Kohler and Fluidmaster

Re: Toilet keeps running
Asked by mdhaworth

Question:
I have a 2 year old Kohler toilet and about 70 percent of the time when you flush it it continues running. I've identified the problem, the float sticks ever so slightly so it often doesn't float up high enough to turn off the running water. I can easily lift the toilet lid and bump it up to solve the problem but I hate to do this ever time I use the toilet.

The float is not the ball on a stick type but instead is a cylinder that goes around the tube through which the water flows.

Does anyone have a quick idea for making sure the float goes up every time? The ideas I have are to add additional floatyness to the float (i.e. gluing on some bubble wrap) or extending the height of the overflow so the water goes a touch higher before stopping (not sure if that makes sense).

I welcome your ideas before I screw up my toilet!! Thanks!

My Advice:

I am not sure if I am reading your question correctly but if I am not PLEASE let me know and I will do my best to get you a solution that takes care of your problem.

First of all let me rephrase your question, you are having trouble getting the float to move so that you can adjust the timing on shutting off the water? 

First of all I think that the fill kit that you have is a Fluidmaster.  Kohler and American Standard for the most part have gone to using Fluidmaster fill kits in their toilets and the apparatuses are good units.  They are a little different than the old "stick" type and rather than adjust the fill level by screwing the big bubb;e in or out there is now a vertical black plastic screw that adjusts the level at which the float shuts off the water to the tank.

If you remove the tank lid (which it sounds like you are a pro at already, lol) and look beside the grey float you will see a round black plastic stick that has a phillips head on it or the X type of screwdriver head.  this is the adjustment apparatus.  If you turn it one way you will notice that the float moves up or down depending upon which way you turn the long black screw.  Adjust this screw so that it moves the float DOWN toward the bottom of the tank and I think it will take care of the stick problem and shut off your water sooner.

I think that this will replace the need for bubble wrap and will make the toilet run like new again.

If there is anything else you need please do not hesitate to contact me and if this is not the solution please let me know also and I will get you another suggestion.

Good Luck!

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden

Owner/ Paragon Renovations

www.paragonrenovations.net or www.paragonbathrooms.com