How to Raise Water Level in Toilet Bowl

When using your toilet, do you ever wonder what’s causing the water level to drop? Is it a clog? A blocked drain? Or could it be that the tank is too full and overflows? If so, you’re in good company. Millions worldwide have these same issues – they don’t know it yet! That’s why it is crucial to learn how to raise the water level in the toilet bowl and fix it promptly. It allows you to resume your comfortable daily life.

If your toilet doesn’t fill to the correct depth or if you notice bubbles and other indications of a loose seal, you might need to raise the water level in the toilet. When unsure about the process, read the helpful steps below:

Step 1: Remove the toilet cover

  • To begin, push on it from underneath and pull it off with one hand. Keep track of the tank’s water level. 
  • The fill valve and overflow tube should be 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) above the water level in the tank (the large open pipe near the center of the tank). 
  • Your water level can be out of balance if it appears either higher or lower than this level. 
  • You may also find a line in the tank of your toilet that indicates the ideal water level. This line is commonly etched into porcelain.
  • Scrub the inside of your bowl with a brush to remove any sediment or debris that may have settled there over time. 

It would be best if you also ensured no obstructions in the drain. These can cause clogs and slow down water flow into your toilet bowl.

Step 2: Check the float height of the toilet tank

Verify the float in the toilet tank, a plastic ball on a long arm above the fill valve. How much water is left in the tank after it has been refilled depends on the height of the float. If the float fully functions, it should be at the water’s surface. Adjust the float height if it seems too high or low. After you fill the tank again, observe how the water level changes.

  • This could cause your high or low water level if it is above or below the water line.
  • Shake the float vigorously. Have a plumber replace it if you hear water running inside it.
  • Verify that the float is securely connected to the fill valve.

Step 3: Use a plunger to push the water down

To begin, squeeze the plunger handle and firmly position it over the drain in the toilet bowl. Apply downward pressure and push the plunger into the bowl.

Next, pull up on the plunger’s handle to create suction and repeat this plunging motion several times. The goal is to dislodge any blockages and encourage the water to flow down the drain.

If, despite your efforts, the water level doesn’t decrease as desired, it could indicate underlying issues with your plumbing system or pipes. In such cases, seeking professional assistance and addressing any necessary repairs is advisable before attempting these steps again.

Step 4: Check the water level

Gather the necessary tools to check the water level in your toilet bowl. You have a couple of options: purchase a toilet plunger designed explicitly for this purpose or repurpose an old wooden spoon that you don’t mind getting dirty.

If you use a toilet plunger, ensure it is clean and debris-free. A clean plunger will provide an accurate measurement of the water level. On the other hand, if you opt for the wooden spoon, ensure it is clean and dry before proceeding.

Carefully lower the tool into the toilet bowl once the chosen device is ready. Keep it vertically, with the handle or the spoon’s end touching the bottom of the bowl. Slowly and steadily withdraw the tool, observing the water level on the surface.

By checking the water level, you can assess whether it is too high or too low, indicating potential issues with the toilet’s functioning or plumbing. This step provides valuable information for troubleshooting and determining the appropriate action.

Step 5: If problems persist, call a plumber

If you still have issues with the water level, call a plumber.

Good plumbing comes with great responsibility! 

Fortunately, no matter what brand of toilets you have, several things can cause your toilet’s low water level. Most likely, the float is set too high and needs adjusting. It’s relatively simple to change the float lever on your toilet. It should help solve your problem and make your toilet work again.
All in all, when the water level in your toilet bowl is too low, you can take several corrective measures. We know that not having enough water can be incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention unsanitary. By taking these steps, you can resolve this minor inconvenience yourself; however, if you still encounter the same problem after trying everything, best call a professional plumber to help you fix it.