How to Fix a Running Kohler Toilet
A running toilet can be a frustrating and wasteful problem. The constant sound of water rushing through the tank can be annoying, and the wasted water can add up on your water bill. If you have a Kohler toilet that is running, there's a good chance the problem is a faulty flush valve. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix it yourself.
Tools and Materials
- Adjustable wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- New Kohler flush valve
- Bucket
- Towel
Steps
- Turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve for your toilet and turn it clockwise until it's completely closed. This will prevent water from flowing into the tank.
- Flush the toilet. This will empty the tank and bowl, making it easier to work on.
- Remove the old flush valve. The flush valve is located inside the tank. It's the part that controls the flow of water into the bowl. To remove it, you will need to loosen the nut that holds it in place. This is usually a large nut located on the bottom of the flush valve. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the flush valve out of the tank.
- Install the new flush valve. Carefully position the new flush valve in the tank, making sure the rubber gasket is in place. Thread the nut back onto the flush valve and tighten it with your adjustable wrench. Be careful not to overtighten it.
- Adjust the water level. The water level in the tank should be just below the overflow tube. To adjust the water level, you will need to turn the adjustment screw on the flush valve. Turning the screw clockwise will raise the water level, and turning it counter-clockwise will lower it.
- Turn on the water supply. Once you have adjusted the water level, turn the water supply back on. Make sure there are no leaks and that the toilet is flushing properly.
Troubleshooting
If your toilet is still running after replacing the flush valve, there are a few other things you can check:
- Check the fill valve. The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank after it's been flushed. If it's not working properly, it could be causing the toilet to run. You can test the fill valve by listening for any sounds of water running after the toilet has been flushed. If you hear running water, the fill valve may need to be replaced.
- Check the flapper. The flapper is the rubber seal that sits on top of the flush valve. It's responsible for preventing water from flowing into the bowl when the toilet is not being flushed. If the flapper is cracked or worn, it could be allowing water to leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to run. You can test the flapper by pressing down on it and seeing if it seals tightly. If it doesn't, the flapper may need to be replaced.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix a running Kohler toilet. If you are still having trouble, you may need to call a plumber.