
If you have a broken float, it will not tell the fill valve when to operate, thus causing the tank to not refill with water. Depending on the toilet’s model and the malfunction’s severity, the float can be modified or replaced.
In some cases, you can resolve the problem with a simple adjustment of the float. It is important to note that a malfunctioning float is one of many reasons a toilet may not be filled with water. If this is the underlying cause, it is crucial to have a qualified professional evaluate the issue.
Broken Fill Valve
A broken fill valve can be the culprit for your toilet not filling up with water. A fill valve is one of the most critical components of a bathroom and regulates the flow of water from the water supply line up into the toilet tank.
When a fill valve breaks, it can’t properly regulate the flow, resulting in either no water entering the tank or a significantly reduced water flow. The lack of water entering the tank prevents it from rising to the top, leading to your toilet not filling up with water. Replace the fill valve, which a plumbing professional can do.
Faulty Flush Valve
A Faulty Flush Valve is one of the primary reasons a toilet does not fill up with water. The flush valve controls water flow from the tank to the bowl. When the flush valve is faulty, it may fail to close properly, leaving the tank unable to receive water.
A properly functioning flush valve should close tight and not allow any moisture to escape, thus preventing the tank from emptying out and not filling up with water. In some cases, a faulty flush valve can also cause leakage from the tank into the bowl, causing it not to fill up.
It can be a costly and frustrating problem to deal with, so it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. If you suspect your flush valve is failing, have a plumbing professional come and inspect it as soon as possible.
High or Low Water Pressure
The water pressure in the home can be a significant factor in why a toilet isn’t filling up with water. High water pressure can cause the tank fill valve to shut off before it reaches the fill line. It can be easily checked by measuring the water pressure at the faucet.
Many things, such as a sediment build-up in the pipes, a kink in the lines, or a leak somewhere, can cause low water pressure. Checking these issues is the best way to determine why the toilet is not filling up with water.
Draining sediment or a toilet replacement may be necessary to remedy any toilet problems. High or low water pressure can be a significant factor in why a toilet isn’t filling up with water. Check it before taking any other measures.
Learn How to Deal With a Toilet Not Filling Up With Water
When it comes to your toilet not filling up with water, the cause may vary. It can be any of the reason listed above, so take the time to review each possibility before jumping to conclusions. It will save you a lot of time and money.
If all else fails, contact a professional plumber to get to the root of the problem. By taking a few proactive preventative measures, you can keep your family safe and your toilet functioning efficiently. Get started today!
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