Is your toilet tank not filling properly?

The main reason for a toilet tank not filling properly or filling slowly is due to the toilet fill valve.

Moreover, the most common reasons for the fill valve to slow down or no longer fill the tank after the flush are debris issues and the length of time a fill valve has been in use.

If debris is building up over time inside your water system then it may impact the valve body, supply line, or even shut off valve resulting in a restriction to the flow path of water, and in the worst case, may slow down the valves filling speed.

Why Is My Toilet Tank Not Filling?

Let’s dive a bit deeper and discuss some important reasons for your toilet tank not filling up so that you can find the BEST SOLUTION.

Needless to say, every time you flush, toilet tanks are supposed to refill with water in such a way that the water level is about a half inch below the overflow tube and takes not more than 10 seconds to fill.

However, when your toilet isn’t filling up with water, it is definitely a sign of an issue that can be easily dealt with by following some DIY hacks and simple instructions that we’ll discuss in the latter part of this post.

Does it make sense?

Let’s have a quick look at some common causes for your toilet tank not filling properly.

Fill Valve Not Properly Adjusted

As mentioned earlier also, a faulty fill valve can create havoc when it comes to filling a toilet tank properly.

Correct me, if I’m wrong.

The main purpose of a toilet fill valve is to take care of the filling of a water tank.

In simple words, your toilet fill valve will regulate the flow of water from the tank by telling it when to STOP and when to CONTINUE.

It goes without saying that when the fill valve isn’t properly adjusted it can cause issues in the way your toilet fills.

Let’s understand with an example.

Your fill valve may have debris in the tube, or there can be minor cracks, or it may haven’t installed properly leading to some serious issues that we’ll discuss in the latter part of this post.

Keep reading, you’re gonna learn the nitty-gritty of why your toilet tank is not filling properly.

What makes the fill valve proper adjustment so important is its direct connection to the water supply.

Any type of fill valve malfunctioning can impact the water supply drastically.

Float Ball Is Not Adjusted Properly

The fill valve is connected to the float.

A float ball will typically look like a large air-filled ball, and it plays a significant role in assisting the fill valve in determining the amount of water that is needed to be added to the tank.

As soon as you flush your tank, water goes out of it and into the bowl.

The ball lowers down and pulls open the valve, and as a result, your tank gets filled with water again.

Once the tank gets filled with water to the desired level, the ball rises with water, and thus, closes the valve.

If your float arm is working properly then in that case, you can adjust your tank water’s level just by adjusting the height of the float arm and ball on the fill valve.

You might be wondering, what if it is misadjusted or even broken?

Well, in such scenarios, only two things can happen.

Either the water level will rise too high and overflow the tank or it will flow too little and it will never fill.

Water Pressure Is Low

Is your sink having inadequate water pressure?

So, if that is the case, then the problem isn’t limited to water tanks but is way more that needs to be examined properly.

To be precise, the probability is very high that issue is with your main water line.

It goes without saying that there are numerous reasons for low water pressure including a blockage or leak in the pipes, a failing water pump, or something else.

Low water pressure can sometimes cause your toilet to shut off before it has had time to completely refill, and it’s a common issue that most homes in the United States have dealt with.

All toilets have a specific water pressure rating and if by any means your home water pressure doesn’t match this rating then it will not allow your toilet to function properly.

Moreover, hard water can also lead to low water pressure because of the slow and gradual build-up of limescale inside the pipe.

Frankly speaking, for effectively dealing with low pressure, we recommend consulting a certified plumber as it would be difficult for you to fix the issue on your own if you don’t have prior plumbing experience.

Issue With Flappers

The sole purpose of the flappers is to prevent the toilet tank from emptying without being flushed.

In most cases, an issue with the flappers leads to the constant running of the toilet.

It is also possible that the chain keeps getting caught beneath the flapper valve which prevents the flapper from creating a seal.

Even chains can get damaged or worn out.

If the flapper gets worn out by any means then it will not be able to fill the tank properly as it will lose the sealing ability.

If the chain is very long then length can also be the reason for its malfunctioning.

[Related]

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The Trip Lever Isn’t Working Properly

The flushing process is initiated by the toilet trip lever or lever arm.

It is connected to the handle used for flushing and is located inside the tank.

At the other end of the arm is the chain that connects to the toilet flapper.

As soon as you push the handle to flush the toilet, the lever arm raises the flapper to release water from the tank and flush the bowl.

There have been some scenarios with my toilet that the trip lever getting partially stuck in the raised position.

As a result, the flapper will not be able to fully close resulting in the continuous draining of the water from the tank

Do let me know in the comment section if anyone of you has faced a similar issue.

The Overflow Tube Is Damaged

You’ll find an overflow tube inside the toilet tank that connects directly to the bowl.

