You will see many toilet brands while shopping, but Kohler toilets are among the most preferred choices for people looking for top-performing, quality toilets.
However, while this makes them less susceptible to issues, it doesn’t make them immune, so what are the common Kohler toilet problems?
A Kohler toilet can develop problems like clogging, leaking, poor or no flush, and the toilet not filling after flushing. Furthermore, you could have a running toilet, seat problems, or insufficient water in your toilet bowl.
Fixing these problems usually entails troubleshooting and repairing or replacing the damaged parts. Below is a walkthrough of each issue and its solutions.
Kohler Toilet Problems Troubleshooting (Causes & Fixes!)
| Problems | Possible Causes | Recommended Fixes | |
| 1. | Clogging | Flushing inappropriate items Mineral deposits or sediment buildup Blocked vent pipe | Unclog the toilet with an auger, plunger, or chemicals Call a plumber |
| 2. | Leaking | Loose connections A worn-out wax ring A faulty fill valve A broken bowl or tank | Tighten loose connections Replace the worn-out wax ring or a faulty fill valve Replace the cracked bowl, tank, or both |
| 3. | Running Toilet | Improperly adjusted float Worn-out or improperly adjusted chain Faulty flapper Damaged fill valve Cracked tank | Adjust the float Adjust or replace the chain Replace the flapper or fill valve Replace the tank or the whole tank |
| 4. | Poor Flush | Low water level Clogged rim jets, fill valve, or trapway Damaged fill valve or flapper | Increase the water level through the float ball or the adjustment clip Clear any obstructions blocking your toilet parts Replace the flapper or fill valve if worn out |
| 5. | Toilet Not Filling | Partially or fully closed supply valve Blocked or damaged fill valve Poorly adjusted float Kinked or damaged supply line | Open the supply valve Unblock or replace the fill valve Adjust the float Replace the supply line |
| 6. | Seat Problems | Wobbling, cracked, broken, stained, or uncomfortable seat | Tighten the bolts Clean or replace the seat |
| 7. | Insufficient Water In The Toilet Bowl | Malfunctioning fill valve Low water level Clogged rim jets Blocked trap | Replace the fill valve Raise the tank’s water level Unblock the rim jets and trap |
1. Clogging
If you discover that your Kohler toilet takes too long to flush or the bowl doesn’t drain quickly, you probably have a clogged drain or trap.
Clogging occurs for different reasons, such as flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, mineral deposits or sediment buildup in the pipes, or a blocked vent pipe.
Fix
You must remove the obstructions to allow unobstructed water flow.
a) Use a Plunger
This is among the most effective and straightforward tools for unclogging toilets. However, for it to work effectively, you must create a good seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl, so make sure you position it properly.
b) A Plumbing Snake
If the plunger doesn’t work, a drain snake may help break up and remove the clog. This tool is equipped to disintegrate stubborn stains and is best for clogs deeper into the drain.
c) Use A Natural Drain Cleaner
If mineral deposits or sediment buildup in your plumbing pipes causes the clog, dissolve it with a natural drain cleaner. In that case, mix equal proportions of baking soda and vinegar, pour it into your toilet bowl, leave it for about an hour, then flush your Kohler toilet severally.
While natural drain cleaners can be effective and more eco-friendly, chemical drain cleaners are sometimes better suited for the job but use them cautiously. Also, note that sometimes a drain cleaner doesn’t work and can be harmful, so you shouldn’t use them as your primary clog solution.
d) Call A Plumber
If home interventions fail, or you suspect the clog is caused by a blocked vent pipe or a more severe problem, it’s best to call a plumber.
2. Leaking
Nobody wants a leaky toilet as it can easily make your bathroom unsanitary, increase your cleaning duties, and cause water damage. So, when you find your Kohler toilet leaking, determine the cause and fix it.
The likely causes of toilet leaks are a cracked bowl or tank, loose connections, a worn-out wax ring, or a faulty fill valve.
The easily noticeable signs of a leaking toilet include water or urine around the toilet’s base and visible leaks around the tank and bowl connections.
If you don’t see visible leaks when troubleshooting this issue, take out the tank lid, and inspect it for tank and bowl cracks or damage. Furthermore, check the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet bowl and sewer pipe for damage or wear signs.
Fix
- Tighten any loose connections that you find.
- Replace the cracked or damaged parts- it could be the tank, bowl, or both.
- Replace the worn-out wax ring by first stopping the water supply, draining the tank and bowl, and uninstalling the toilet from the bathroom floor. After that, take out the old wax ring, clean the area around the flange, and then install a new wax ring.
