Replace a Toilet Fill Valve That's Stopped Flowing Entirely

The Problem

A toilet tank that won't fill at all — no trickle, nothing when you pull the fill valve's lever — usually means sediment has built up inside the valve over years of service and seized it internally. Cleaning or exercising it does nothing at that point; the valve has to come out.

The Technique

1. Turn off the water supply valve next to the toilet and flush to clear as much water from the tank as you can. Some water will remain — have a pan and a towel ready.
2. Disconnect the water supply line at the tank.
3. Remove the plastic nut holding the old fill valve in place. Keep a pan under it, since the rest of the tank's water will start draining once the nut is off. If it overflows, press the old valve back down to temporarily stop the flow.
4. Pull the small rubber fill tube off and lift the old valve out.
5. Buy a universal-fit replacement fill valve. Set it next to the old valve and compare heights — universal valves adjust by turning the top section, so match it to your old valve's height before installing.
6. Insert the new valve into the hole, thread the plastic nut on, and tighten it snug.
7. Connect the water supply line to the new valve, and attach the new rubber fill tube — one end on the valve, the other back where the old one connected. Don't turn the water on yet.
8. Turn the water supply back on and watch the tank fill. The new valve has a built-in float shut-off that stops the water automatically once the tank is full.