We’re an affiliate
We hope you love the products featured in our articles. Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Is your Kohler toilet running intermittently? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners have had this issue. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix it. So don’t worry – your toilet will be running smoothly again in no time.
There are 2 problems that can cause your toilet to run non-stop. Kohler toilets can suffer from leaks in the tank. This can be caused by several factors, but is mainly due to an improper set or damaged flapper/seal or broken fill valve.
How Does A Kohler Toilet Work?
Kohler toilets work by lifting an arm that pulls on a chain. The flapper valve is lifted, allowing water to flow into the toilet bowl, to flush away waste. When the arm is released, the flapper valve will drop back down and the fill valve will refill the tank.
Why Is My Kohler Toilet Running Intermittently?
If you are hearing an intermittent running sound from your toilet, there may be a leak. The water will run into the bowl even when it isn’t being flushed.
If your Kohler toilet is running intermittently, chances are there is a problem with the flapper seal or broken fill valve.
Diagnose The Cause
The first step is to figure out what is causing your Kohler toilet to run intermittently. There are a few things that could be the culprit.
To find the cause of your Kohler toilet’s problem, follow these 3 steps:
- Fill up with water and mark where it sits inside the tank.
- Turn off your water supply.
- Let the toilet sit unused for six hours or more.
The Water Level Remained The Same
If the water level in your tank is exactly where you left it, then the problem is most likely with the fill valve. The fill valve is responsible for bringing water into the tank.
There are two types of fill valves: ballcock-type and float cup-type. Either of these fill valve types could be stuck in the open position.
The Water Is At The Level Of The Flapper
If the water level has dropped to the level of the flapper, then there is most likely a problem with the flapper itself.
It might be warped and no longer seated properly, or it might be damaged and needs to be replaced.
The Water Is Completely Gone
If the water in your tank is completely gone, then there could be an issue with the fill valve.
The problem could be with the seal or the O-ring. If the seal or O-ring is damaged, it might not be sealing properly and water could be leaking into the fill valve.
Shop now and get big savings on Kohler Fill Valve Seals
The Water Has Only Lowered A Bit
If the water level has lowered, but not to the level of the flapper, then there might be a problem with the fill valve.
Leak Locator
If your toilet is leaking, you’ll want to find the leak quickly and efficiently. One way of doing this without hiring an expensive professional service is to run a simple test that can pinpoint the location of the leak.
To locate a toilet leak, start by taking the lid off the tank and wait for it to stop running. Next, add some toilet dye tablets until you see where leaks are coming from.
- Pro Pack- 200 Professional Grade Tablets
If there’s dye flowing towards your flapper, then you need to replace the flapper.
How To Replace A Kohler Toilet Flapper
If the flapper is the problem, then you’ll need to know how to replace it.
The great news is that this is a easy fix that anyone can do.
- Protect the on KOHLER products, always look for the KOHLER GENUINE PARTS logo
To replace the flapper on your Kohler toilet, follow these 7 steps:
- Turn off the water to your toilet. This is usually done by turning your water supply valve clockwise.
- Flush or pull the flapper up to empty the tank.
- Disconnect the chain from the flush lever.
- Unscrew the retaining screws and remove the old flapper.
- Clean the flapper area with a cloth and install the new flapper, making sure it’s seated correctly.
- Reconnect the chain to the flush lever. Try to leave three links of slack.
- Turn on the water to your toilet and check for leaks.
How To Replace A Kohler Toilet Fill Valve
If you think the fill valve is the problem, then you’ll need to replace it.
Luckily, this is a relatively easy fix that most homeowners can do.
- Kohler genuine part. Valve Type: Manual
To replace the fill valve on your Kohler toilet, follow these 9 steps:
- Turn off the water to your toilet. This is usually done by turning your water supply valve clockwise.
- Unscrew the supply line from the bottom of the fill valve.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank. When you remove the fill valve, the remaining water below the fill valve will drain out onto your floor. To prevent this, you need to position a bucket or towels under its lock nut.
- Disconnect the refill hose from the overflow tube and unscrew the lock nut to remove the fill valve.
- Clean the area around the valve seat with a cloth.
- Install the new fill valve, making sure it’s seated correctly. Place the new fill valve so that the float is approx 1 inch above the top of water.
- Screw the new fill valve’s lock nut securely but not too tight. Connect the refill hose to your overflow tube.
- Reconnect the supply line to the bottom of the fill valve.
- Turn on the water to your toilet and check for leaks.
Final Thoughts
If your Kohler toilet is running intermittently, it’s most likely due to a problem with the flapper or fill valve. In most cases, you’ll be able to fix the issue yourself without having to call a professional.
However, if you’re not confident in your abilities or if the problem persists, then you should hire a plumber to come and take a look. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
We hope that by following our tips, your Kohler toilet will stop running intermittently and you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine. Leave us a comment below and let us know if these tips worked for you.
Related Articles
How To Fix A Low Water Level In Your Toilet Bowl?
How To Easily Remove A Bemis Toilet Seat?
Toilet Fills Up With Water Then Drains Slowly?