Repairing toilets is easy, right? Just buy the complete tank repair kit for about $20.00 and swap the old for new.
But, what about the one-piece low-profile toilets (Koehler, in this case). How do you replace the flush valve? My guess is that the toilet itself has threads molded into the ceramic since the flush valve doesn’t go through the tank like it does on a 2-piece.
I don’t want to touch it until I know how it’s done. Replacement parts are not easy to come by (so I can’t look at it beforehand). Meantime, the toilet is out of service.
If this is a job for a real plumber, just say so, I can take it. I know that replacing the toilet is another option, but the Koehler has a non-standard base and I don’t know if the floor was tiled up to the flange (like it should be).
-Don
Replies
The Kohler website has a lot of info to help you find the replacement part number, and you can use the search facility to find the nearest authorized plumber showrooms to your zip code. Can even order parts online, but since you're in New Jersey, you are sure to find a plumbing warehouse with the part in stock.
http://www.serviceparts.kohler.com/
http://kohler.findlocation.com
If it was me, I'd yank out the part on a business day and carry it with me to a good general plumbing supply place. Chances are you'll find a match and reinstallation won't be rocket science. That just isn't how these things are engineered. With internet searches, you can often find detailed exploded parts diagrams and detailed professional assembly instructions for faucets, toilets, etc.
[Course, last time it actually was me, we used a broken $1.20 part as an excuse to replace a whole toilet we hated - pretending the part would be hard to find - it wasn't, but keep that hush hush.]
look at the rear wall of the tank for the model number, so we can help.
Toilet is at customers home. I won't be getting back there for a little while, but the model is a Rialto (if that helps).
Thanks for the link (http://www.serviceparts.kohler.com/Pdfs/088828_8.pdf). I know it has the 84302 flush valve, but I can't tell from the diagram how it's held in place.
-Don
Just looked at mine and it looks like there is a sponge gasket under it. I would guess a 1/3 of a turn would remove it. But if the problem is conctant running then a clean of the valve surface and new flapper should fix it. There is a "repair" kit at HD with a new flapper and glue on valve seat that might fit.
There is a "repair" kit at HD with a new flapper and glue on valve seat that might fit.
A replaceable valve seat! What an idea! It almost seems too easy, but I'll give it a shot. Thanks.
-Don