Fix your toilet’s flow with a few simple solutions
The most common issue is a lack of water coming from your tank.
Most solutions to low water in the toilet bowl are quick and affordable.
You may need professional help if a clog is your underlying issue.
It’s a dreaded experience to see your toilet flush, only for the water level to stop short of filling up the bowl. This seemingly minor inconvenience can feel like a major hassle, especially if the toilet’s not flushing. Thankfully, there are five main reasons why your toilet water level is low, many of which have some simple fixes.
Before checking the toilet itself, make sure that the water in your bathroom is on and working properly. If there is an issue with the water supply to that part of the house, then this step will help you easily narrow down the source of the problem.
First, check to see if something has accidentally triggered the shut-off valve on your toilet, as this would mean that your toilet has no access to water. The valve is behind your toilet and should be fully turned counterclockwise.
If the valve is fully open, check other fixtures in your home to see if they’re getting water. Leaks around the toilet and along the pipes are also a sign of water flow being disrupted, in which case you’ll need to find a plumber to fix the problem.
If the water supply is running accordingly and the shut-off valve is off, then you’ll want to proceed to the following solutions.
One of the most common causes of low water in your toilet bowl is a lack of water coming from the tank. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest problems to fix.
Numerous things can cause this common toilet repair problem, most of which involve the toilet fill valve or flapper. The fill valve, also known as the ballcock, controls how much water fills the tank. If the mechanisms are misaligned or broken, the toilet tank won’t fill to the correct amount. When this happens, the tank water level can be too low to fill up the bowl.
Similarly, if there is a problem with the toilet flapper that drains the water from your toilet tank to the bowl, then you might also experience low water levels in the basin. You can try adjusting the water level in the toilet bowl to get it back to normal.
There are two main ways to fix a toilet with a toilet tank that isn’t working properly: adjust or replace the toilet fill valve. You can figure out which option you need by removing the cover to your toilet tank and inspecting the tank.
The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect the fill valve and flapper to see if there is a worn or broken component. If all looks good, you can adjust the fill valve to see if that solves the problem. Depending on the type of toilet you have, the fill valve mechanics may work differently, so check the manufacturer’s manual when inspecting your toilet.
If adjusting the valve doesn’t work or you notice a broken valve or flapper, you can usually repair the toilet yourself with a DIY flapper fix. Oftentimes, a quick trip to the hardware store and the right replacement parts will do the job.
Another cause for low toilet bowl water is the classic clog. The most common type of clog is one in the internal piping of your toilet that often causes a toilet to overflow. In some cases, however, the blockage siphons water out of the toilet bowl, causing low water levels.
If a partial clog is causing your toilet’s low water levels, one of the best ways to tell is by observing how the toilet flushes. If the water levels rise to the top of your toilet only to drain slowly until water levels are below normal, chances are this siphoning issue is somewhere in the trap of your toilet.
You can fix this issue by removing the blockage. Use a gloved hand, toilet plunger, or toilet auger to remove the obstruction. If you suspect that there is a blockage deep within the pipes, you may need to contact a professional plumber near you to remove the object.
As a plumber myself, my personal recommendation for clearing a clogged toilet is to skip all other steps and go straight for the closet auger (toilet snake). It is important to learn how to use it properly but it’s a lot harder to cause a leak by improperly using a closet auger than it is with a misused plunger.
Another cause of low water in a toilet bowl is due to clogged inlet holes. Also known as rim jets, these holes can be found just under the rim of your toilet. Depending on the type of toilet and the quality of your tap water, the water draining from the tank into the bowl can calcify and become plugged.
The best way to fix a clogged inlet hole is to carefully add hot vinegar to the tank via the overflow tube. You’ll want to let the vinegar soak for a couple of hours to help dissolve calcium deposits.
Simply use a toothbrush to scrub away the deposits or, if they’re compacted, poke a small wire inside the holes to clear them out. The end of a wire coat hanger is perfect for this, says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member. Then, flush the toilet to see if this trick did the job.
Plumbing vents, also known as sewer vent pipes, allow sewer gases and oxygen to flow out and into the waste pipes, respectively. If your plumbing vent pipe is blocked, then the pipes will search for another outlet within your home to access air. When this occurs, toilets make loud, gurgling sounds as the vent pipe siphons both water and air.
A blocked vent pipe often occurs on the roof of the house, where the vent is typically located. Anything from bird nests to leaves can obscure the ventilation, leading to a blockage. Sometimes, even windy days affect the water levels of your toilet because of the vent system.
You need to clear the debris in order to allow the air to flow freely within the ventilation system. To prevent animals and plants from blocking the airflow in the future, you might also want to invest in a vent cover. However, you should never attempt to get up on the roof yourself, so this is a job for a pro.
Lastly, if you notice a crack in your toilet bowl, trap, or any associated pipes, then you need to replace them. Find a toilet repair pro near you, or contact your trusted, local plumber to install or repair the broken parts. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may also want to file an insurance claim for water damage that results from the broken pipe, and it’s not a bad idea to check for mold in the affected area.
Remember: While most small toilet issues are somewhat easy to resolve without a professional, if your DIY repairs don’t do the job, then you’ll need to check with a professional and factor in the cost to repair your toilet.
Yes, you can fill your toilet tank manually to help it flush, or you can pour the water directly into the bowl to flush it manually. This will work for the majority of toilets, as most use a gravity feed system. However, you should only ever use this as a temporary solution. If your toilet tank isn’t filling, you should find out why. First, make sure the speedy valve connected to your toilet and your water main are open. If that doesn’t solve the issue, call in a professional to address the problem.
The average cost to replace a toilet fill valve is around $100, and prices range from $50 up to $150, depending on your location, the experience of the plumber, and how accessible your toilet is. In most cases, a professional plumber can replace your fill valve in under an hour, although it might take longer if they also need to fix or replace other components at the same time.
