How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Refill: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Refill
A toilet that won’t refill can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re in a hurry. There are a few different reasons why this might happen, and the solution will vary depending on the cause. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a toilet that won’t refill. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
So, what causes a toilet to not refill?
There are a few different things that could be causing your toilet to not refill. Here are some of the most common causes:
- A clogged fill valve: The fill valve is responsible for regulating the flow of water into the toilet tank. If it becomes clogged, it can prevent the tank from refilling properly.
- A faulty float: The float is a small, buoyant device that controls the level of water in the toilet tank. If the float is damaged or misaligned, it can prevent the tank from refilling properly.
- A leak in the toilet tank: If there is a leak in the toilet tank, water will constantly be draining out, preventing the tank from refilling.
- A problem with the water supply: If there is a problem with the water supply to your home, it can prevent the toilet from refilling.
How to troubleshoot a toilet that won’t refill
Once you’ve identified the possible cause of your toilet’s problem, you can begin troubleshooting. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Check the fill valve. The fill valve is located at the bottom of the toilet tank. It is a small, cylindrical device with a hose attached to it. To check the fill valve, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. If the water does not stop flowing into the tank, the fill valve is likely clogged. You can try to clear the clog by using a thin, pliable object, such as a wire hanger. If you are unable to clear the clog, you will need to replace the fill valve.
2. Check the float. The float is a small, buoyant device that controls the level of water in the toilet tank. It is located on the inside of the tank, near the top. To check the float, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. If the water level in the tank does not rise to the top of the overflow tube, the float is likely damaged or misaligned. You can try to adjust the float by gently bending the rod that it is attached to. If you are unable to adjust the float, you will need to replace it.
3. Check for leaks in the toilet tank. To check for leaks in the toilet tank, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. Look around the tank for any signs of water leaking. If you see any leaks, you will need to repair or replace the toilet tank.
4. Check the water supply. To check the water supply, turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. If the toilet does not refill, there is likely a problem with the water supply to your home. You will need to contact your local water provider to resolve this issue.
How To Fix Toilet That Won’t Refill?
| Step | Action | Result |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the toilet. | This will prevent any more water from flowing into the toilet bowl. |
| 2 | Remove the lid from the toilet tank. | This will give you access to the inside of the tank. |
| 3 | Locate the float ball and the fill valve. | The float ball is a small, round ball that floats on the surface of the water in the tank. The fill valve is a small, cylindrical valve that is located near the bottom of the tank. |
| 4 | Check to make sure that the float ball is not stuck. | If the float ball is stuck, it will prevent the fill valve from opening and allowing water to flow into the tank. |
| 5 | Check to make sure that the fill valve is not clogged. | If the fill valve is clogged, it will prevent water from flowing into the tank. |
| 6 | Replace the float ball or the fill valve, if necessary. | If the float ball or the fill valve is damaged, it will need to be replaced. |
| 7 | Turn the water supply back on to the toilet. | This will allow water to flow into the toilet bowl. |
| 8 | Flush the toilet. | This will test the toilet to make sure that it is working properly. |
How to fix a clogged toilet fill valve
A clogged toilet fill valve is a common problem that can be easily fixed. Here are the steps on how to fix a clogged toilet fill valve:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. This is usually held in place by two screws on the back of the tank.
3. Locate the toilet fill valve. The toilet fill valve is a small, round valve located on the bottom of the toilet tank. It is usually made of plastic or metal.
4. Use a small screwdriver or other tool to carefully remove the valve. Be careful not to damage the valve.
5. Clean out any debris that is clogging the valve. You can use a small brush or a piece of wire to clean out the debris.
6. Reinstall the valve. Make sure that the valve is properly seated and that the screws are tight.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to make sure that the valve is working properly.
If the toilet fill valve is still clogged after following these steps, you may need to replace the valve. You can purchase a new toilet fill valve at most hardware stores.
How to fix a faulty toilet fill valve
A faulty toilet fill valve can also cause a toilet to not refill. Here are the steps on how to fix a faulty toilet fill valve:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. This is usually held in place by two screws on the back of the tank.
3. Locate the toilet fill valve. The toilet fill valve is a small, round valve located on the bottom of the toilet tank. It is usually made of plastic or metal.