Not only does it prevents the tank from overflowing but also refills the bowl after flushing.

Once you’re done flushing your toilet, the flapper will close and the tank will start refilling.

The water in the tank will eventually start to rise to the top of the overflow tube, and this water will then flow into the tube so that bowl can be refilled.

Nonetheless, by any means, if the overflow tube is either cracked or damaged then it will result in some water constantly leaking into the bowl.

In simple words, it may lead to the tank not having enough water to fully flush your toilet.

Did I make my point clear to you?

In some rare cases, the worst can happen as well.

In fact, a damaged overflow tube can easily cause your toilet bowl to start overflowing.

In such a scenario, you must have your overflow tube replaced in case, you’re able to notice any visible crack or damage.

Toilet Is Cracked Or Leaking

Trust me, even a small crack in the bowl or the tank that is visible with the naked eye can be a huge issue since it can literally do damage more than you can even think of.

Even a small leak can lead to refilling very quickly because of the continuous dipping of water.

Toilet Tank Not Filing Up But Water Is Running, What To Do?

I know that it’s really confusing when you face scenarios such as the toilet tank isn’t filling up but the water is running.

Trust me, I’m not an exception either, and have faced such scenarios multiple times.

From my past experience, and the knowledge that I’ve gathered over two decades, I can affirm that in the majority of cases, the problem is with the water supply line.

Well, if there is a leakage in the water supply line that runs to your toilet then the tank will fill but slowly.

However, if you’re delaying the fixing process then your tank will start filling slowly and slowly over a period of time.

To deal with such problems, the best thing that you can do is to call a certified plumber.

Hidden leaks are very dangerous as they have got the potential to damage your drywall, flooring, and other structural elements.

Of course, hidden leaks can worsen the situation by surging your water bills drastically so it’s advisable to act promptly.

Moreover, the gradual development of clogs in the water supply can also lead to the slow filling of your toilet.

However, the good news is, there is a simple and quick technique to test it.

All you need to do is to turn off the water supply valve at the wall which is usually located below the toilet tank.

Once you’ve switched off the water supply, the next thing that needs to be done is disconnect the supply line at the toilet which needs to be pointed into the bucket.

Once you’re done with the aforementioned steps, you need to turn the water supply back ON.

If the water comes out in a trickle or not at all, there’s a good chance the line has a clog.

Nevertheless, the absence of any clogs indicates issue could be a leak somewhere in the water supply line or in the pipes themselves.

Does it make sense?

To summarize, you can contact a certified plumber who’ll expedite the leak test as well as other diagnostic measures to determine what’s going on and how it can be dealt with.

Toilet Bowl Not Filling After Flush?

To be honest, toilets that aren’t able to refill the bowl after flush are mainly a fill valve issue.

Let’s have a quick look at things that you can do to deal effectively with such problems.

• First and foremost, you need to check whether or not the refill tube is attached to the top of the overflow pipe.
• Then, in the next step, you need to check carefully whether or not the bowl refill adjustments are set properly for water dispensing into the bowl after the flush.
• Moving further, you need to flush debris from the fill valve.
• If needed, repair or even replace the fill valve.

Why Is There No Water In My Toilet Bowl?

Let’s have a quick look at some important reasons that can lead to no or low water in your toilet bowl.

Do let me know in the comment section if I’ve missed any important reason.

Damaged Fill Tube

You can think of a fill tube as a black or clear, small & flexible plastic hose.

In your toilet tank, it is connected to an overflow tube which is a vertical, and wider plastic tube.

Its main purpose is to get water from the toilet tank to the bowl tank.

By any means, if it gets unhinged or even partially damaged, you’ll have no or low water in your toilet bowl.

Damaged Fill Valve

A damaged fill valve can lead to no water in your toilet bowl as it is the contraption in your toilet tank that regulates the water in your toilet bowl.

Cracked Toilet Bowl

If your toilet bowl is cracked by any means that you need to replace it.

The good news is, it is easily diagnosed.

If you’ve got water on your bathroom floor and the level in your bowl looks low, you probably have a cracked toilet bowl.

Blocked Sewer Vent Line

I’m assuming that you’re aware of the fact that a sewer vent line usually runs through the wall in the bathroom and out of the roof of any home.

The main purpose of a sewer vent line is to remove sewer gases when you flush your toilet.

In case, you’re NOT able to get free flow of gas through the vent line, your water will get low.

Also, you need to keep track of your vent so that it doesn’t get blocked.

There can be numerous reasons for a vent blockage including leaves, branches, debris, a bird’s nest, or even a dead animal.

Why Is The Water Level In My Toilet Low?

Trust me, there could be numerous reasons for the low water level in the toilet.

