Fluidmaster 300 vs 400: Which Toilet Fill Valve Should You Choose?
In this blog post, we will compare two popular models of toilet fill valves from Fluidmaster: the 300 and the 400. We will look at their features, pros, cons, and compatibility to help you decide which one is best for your toilet.
A toilet fill valve is a device that regulates the water level in the toilet tank and refills it after each flush. It is an essential component of your toilet that ensures its proper functioning and water efficiency. However, not all toilet fill valves are created equal. Some are more durable, adjustable, and reliable than others.
In this blog post, we will compare two popular models of toilet fill valves from Fluidmaster: the 300 and the 400. We will look at their features, pros, cons, and compatibility to help you decide which one is best for your toilet.
Table of Contents
Fluidmaster 300
The Fluidmaster 300 is a basic and economical toilet fill valve that is designed to fit most toilets. It has a simple and compact design that makes it easy to install and adjust. It has a plastic shank that attaches to the water supply line with a nut and a washer.
It has a float cup that slides up and down the valve body to control the water level in the tank. It also has a screw on top of the valve body that allows you to fine-tune the water level according to your preference.
The Fluidmaster 300 has some advantages over other toilet fill valves. It is:
Affordable
The Fluidmaster 300 is one of the cheapest toilet fill valves on the market. You can buy it for less than $5.
Universal
The Fluidmaster 300 can fit most toilets with a standard 2-inch flush valve opening. It can also work with any water pressure between 20 and 120 psi.
Easy to install
The Fluidmaster 300 comes with clear instructions and requires no tools or hacksaw to install. You can replace your old fill valve with the Fluidmaster 300 in less than 15 minutes.
Drawbacks
Noisy
The Fluidmaster 300 can make a loud hissing or whistling noise when filling the tank. This can be annoying and disturbing for you and your family³.
Prone to clogging
The Fluidmaster 300 can get clogged by sediment, debris, or mineral deposits in your water supply. This can reduce its water flow and cause your toilet to run or not fill properly.
Not anti-siphon
The Fluidmaster 300 does not have an anti-siphon feature that prevents water from flowing back into the water supply line in case of a pressure drop. This can contaminate your drinking water and pose a health risk.
Fluidmaster 400
The Fluidmaster 400 is an upgraded and improved version of the Fluidmaster 300. It has a similar design but with some additional features that make it more efficient, reliable, and durable. It has a metal shank that attaches to the water supply line with a metal nut and a rubber washer.
It has a float cup that slides up and down the valve body to control the water level in the tank. It also has a screw on top of the valve body that allows you to fine-tune the water level according to your preference.
Advantages
Quiet
The Fluidmaster 400 has a patented QuietFill technology that reduces noise when filling the tank. It also has a built-in filter that prevents clogging by sediment, debris, or mineral deposits.
Anti-siphon
The Fluidmaster 400 has an anti-siphon feature that prevents water from flowing back into the water supply line in case of a pressure drop. This protects your drinking water from contamination and complies with plumbing codes.
Adjustable
The Fluidmaster 400 can fit most toilets with a standard 2-inch flush valve opening. It can also work with any water pressure between 10 and 125 psi. Moreover, it can be adjusted to fit different tank sizes by cutting the overflow pipe with a hacksaw.
Drawbacks
Expensive
The Fluidmaster 400 is more expensive than the Fluidmaster 300 and other basic toilet fill valves. You can buy it for about $10.
Not compatible with some toilets
The Fluidmaster 400 may not fit some toilets with a non-standard flush valve opening or a side-mounted water supply line. You may need to buy an adapter or a different fill valve for these toilets.
Conclusion
The Fluidmaster 300 and the Fluidmaster 400 are two popular models of toilet fill valves from Fluidmaster. They have some similarities and differences in their features, pros, cons, and compatibility. The Fluidmaster 300 is a basic and economical toilet fill valve that can fit most toilets but may be noisy, prone to clogging, and not anti-siphon.
The Fluidmaster 400 is an upgraded and improved toilet fill valve that is quiet, anti-siphon, and adjustable but may be expensive and not compatible with some toilets. Depending on your budget, preference, and toilet type, you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