4. Gently push down on the valve. If the valve does not spring back up, it is likely that the valve is faulty.
5. Replace the valve with a new one. You can purchase a new toilet fill valve at most hardware stores.
6. Reinstall the toilet tank lid. Make sure that the lid is properly seated and that the screws are tight.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to make sure that the valve is working properly.
If the toilet fill valve is still faulty after following these steps, you may need to call a plumber.
How to fix a leaky toilet tank flapper
A leaky toilet tank flapper can also cause a toilet to not refill. Here are the steps on how to fix a leaky toilet tank flapper:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. This is usually held in place by two screws on the back of the tank.
3. Locate the toilet tank flapper. The toilet tank flapper is a small, rubber flap that sits on the bottom of the toilet tank. It is usually held in place by a chain or a metal rod.
4. Gently lift up on the flapper. If the flapper does not stay up, it is likely that the flapper is leaky.
5. Replace the flapper with a new one. You can purchase a new toilet tank flapper at most hardware stores.
6. Reinstall the toilet tank lid. Make sure that the lid is properly seated and that the screws are tight.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to make sure that the flapper is working properly.
If the toilet tank flapper is still leaky after following these steps, you may need to call a plumber.
How to fix a clogged toilet drain line
A clogged toilet drain line can also prevent a toilet from refilling. Here are the steps on how to fix a clogged toilet drain line:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can usually be done by turning a valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet. This will help to loosen any debris that is clogging the drain line.
3. **Listen for any gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the toilet drain. If you hear any sounds, it is likely that the drain line is clogged.
4. Use a plunger to try to clear the
Q: My toilet won’t refill. What could be the problem?**
- A: There are a few possible causes for a toilet that won’t refill. The most common cause is a clog in the fill valve or water supply line. Other possible causes include a faulty fill valve, a leak in the tank, or a problem with the toilet’s float.
Q: How can I tell if the problem is a clog?
- A: If the toilet is draining slowly or not at all, it is likely that there is a clog in the drain. You can check for a clog by pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl. If the water drains slowly, there is likely a clog. You can also try using a plunger to clear the clog.
Q: How can I fix a clogged fill valve or water supply line?
- A: To fix a clogged fill valve or water supply line, you will need to turn off the water supply to the toilet. You can then remove the fill valve or water supply line and clean out the clog. If the clog is severe, you may need to replace the fill valve or water supply line.
Q: How can I fix a faulty fill valve?
- A: To fix a faulty fill valve, you will need to remove the old fill valve and replace it with a new one. You can find replacement fill valves at most hardware stores.
Q: How can I fix a leak in the toilet tank?
- A: To fix a leak in the toilet tank, you will need to find the source of the leak and repair it. The most common cause of leaks in the toilet tank is a worn-out flapper valve. You can replace the flapper valve yourself or you can hire a plumber to do it for you.
Q: How can I fix a problem with the toilet’s float?
- A: To fix a problem with the toilet’s float, you will need to adjust the float so that it is the correct height. The float should be high enough to allow water to flow into the tank but not so high that it prevents the tank from refilling.
Q: I’ve tried all of these things and my toilet still won’t refill. What should I do?
- A: If you have tried all of the above solutions and your toilet still won’t refill, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
In this article, we have discussed the most common reasons why a toilet won’t refill and how to fix them. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to troubleshoot and fix your own toilet.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- A toilet that won’t refill is usually caused by a problem with the fill valve, flapper valve, or water supply line.
- To fix a toilet that won’t refill, you will need to identify the problem and then replace the faulty part.
- You can find replacement parts for your toilet at most hardware stores.
- If you are not comfortable fixing your own toilet, you can always call a plumber for help.
Thank you for reading!
Author Profile
![Liana Farrell](https://toiletty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Liana-Farrell-Toiletty.com_-150x150.png)
-
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.
Latest entries
- January 11, 2024Faucet QueriesHow to Replace a Moen Faucet Cartridge in 6 Steps
- January 11, 2024Faucet QueriesHow to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet in 5 Easy Steps
- January 11, 2024Faucet QueriesHow to Repair a Moen Bathroom Faucet (Step-by-Step Guide)
- January 11, 2024Faucet QueriesHow to Install a Freestanding Tub Faucet on Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide