How to Install a Flush Valve on a Kohler One-Piece Toilet

A flush valve is a device that controls the flow of water from the toilet tank to the bowl when you flush. It consists of a flapper or a seal that covers the opening at the bottom of the tank, and a tube or a tower that delivers water to the bowl. A flush valve can wear out or break over time, causing your toilet to leak, run, or not flush properly. In this blog post, we will show you how to install a flush valve on a Kohler one-piece toilet.

How to Install a Flush Valve on a Kohler One-Piece Toilet

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply and Empty the Tank

Before you start working on your toilet, you need to turn off the water supply and empty the tank. You can do this by:

• Locating the shut-off valve behind or beside the toilet and turning it clockwise until it stops.
• Flushing the toilet and holding down the handle until most of the water drains out of the tank.
• Using a sponge or a towel to soak up any remaining water in the tank.

Step 2: Remove the Tank Lid and Disconnect the Water Supply Line

Next, you need to remove the tank lid and disconnect the water supply line. You can do this by:

• Lifting up and setting aside the tank lid carefully.
• Using a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nut that connects the water supply line to the bottom of the fill valve, which is located on the left side of the tank.
• Pulling out the water supply line from the fill valve and setting it aside.

Step 3: Remove the Flush Handle and Flapper Chain

Then, you need to remove the flush handle and flapper chain. You can do this by:

• Unscrewing the nut that holds the flush handle in place on the front of the tank. You may need to use a screwdriver to hold the handle steady while you turn the nut counterclockwise.
• Pulling out the flush handle from the tank and setting it aside.
• Unhooking the flapper chain from the flush handle arm inside the tank.

Step 4: Remove the Old Flush Valve

Now, you need to remove the old flush valve. You can do this by:

• Using a special wrench that fits your flush valve nut¹³ to loosen and remove the nut that holds the flush valve in place at the bottom of the tank. You may need to use some force to break the seal.
• Lifting up and pulling out the old flush valve from the tank. You may need to twist it slightly to get it out.

Step 5: Install the New Flush Valve

Finally, you need to install the new flush valve. You can do this by:

• Inserting the new flush valve into the opening at the bottom of the tank. Make sure it is aligned with the overflow pipe, which is located in the center of the tank.
• Securing the new flush valve by using the special wrench to tighten the nut that holds it in place at the bottom of the tank. Do not overtighten the nut as it may crack the porcelain.
• Reconnecting the flapper chain to the flush handle arm and adjusting the length as needed.
• Reinstalling the flush handle by screwing it back into the front of the tank.
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• Reconnecting the water supply line to the bottom of the fill valve and tightening it by hand.
• Turning on the water supply and checking for leaks.
• Testing the flush and making sure it works properly.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if I need to replace my flush valve?

A: You may need to replace your flush valve if you notice any of these symptoms:

• • Your toilet leaks water from the tank to the bowl constantly or intermittently.
  • Your toilet runs or refills randomly without being flushed.
  • Your toilet does not flush completely or powerfully enough.
  • Your toilet makes loud or unusual noises when flushing.

Q: How do I find out what type and size of flush valve I need for my Kohler one-piece toilet?

A: You can find out what type and size of flush valve you need for your Kohler one-piece toilet by checking:

• • The model number and brand name of your Kohler one-piece toilet, which are usually printed on a label inside the tank or on the back of the bowl.
  • The diameter of the flush valve opening at the bottom of the tank, which can be measured with a ruler or a tape measure.
  • The shape and style of the flapper or the seal that covers the flush valve opening, which can be round, square, or rectangular.

Q: How do I use the special wrench to remove and install the flush valve nut?

A: You can use the special wrench to remove and install the flush valve nut by following these steps:

• • Insert the prongs of the wrench into the slots on the nut and align them with the ridges on the nut.
  • Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nut or clockwise to tighten it.
  • Apply some pressure on the wrench handle to grip the nut firmly and prevent it from slipping.

Q: How do I adjust the water level in my toilet tank with a new flush valve?

A: You can adjust the water level in your toilet tank with a new flush valve by using the adjustment screw on top of the fill valve, which is located on the left side of the tank. You can turn the screw clockwise to lower the water level or counterclockwise to raise it. The ideal water level is about 1/2 inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

Q: How do I know if my new flush valve is leaking or not sealing properly?

A: You can know if your new flush valve is leaking or not sealing properly by performing a dye test. You can do this by adding some food coloring or dye to the tank water and waiting for 15 minutes. If you see any color in the bowl, it means your flush valve is leaking and needs to be adjusted or replaced.