Flapper Isn’t Sealing
A worn-out flapper is one of the most common reasons a tank won’t fill. The toilet flapper seals the bottom of your toilet tank—when you flush, the toilet handle lifts the chain, which opens the flapper and lets water out of the tank. But rubber flappers can warp or wear out over time, and if it doesn’t seal properly, the toilet tank won’t fill up after you flush. How to diagnose: Toilet flappers need to be replaced every 4-5 years. How to fix it: Replace the flapper with a new one. Toilet flappers come in 2 in (5.1 cm) and 3 in (7.6 cm) diameters. Bring the old flapper with you to the hardware store so you’ll know which size to buy. How much does it cost? A new toilet flapper usually costs between $5 and $15.
Flapper Chain is the Wrong Length
Check the amount of slack in the chain. If the chain attached to your toilet flapper is too short, the flapper might not close all the way, which can prevent your toilet tank from filling with water. If it’s too long, the chain can get tangled or twisted, which can also cause the flapper to stay open. How to diagnose: When the chain is properly set, it should have about ⁄2 in (1.3 cm) of slack in it. If it has more or less than that, it’s probably the wrong length. How to fix it: Move the clip up a few chain links if the toilet chain is too short. Move the clip down a few chain links if it’s too long. How much does it cost? Adjusting the chain is free. But even if you need to replace the chain, a new one only costs between $5 and $10.
Fill Valve Needs to Be Replaced
The tank can’t fill up if the fill valve isn’t working. The fill valve assembly—usually found on the left side of a toilet tank—is responsible for filling up the tank. If it’s worn out or broken, water won’t be able to get into the tank after you flush. How to diagnose: If your toilet tank is noisy, constantly runs, or takes a long time to fill up, the fill valve could be to blame. Fill valves usually need to be replaced about every 5 years or so. How to fix it: To replace a toilet fill valve, turn off the water to the toilet and flush until the tank is empty. Remove the water line and lock nut from the bottom of the tank, then disconnect the fill valve hose and pull out the old fill valve. Adjust the height of the new fill valve and put it in place, then reattach the hose, lock nut, and water line. How much does it cost? A new toilet fill valve costs $10–$20.
Water Level Is Too High
Too much water in the tank will cause it to keep running. Ideally, the water level in your toilet tank should stop about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the top of the overflow tube, which is the pipe next to the flapper and chain. If the water level in your tank too high, water will constantly pour into the overflow tube. This can make it sound like the toilet tank is never full. How to diagnose: Wait at least 30 seconds after you flush the toilet, then take the lid off of the toilet tank and observe the water level. If it’s less than 1 in (2.5 cm) from the top of the overflow pipe, it’s probably causing your toilet to run. How to fix it: Adjust the fill valve by turning the adjustment screw or lowering the clip to drop the float. This will lower the water level, which should stop the toilet from running. How much does it cost? Free
Supply Valve Is Closed
The tank can’t fill if it isn’t getting water. The water supply valve connects your water line to the toilet. If that valve isn’t open all the way, the toilet tank will refill slowly after you flush it. How to diagnose: If you’ve recently turned off the water supply to your toilet, you may not have opened it all the way again. How to fix it: Turn the water supply valve counterclockwise to be sure it’s completely open. How much does it cost? Free
Refill Tube Is Worn, Clogged, or Detached
A faulty refill tube will keep water from getting into the bowl. The refill tube is a small flexible hose that runs from the fill valve to the overflow tube. This tube is actually responsible for filling the toilet bowl. In some cases, it can move out of place, which can cause the tank to overfill, so it sounds like it’s running constantly. The tube can also become cracked or clogged, which can prevent the tank from filling up. How to diagnose: Remove the lid from the back of the tank and look at the refill tube—if it’s not in the overflow tube, that’s probably your issue. If it is in the overflow pipe, check the refill tube for cracks or other damage. If it looks fine, flush the toilet to see if water comes out of the refill tube. How to fix it: If the refill tube is out of place, insert it into the hose. You may need to add a clip to secure it. If the tube is cracked or clogged, detach it from the refill valve and replace it with a new one. How much does it cost? You can purchase a new refill tube and clip for around $10.
Cracked or Leaking Toilet
Cracks or leaks in a toilet can prevent the tank from filling completely. A crack or a leak in your toilet tank can prevent it from holding water. This might cause the toilet to run continuously, or you might notice the level in the water tank isn’t as high as it usually is. How to diagnose: Inspect your toilet for any cracks, or check around the base of the toilet for drips or leaks. How to fix it: You’ll probably need to replace the toilet. You can either do this yourself or call a professional plumber. How much does it cost? Having your toilet replaced by a professional can cost between $350 and $800.
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