How to Fix a Toilet Tank Not Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Fix a Toilet Tank That’s Not Filling

A toilet that’s not filling can be a real pain. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be a health hazard. If the toilet doesn’t fill all the way, it can’t flush properly, which can lead to bacteria and other contaminants building up in the bowl.

Fortunately, fixing a toilet tank that’s not filling is usually a simple task. In most cases, the problem can be traced to a faulty fill valve or float. By following the steps below, you can usually get your toilet back to working order in no time.

1. Identify the Problem

The first step is to identify the problem. To do this, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. If the tank doesn’t fill at all, the problem is likely with the fill valve. If the tank fills partway, but doesn’t stop, the problem is likely with the float.

2. Fix the Problem

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can fix it. To fix a faulty fill valve, you’ll need to remove the old valve and install a new one. To fix a faulty float, you’ll need to adjust the float so that it’s the correct height.

3. Test the Toilet

Once you’ve fixed the problem, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. The tank should fill properly and stop when the float reaches the correct height.

If the toilet still doesn’t work properly, you may need to call a plumber.

| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|—|—|—|
| Toilet tank not filling | 1. Water supply valve is turned off. Check to make sure the valve is turned on all the way.
2. Float is stuck. Remove the float and clean it. If it is damaged, replace it.
3. Ballcock is stuck. Remove the ballcock and clean it. If it is damaged, replace it.
4. Water supply line is kinked or blocked. Check the water supply line for kinks or blockages. If you find any, fix them.
| Symptoms | What to do |
|—|—|
| Tank does not fill | Turn on the water supply valve.
| Tank fills slowly | Clean the float or replace it.
| Tank fills too quickly | Clean the ballcock or replace it.
| Tank overflows | Check for a kink or blockage in the water supply line.

A toilet tank that is not filling properly can be a real nuisance. It can cause the toilet to run constantly, waste water, and even overflow. There are a few different things that can cause a toilet tank to not fill properly, and the fix will vary depending on the cause of the problem.

In this article, we will discuss the different causes of a toilet tank not filling properly and how to fix each problem. We will also provide tips on how to prevent future problems.

Identify the Problem

The first step to fixing a toilet tank that is not filling properly is to identify the problem. There are three main reasons why a toilet tank might not be filling properly:

  • The fill valve is not working properly.
  • The float is not working properly.
  • The water supply line is blocked.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these problems.

The fill valve is not working properly

The fill valve is a small valve located at the bottom of the toilet tank. Its job is to allow water to flow into the tank when the toilet is flushed. If the fill valve is not working properly, it can prevent the tank from filling up all the way.

There are a few different things that can cause a fill valve to malfunction. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • The fill valve is worn out. Over time, the rubber seal on the fill valve can wear out, causing it to leak. This can prevent the tank from filling up all the way.
  • The fill valve is clogged. The fill valve can become clogged with mineral deposits or sediment. This can prevent the valve from opening properly, which can also prevent the tank from filling up all the way.
  • The fill valve is stuck. The fill valve can become stuck in the open position, which can cause the tank to overflow.

If you suspect that the fill valve is not working properly, you can try to fix it yourself. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the fill valve. It is a small, cylindrical valve located at the bottom of the tank.
4. Use a screwdriver to turn the fill valve counterclockwise. This will open the valve and allow water to flow into the tank.
5. Turn the fill valve clockwise until it is snug.
6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
7. Flush the toilet to make sure that the tank is filling properly.

If the tank is still not filling properly, you may need to replace the fill valve. You can find replacement fill valves at most hardware stores.

The float is not working properly

The float is a small, plastic ball that is attached to the fill valve. Its job is to control the amount of water that flows into the tank. If the float is not working properly, it can prevent the tank from filling up all the way.

There are a few different things that can cause a float to malfunction. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • The float is stuck. The float can become stuck in the up position, which can prevent the fill valve from opening.
  • The float is damaged. The float can become damaged if it is dropped or hit. This can cause it to leak or become misshapen, which can prevent it from working properly.
  • The float is out of adjustment. The float can become out of adjustment if it is not properly installed. This can cause it to open the fill valve too early or too late, which can prevent the tank from filling up all the way.

If you suspect that the float is not working properly, you can try to fix it yourself. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the float. It is a small, plastic ball that is attached to the fill valve.
4. Gently push down on the float to see if it moves freely.
5. If the float is stuck, you can try to unstick it by using a small screwdriver or needle.
6. If the float is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can find replacement floats at most hardware stores.
7. Adjust the float so that it is level with the top of the overflow tube.
8. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
9. Flush the toilet to make sure that the tank is filling properly.

If the tank is still not filling properly, you may need to replace the float. You can find replacement floats at most hardware stores.

The water supply line is blocked

How to Fix a Toilet Tank Not Filling

A toilet tank that is not filling can be a frustrating problem. It can cause the toilet to not flush properly, and it can also waste water. There are a few different things that can cause a toilet tank not to fill, and the fix will depend on the specific cause of the problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a toilet tank that is not filling. We will cover the following topics:

  • Identifying the cause of the problem
  • Replacing the fill valve
  • Replacing the float
  • Cleaning the water supply line
  • Replacing the toilet flapper

We will also provide tips on how to prevent future problems with your toilet tank.

Identifying the Cause of the Problem

The first step to fixing a toilet tank that is not filling is to identify the cause of the problem. There are a few different things that can cause this problem, including:

  • A faulty fill valve
  • A stuck float
  • A clogged water supply line
  • A damaged toilet flapper

To identify the cause of the problem, you will need to inspect the toilet tank and its components. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Is the fill valve leaking?
  • Is the float stuck in the up position?
  • Is the water supply line clogged?
  • Is the toilet flapper damaged?

If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem, you may need to call a plumber for help.

Replacing the Fill Valve

If the fill valve is faulty, it will need to be replaced. To replace the fill valve, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the old fill valve by unscrewing it from the bottom of the toilet tank.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new fill valve.
4. Insert the new fill valve into the bottom of the toilet tank and screw it into place.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Once the fill valve is replaced, you should test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Replacing the Float

If the float is stuck in the up position, it will prevent the toilet tank from filling. To replace the float, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the old float by unscrewing it from the top of the toilet tank.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new float.
4. Insert the new float into the top of the toilet tank and screw it into place.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Once the float is replaced, you should test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Cleaning the Water Supply Line

If the water supply line is clogged, it will prevent the toilet tank from filling. To clean the water supply line, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the water supply line from the toilet tank.
3. Use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clean out the inside of the water supply line.
4. Reattach the water supply line to the toilet tank.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Once the water supply line is cleaned, you should test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Replacing the Toilet Flapper

If the toilet flapper is damaged, it will not seal properly and will allow water to leak from the toilet tank. To replace the toilet flapper, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the old flapper by unscrewing it from the bottom of the toilet tank.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new flapper.
4. Insert the new flapper into the bottom of the toilet tank and screw it into place.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Once the toilet flapper is replaced, you should test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Preventing Future Problems

You can help prevent future problems with your toilet tank by following these tips:

  • Check the toilet tank regularly for leaks.
  • Clean the toilet tank regularly.
  • Replace the toilet flapper every 5-10 years.

By following

How To Fix Toilet Tank Not Filling?

Q: What are the most common causes of a toilet tank not filling?

  • A: There are a few common causes of a toilet tank not filling, including:
  • A clogged fill valve. The fill valve is a small valve located at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls the flow of water into the tank. If the fill valve is clogged, it can prevent water from flowing into the tank, causing the toilet to not refill.
  • A faulty flapper valve. The flapper valve is a rubber disk that sits in the drain hole of the toilet tank and seals the hole when the toilet is flushed. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, it can leak water from the tank, causing the tank to not refill.
  • A kinked supply line. The supply line is the hose that connects the water supply to the toilet tank. If the supply line is kinked, it can restrict the flow of water into the tank, causing the tank to not refill.
  • A clogged water supply. If the water supply to your home is turned off or restricted, it can prevent water from flowing into the toilet tank, causing the tank to not refill.

Q: How do I troubleshoot a toilet tank that is not filling?

  • A: To troubleshoot a toilet tank that is not filling, follow these steps:

1. Check the fill valve. The fill valve is a small valve located at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls the flow of water into the tank. To check the fill valve, turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the cover from the fill valve. If the fill valve is clogged, you can clean it with a small brush or replace it with a new one.
2. Check the flapper valve. The flapper valve is a rubber disk that sits in the drain hole of the toilet tank and seals the hole when the toilet is flushed. To check the flapper valve, flush the toilet and look for any leaks around the flapper valve. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, you can replace it with a new one.
3. Check the supply line. The supply line is the hose that connects the water supply to the toilet tank. To check the supply line, look for any kinks or leaks. If the supply line is kinked, you can straighten it out. If the supply line is leaking, you can replace it with a new one.
4. Check the water supply. If the water supply to your home is turned off or restricted, you will need to turn it on or remove the restriction.

Q: How do I fix a toilet tank that is not filling?

  • A: To fix a toilet tank that is not filling, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the cover from the fill valve.
3. Clean the fill valve with a small brush or replace it with a new one.
4. Replace the flapper valve if it is damaged or worn out.
5. Check the supply line for any kinks or leaks. If the supply line is kinked, straighten it out. If the supply line is leaking, replace it with a new one.
6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet and check to see if the tank is filling properly.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when trying to fix a toilet tank that is not filling?

  • A: Some common mistakes people make when trying to fix a toilet tank that is not filling include:
  • Not turning off the water supply to the toilet before troubleshooting. This can result in water damage to your home.
  • Not removing the cover from the fill valve. This makes it difficult to access and clean the fill valve.
  • Not replacing the flapper valve if it is damaged or worn out. This can lead to leaks and other problems.
  • Not checking the supply line for any kinks or leaks. This can prevent the toilet tank from filling properly.

Q: How can I prevent a toilet tank from not filling in the future?

  • A: To prevent a toilet tank from not filling in the future, you can take the following steps:
  • Flush the toilet regularly. This helps to keep the fill valve and flapper valve clean and working properly.
  • Inspect the toilet tank regularly for any leaks or damage. If you see any problems, fix them immediately.

* **Turn off the water supply to the toilet

In this blog post, we have discussed the common reasons why a toilet tank might not be filling and how to fix each problem. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to resolve this issue on your own. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • A toilet tank that is not filling can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty fill valve, a clogged fill valve, a kinked supply line, or a problem with the water supply.
  • To troubleshoot the issue, you will need to first identify the cause of the problem. This can be done by inspecting the toilet tank and the surrounding plumbing.
  • Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can then take the necessary steps to fix it. This may involve replacing the fill valve, clearing the clog, or repairing the supply line.
  • If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you should contact a professional plumber.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.