Why is the Water Level in My Toilet Low?

If you are reading this, chances are, you have just flushed your toilet and have found that it stopped short of completely filling up the bowl. Seeing that low water level in the toilet can result in a massive amount of stress and concern. This is especially true if you find that the water you originally tried to flush has not fully been emptied from the toilet bowl.

The good news is, most of the fixes that pertain to low water levels (including no water) in the toilet bowl are relatively simple. Whether the water keeps running or your toilet is ghost flushing, here are some reasons. Continue reading to learn why the water level in your toilet is low.

1. Check the Water Supply

As with any plumbing job, if there is an issue with your water supply, there will be an issue with how much water is emitted from the fixtures – be it a shower head, faucet, or toilet tank. It could be that the water supply got turned off or the shut-off valve on the toilet got triggered and shut off.

If you find that either of these situations is the issue, turn on the water and allow the toilet tank to completely fill. Once it is full, attempt to flush the toilet. You will find that the bowl fills up.

2. Inspect the Inside of the Toilet Tank

If you still have an issue with low water levels in your toilet, it is time to take the lid off of the toilet tank and inspect the inside. There is a fill valve that controls how much water goes into the tank. If you find that this is not lined up properly or that it is broken, make the necessary adjustments or repairs.

If you still have an issue, evaluate the flapper in the tank. This helps drain the water from the tank directly into the bowl. It could be broken or not properly seated.

3. Determine if There is a Clog

Most people believe that a clog in the internal pipes will cause an overflow. While this is true in most instances, it can also cause a siphoning issue to occur. This is where the blockage actually pulls water from the toilet bowl to such a degree that virtually no water is in the tank.

To determine if this is the case, flush the toilet. Does the water rise and then go back down the drain until nearly almost all of the water is out of the bowl? If so, the trap is experiencing a siphoning issue. Simply use a plunger and/or a plumbing snake for the toilet to attempt to dislodge the blockage until the toilet flushes and fills properly.

4. Inlet Holes

There are little holes that are situated underneath the rim of the toilet. These may be referred to as “rim jets”. 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. These may become clogged if you have hard water.

To repair, simply pour hot vinegar directly into the tank of your toilet. It must go directly into the overflow tubing. Allow it to sit for several hours. This will help it remove any deposits that have accumulated. If this does not work, use a small brush to attempt to clean out the inlet holes. Flush and the bowl should fill properly.

5. Check the Fill Tube

The next issue that could result in a low level of water in the toilet bowl is damage to the fill tube. This is a small plastic hose in the tank that connects directly to the overflow tube.

If you find that it is damaged, broken, or stopped up, it could be what is causing either low water or no water in the toilet bowl. Simply replace the component and your toilet bowl will fill.

6. Toilet Bowl Crack

When you noticed the low water level or no water in the toilet, did you notice water on the floor of your bathroom? If you did, it is quite likely that the bowl of your toilet is cracked and you will need to replace it.

If you noticed water, look at the bowl carefully…do you notice any cracks? If so, this is your issue. Replacing a toilet is a challenging endeavor. We recommend professional assistance.

7. Sewer Vent Line

The sewer vent line is a component that typically runs through the walls of the bathroom and out to the roof of your home. It is designed to run out the sewer gases when you flush the toilet. If air does not come back through when you flush, the water levels within the toilet will get very low.

If this is the case, you will need to take the time to clear out the vent. In most instances, it is best to get a professional to do this.

8. Pipes

The next issue that could result in low water levels or no water in the toilet is broken, cracked, or separated pipes. You will need to inspect your home’s plumbing system to determine if the pipes are in good shape.

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

Cant Fix it Yourself? Contact Us Now

There are many issues that could result in low water levels in your toilet. Instead of going through each of these steps, why not seek the assistance of a professional? We here at Reynolds Plumbing can quickly identify the reason why the water levels in your toilet are low or non-existent. Once the issue is identified, we can quickly resolve the problem.

Your satisfaction is our guarantee!

We offer both residential and commercial plumbing services, HVAC services, and more! We are truly your one-stop solution specialist for all things related to your home. For more information or to get assistance with low water levels and other issues, contact us today.