If your toilet won’t refill after you turned the water back on, it can feel like something is seriously wrong. In most cases, the issue is simple and caused by air, debris, or a closed valve — not a broken toilet.
This is a very common problem after a water shutoff and is usually easy to fix.
Quick Answer:
After a water shutoff, toilets may not refill due to trapped air, debris in the fill valve, or a partially closed supply valve. Opening the supply valve fully and flushing the toilet once or twice usually restores normal operation.
Why This Happens
When water is shut off, air enters the plumbing lines and sediment can loosen inside pipes. When water is restored, that air and debris often reach the toilet’s fill valve first.
Common causes include:
- Air trapped in the toilet supply line
- Debris clogging the fill valve
- The toilet supply valve not fully reopened
- Low pressure after restoration
This often happens alongside faucets spitting air after turning the water back on or low water pressure after restoring water.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Refill
Step 1: Check the Toilet Supply Valve
Behind the toilet, locate the shutoff valve on the wall.
- Turn it counterclockwise to ensure it’s fully open
- Flush the toilet to test refill
Sometimes the valve was never fully reopened after turning your water back on after shutting it off.
Step 2: Flush the Toilet Again
Flush once or twice to help push air through the line.
Listen for:
- Air hissing
- Partial refilling
- Delayed refill
This alone fixes many cases.
Step 3: Run Nearby Faucets
Turn on a nearby sink for 1–2 minutes.
This helps clear air from the branch line feeding the toilet and is especially helpful if you noticed air in water pipes after a shutoff.
Step 4: Inspect the Fill Valve Inside the Tank
Remove the toilet tank lid and look inside.
Check that:
- The float moves freely
- Nothing is stuck or jammed
- The fill valve isn’t clogged with debris
Sediment stirred up during the shutoff can temporarily block the valve.
Step 5: Clean the Fill Valve (If Needed)
If water barely trickles in:
- Turn off the toilet supply valve
- Remove the fill valve cap
- Rinse out any debris
- Reassemble and turn water back on slowly
This often restores full refill immediately.
What Not to Do
- Don’t assume the toilet is broken
- Don’t force internal parts
- Don’t ignore a toilet that won’t refill at all
- Don’t replace the toilet immediately
Most refill issues are temporary and mechanical.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if:
- The toilet won’t refill at all after cleaning
- Multiple toilets are affected
- Water pressure remains unstable
- You suspect a damaged supply valve
If several fixtures are affected, the issue may be related to problems after restoring water to the house, not the toilet itself.
Safety Notes
- Turn water back on slowly at the main valve
- Keep a faucet open during restoration
- Watch toilets closely for the first hour
- Avoid running appliances until pressure stabilizes
This prevents pressure shocks and valve damage.
Common Homeowner Questions
Why does my toilet run but not refill the bowl?
Air or debris may be limiting flow into the tank, preventing a full flush cycle.
Is this dangerous or damaging?
No. It’s usually harmless and easy to fix.
How long should it take to refill after a shutoff?
Once air clears, refilling should be immediate — usually within one flush.