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Kohler Toilet. Repair? Replace?

8 months ago

I saved two Kohler San Raphaele toilets (#3397) from our teardown/rebuild in 2001. One works fine. The other has started to 'run'.

I flush. The tank refills, then continues to fill at a barely discernable rate, running into the bowl until I turn off the supply. Replacing the flapper hasn't helped. The toilet flushes fine with the initial fill, although that fill is less water than in this toilet's 'twin'.

One plumber says the least expensive route is to replace the toilet, that rebuilding the 'works' would be more expensive over time. (Something about fixing one thing and then another and another.)

Isn't there a 'fix' for this problem?

Comments (13)

  • 8 months ago

    Labor and materials to repair the existing toilet may exceed the labor to remove and replace.


    If you are handy, first try repairing yourself. I have been sucessful using fluid master kits.

  • 8 months ago

    So, I'm seeing a cost of about $65 for the parts on Amazon.

    I'm hard pressed to believe that the total cost to replace the toilet would be more than the total cost to replace a few parts - particularly if you can find a handy-man to do it.

  • 8 months ago
    last modified: 8 months ago

    Is there a diagnosis on what's causing the continuous draw of water, and why does it go from tank to bowl if the flapper is secure? Would there be something wrong with the porcelain itself? (Worn away under the flapper?)

    I'm an 83 y. o. woman, so not undertaking this myself. I AM curious though!

  • 8 months ago

    If the flapper is not secure, there may be a crack.


    $100 in parts 2 hrs plus travel,,could be $500 and the toilet may still leak.


    New toilet $500 2 hrs plus travel could be $1,000 with a warranty.


    If you do jot use the toilet, shut off the water, the angle stop under the toilet.

  • 8 months ago

    This sounds more like a bad or improperly adjusted fill valve that does not shut off when the tank is full, or that shuts off too late, allowing the water level to rise past the top of the fill tube.


    A good handyman should be able to replace the fill valve in less than an hour, for much less than the cost of a new toilet.

  • 8 months ago

    I have a San Raphael and have replaced the fill valve myself. Make sure you obtain the correct size valve as this is a lowboy and the valve may be shorter than the standard. This toilet now retails for about $1,000 so if you like the look it is most certainly worth repairing.

  • 8 months ago
    last modified: 8 months ago

    wOlley and Steven -- Thanks so much! A diagnosis is what I wanted. I do like the look of this toilet, plus its quiet flush.

    Currently, the initial fill after flushing is inadequate to cover the bowl intake, then the very weak 'run' continues endlessly, way past what's required, with the excess draining off. So...somehow the water is leaving the tank for the bowl; another problem somewhere?

    Steven -- How long did it take you to replace the valve? I can call Kohler to see if the part is available, then ask a handyman if he could do the work.

    If this doesn't require a lot of strength I could try this myself. What could go wrong? ha-ha

  • 8 months ago

    I'd say 20-30 minutes. The valve should come with instructions. You might want to consider replacing the supply line with a new braided one at the same time. If you've never replaced one before you might want to go the handyman or plumber route. Under or over tightening the fittings can be an issue.

  • 8 months ago

    HI, Try adjusting the float. Lower the float a little that makes the water shut off sooner.

    Maybe just need a screwdriver.

    Goos Luck woodbutcher

  • 8 months ago

    I have all Kohler toolets and have replaced the fill valve myself a couple of times - and I am a psychologist not a plumber! Go to a plumbing parts store and bring a pic of your fill valve (there are different ones and the color matters) and/or the model number of your toilet and ask them to please tell you how to replace the fill valve and/or check You Tube. Kohler may also have instructions. My plumbing supply store was so nice and gave me a step by step explanation. If you are unable to get the info, let me know and I may be able to help you! it takes like 15-20 minutes and is not hard - and it sure beats paying for a plumber!

  • 8 months ago

    Are you able to remove the tank cover, take and post a picture?


    You wrote you are not doing the repair, what are you asking for?


  • 8 months ago

    Thank you all for your generous help. You've encouraged me about this. I'm going to call my son to see if he has time to attempt this for me. I'll let you know the outcome.

  • 8 months ago

    Great! keep us posted!