- A faulty fill valve often causes leaks from the tank, so examine your tank and install a new fill valve if necessary.
3. Continuously Running Kohler Toilet
When it comes to toilet problems, a running toilet is among the most dreadful as it can be costly and annoying. So, it is in your best interests to troubleshoot and fix a continuously running Kohler toilet as soon as possible.
This problem typically originates from issues inside the toilet tank. Therefore, it should be the first place to look trying to uncover the cause of a continuously running Kohler toilet.
After removing the toilet lid and accessing the tank, inspect the flapper, float, chain, and fill valve. Damage or any malfunction in these components can cause continuous toilet running.
For instance, a damaged flapper will fail to regulate water flow into the bowl, while a worn-out fill valve may continue letting water into the tank even after it’s filled. On the other hand, setting the float too high can cause the water to overflow into the overflow tube, leading to a continuously running toilet.
Furthermore, the toilet chain must be the correct length because it may keep the flapper valve from closing fully if too short. On the other hand, if too long, the chain can get caught under the flapper valve, preventing it from sealing correctly, thus causing continuous running.
Your toilet tank may also be cracked, causing water to leak into the bowl, thus making your Kohler toilet run continuously.
Fix
- Adjust the chain length, ensuring it has a bit of slack but not too plenty. Also, adjust the flapper valve’s position to ensure it seals properly.
- Keep the water from overflowing into the overflow tube by adjusting the float to an appropriate level.
- Replace a damaged or worn-out flapper. This universal Fluidmaster 502P21 PerforMAX Toilet Flapper (View on Amazon) is durable, corrosion resistant, easy to install, and perfect for 2-inch flush valves.
- Replace the fill valve.
- If your Kohler toilet’s tank is cracked, replace the whole piece.
4. Poor Flush
If your Kohler toilet requires multiple flushes for the bowl to be clean, then it’s time to check whether you have a clogged trapway, rim jets, or a faulty flapper. Additionally, you may be dealing with a damaged fill valve or low tank water level.
Usually, your toilet requires enough flushing water, so having a low water level in your Kohler toilet tank means less water. Additionally, a misaligned or damaged flapper valve causes a weak flush.
Moreover, clogs obstruct the rim jets and trapway causing various Kohler flush toilet problems. On the one hand, partial clogs weaken your toilet flushing capabilities, while complete clogs prevent you from flushing your toilet entirely.
Furthermore, your toilet tank won’t fill up efficiently with a clogged or partially closed fill valve, resulting in a weak flush.
Fix
- Adjust the float ball or the fill valve’s water level adjustment clip to raise the water level.
- Clear any obstructions in the fill valve and clean the rim jets using baking soda and vinegar to facilitate proper water flow.
- Realign the flapper if misaligned or replace it if damaged.
- Replace a worn-out fill valve.
5. Kohler Toilet Not Filling
The water supply valve is the first place to check if your toilet won’t fill with water after a flush, as it might be closed. You should also examine the fill valve for damage or clogs because it could be keeping your tank from filling.
Moreover, the float may prevent the fill valve from filling the tank with water if set too low or too high. Also, a kinked or damaged supply line may keep water from flowing into the fill valve.
Fix
- Turn the supply valve counterclockwise to open it if partially or fully closed.
- Clean the fill valve to remove debris or sediment but take out the cap first. On the other hand, replace it if damaged.
- Adjust the float to sit at the correct height, usually indicated by a marked line on the float arm.
- Replace the supply line if necessary.
6. Kohler Toilet Seat Problems
The toilet seats of Kohler toilets can crack or break, become stained or discolored, or loosen over time, making them shift around. In addition, some people find the standard Kohler seats uncomfortable.
Fix
- Fix a loose Kohler toilet seat by tightening the bolts using a wrench.
- Do not risk hurting yourself by using a cracked or broken seat when you can easily buy a new one. Also, get a new one if the current one is uncomfortable.
- Clean a discolored or stained seat using a cleaning solution (mild) and a soft cloth.
7. Insufficient Water In The Toilet Bowl
Low water levels in your toilet bowl can happen due to a malfunctioning fill valve, the low water level in the tank, clogged rim jets, or a blocked trap.
Fix
- Clean or replace the fill valve.
- Elevate the tank’s water level.
- Clean the rim jets with a wire brush or toothbrush
- Unclog the trap.
Final Remarks on Kohler Toilet Problems
While you can depend on a Kohler toilet for efficient flushing and durability, you must also clean and maintain it accordingly. Therefore, this troubleshooting guide provides valuable information on these toilets’ common problems and practical fixes.