Needless to say, seeing low levels in the toilet can increase cortisol levels in your body leading to stress and concern.

Correct me, if I’m wrong.

Let’s have a quick look at some important reasons for the low water level in your toilet.

Issue With Water Supply

Yes, you heard it, right?

There can be an issue with your water supply.

For example, it could be that your water supply got turned off or the shut-off valve on your toilet got triggered and shut off.

Inspect The Inside Of Your Toilet Tank

You need to take the lid off and inspect the inside of your toilet tank.

You’ll find a fill valve whose function is to control the amount of water that goes into the tank.

Evaluate The Flapper

The flapper needs to be evaluated as it helps in draining the water from the tank directly into the bowl.

It may be broken or not properly adjusted.

Check For Clog

It is very important to look for clogging on a day-to-day basis in order to prevent any last-minute debacle.

This is where the blockage actually pulls water from the toilet bowl to such a degree that virtually no water is in the tank.

Inlet Holes

It goes without saying that there are little holes that are situated underneath the rim of the toilet.

These holes are popularly referred to as “rim jets”.

From my past experience, I can affirm that in some instances, a low water level in the toilet bowl could be due to a clog in one or more of the inlet holes.

Even hard water can clog them.

The Fill Tube Needs To Be Checked

Frankly speaking, the damage to your fill tube can lead to a low level of water in your toilet bowl.

This is a small plastic hose in the tank that connects directly to the overflow tube.

Cracks In Your Toilet Bowl

If you’ve found low water in your toilet bowl along with water on the floor of your bathroom, it is quite likely that the bowl of your toilet is cracked and you’ll need to replace it.

Sewer Vent Line

As mentioned earlier also, a sewer vent line is a component that typically runs through the walls of the bathroom and out to the roof of your home.

The main purpose of a sewer vent line is to run out the sewer gases when you flush your toilet.

Moreover, the level of water in your toilet will get low if the air doesn’t come back through when you flush your toilet.

Pipes

Separated pipes can also be the reason for the low water level in your toilet.

So, we at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommends our clientele should keep track of pipes.

This can be done by inspecting your home’s plumbing system.

If you stumble across a break or a leak, turn off the water supply to the home, and fix it immediately.

How To Fix Toilet Tank Not Filling Up?

By expediting the below-mentioned steps, you would be able to fix the problem of your toilet tank not filling up.

All the methods that I’m gonna discuss in a while are easy to perform and will not consume much of your time for sure.

Adjust The Toilet Float

First and foremost, you need to check for either a float ball or a float cup/cylinder.

If you’ve got an old toilet model then you need to look for float balls.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a modern toilet which is considerably smaller in size then look for float cups.

A toilet float is very important and is connected to the toilet fill valve so make sure it’s in good working condition.

The main purpose of a toilet float is to control the closing and opening of the valve.

Just for your information, when your toilet float is set too low, the level of water in your tank will also be low.

On the other hand, if it is set too high, then excess water will fill your tank and will further flow down to your toilet bowl via the overflow tube.

This is definitely among some crucial problems when a toilet can’t stop running.

Correct me, if I’m wrong.

So, what’s the solution?

The below-mentioned steps will help you to get rid of the aforementioned problem.

Steps:

• First and foremost, you need to reach the back of your toilet and turn off the water supply. You need to turn off the shut-off valve by simply turning it clockwise or pulling it out if you’ve got a push/pull valve.
• Then comes the most important step wherein you need to flush your toilet by holding the lever down long enough so that you can get rid of most of the water.
• Now, it’s time to remove the tank lid and make sure you place it in a safe place to prevent any last-minute debacle.
• Figure out, whether your toilet has got a float ball or a float cup.
• If your toilet consists of a float ball then you need to point out the location where the float arm connects to the fill valve for a screw. You must have a screwdriver handy so that you can turn this screw clockwise so that the level of the water in your toilet tank can be raised.
• In case, your toilet consists of a float cup then you need to look for a long plastic screw that is connected to and alongside the float. You’ll need a screwdriver to turn it clockwise so that the water level in your toilet tank can be increased.
• While you’re doing adjustments make sure not to turn the screws too much at once as it will do more bad than good. Keep turning, opening, and closing the water supply until the level of water is about 1/2 below the overflow tube.
• Lastly, you need to put back the toilet tank lid.

Replace The Fill Valve

In this section, I’ll walk you through the two important steps.

• How to fix a toilet fill valve.
• How to replace a toilet fill valve.

Steps: How to fix a toilet fill valve

• To begin with, the water supply to the toilet needs to be turned off.
• Afterward, you need to flush your toilet.
• Using one hand, you need to hold the shaft of the fill valve at the bottom. Similarly, use the other hand to give the fill valve cap a 1/8 turn counterclockwise to remove it.
• Look for the debris in the holes on the valve seat.
• Now, you need to hold an empty cup over the fill valve to avoid water splashing and fully open the water supply to your toilet. The water pressure should force the debris out.
• When the valve is unblocked, you need to put the fill valve cap back on.

Steps: How to replace a toilet fill valve

• Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
• In order to remove as much water as possible, you need to flush your toilet and hold the lever down.
• Moving further, you need to disconnect the water supply line. It is connected to the toilet tank using a coupling which you should turn counterclockwise to remove. Make sure you do this with your bare hand and not a wrench.
• In the next step, you need to remove the lock nut by also turning it counterclockwise.
• Remove the refill clip from the overflow tube.
• Lift of the fill valve.
• It’s really important to clean the area where the new fill valve has to sit.
• Since fill valves are adjustable to fit different sizes of tanks so you need to adjust the height of the fill valve. To do this, you need to grab the top section of the fill valve and turn the bottom threaded part counterclockwise to increase its length.
• Ideally, the top of your fill valve cap should be three inches above the top of your overflow tube.
• Make sure, you slide in the fill valve as well as secure it with the lock nut.
• You need to connect the supply line back as well as attach the refill tube to the overflow tube.
• Make sure to open the water supply to the toilet.
• Lastly, adjust the level of water in your toilet tank if needed.

Replace The Toilet Flapper

A toilet flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of your toilet tank that opens in order to allow flush water to enter the toilet bowl and makes a seal after flushing so that the toilet tank is enabled to fill and hold water for the next flush.

Steps: How to Replace a Toilet Flapper

• First and foremost, you need to turn off the water supply to your toilet by turning clockwise the shut-off valve present behind your toilet.
• Then, you need to flush your toilet and hold the lever down so that the maximum amount of water can be removed.
• Now, remove your toilet lid and place it in a safe place in order to prevent any last-minute debacle.
• Moving further, you need to unhook the lift chain from the handle arm.
• The pegs need to be removed that is attached to the flapper from the overflow tube. Then, lift it off.
• You must clean the area wherever the new flapper needs to sit thoroughly.
• Now it’s time to install the new flapper as well as connect the pegs to the overflow tube.
• The lift chain needs to be hooked to the handle arm.
• Once the aforementioned steps have been expedited, you need to open the water supply to your toilet.
• Make sure your toilet tank is filling fast and there aren’t any leaks either.
• Lastly, place the toilet tank lid back in its place.

Replace The Overflow Tube

A toilet overflow tube is a large tube that is present in the middle of your toilet tank that channels excess water in the toilet tank down to the toilet bowl so that overflowing can be avoided.

We can’t deny the fact that an overflow tube can’t crack.

If it cracks then it will continuously send the water in the tank down to the toilet bowl.

It can be an issue if your toilet isn’t filling but the water is running.

Replacing an overflow tube is an easy task and can be expedited in an epigrammatic span of time.

All you need to do is to pull it out of the flush valve base and replace it with a new one.

At the same time, you need to ensure that the newer one is of the same size as the older one.

If you want you can also replace the entire flush valve.

Check The Toilet Water Pressure

You might be wondering what if I’m having a slow-filling toilet?

Well, you can check your toilet’s water pressure.

If it’s low than the minimum limit then the probability is very high that it will be the culprit.

If it is confirmed that the water pressure is low in your toilet then the next thing that needs to be done is to check whether the low water pressure is affecting only your toilet or all other fixtures.

In case, you get lucky and the low water pressure is only impacting your toilet then look for any blockage in your water supply line.

Just remove it and blow air through it.

If things look fine to you then the problem may be with the main water pipe.

Call a certified technician to deal with the problem in the main water pipe.

Open The Shut Off Valve

What if your toilet tank isn’t filling at all?

In such scenarios, the first thing that needs to be done is to check whether the shut-off valve is open or not.

You need to locate it at the rear wall of your toilet.

It can be opened by turning it counterclockwise.

If your toilet has got a push/pull valve then in that case, you need to push the valve handle in to open the water supply to the toilet.

The fix is simple and easy, isn’t it?

But, if you don’t know where to look or where to check your toilet will not fill with water after the first flush.

It’s A Wrap

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information.

And, in case, you liked our effort and want to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are in search of a similar piece of information.

Lastly, I’m sure that after reading this post, you’ll be able to deal with Toilet Tank Not Filling problem effectively.

The solutions for the problem, Toilet Tank Not Filling, that we’ve discussed here are the ones that we’ve been sharing with our clientele.

The majority of the feedback that we’ve received so far is positive and promising.

Does it make sense?

Do let us know in the comment section about your view of this post.