Kohler Toilets hard to flush

[George Bieniaszek]

We have been noticing that we have to push the handle to flush our toilets harder to have them flush after 5 years. Just wondering if anyone experienced this and what you did to fix.

Don't want to start replacing handles or other plastic pieces if there is a simple fix to get them to operate easier.

We have no leaks and other than pushing the handle, they operate perfectly.

Thanks

[keithwand]

Ours did too. Take off the lid and place your hand over the "can" or valve. Twist it counter clockwise and all will be well. It will happen again so it's not permanent.

[TicoTexan]

Had the same problem.

Replaced the valve seal on the tower style flush valve. Replacements are available at most hardware stores. Takes about 5 minutes.

Warranty on the new seal? 5-years !!!

[redwitch]

Make sure you get the thicker of the gaskets available for the new toilets. The thinner one lasts less than a year.

[George Bieniaszek]

Thank you TicoTexan and redwitch! I figured that the seal was starting to fail. Did a little further research and people have said that as the seal gets older it will do one of 2 things, or both. The toilet will start leaking a little cause the seal is not tight, or the seal will get too tight and cause the tower to get sucked into the opening a little tighter thus taking some additional effort to flush.

Well, off to Home Depot or Lowes for some shopping :)

Thanks again to all who replied !!

[kansasr]

You're looking for the Kohler Seal for all Single Flush Class 5 and Class 6 Canister Toilets. About $7 at Home Depot.

[LndLocked]

You're looking for the Kohler Seal for all Single Flush Class 5 and Class 6 Canister Toilets. About $7 at Home Depot.

^^^^^^^ THIS!! ONLY use the yellow Kohler replacement gasket!

The original red gasket (and the generic red replacement gaskets) are made of inferior materials and will fail quickly. The yellow Kohler replacement is an improved material and will last much longer ..... well worth the few dollars additional cost.

Also ..... if one has failed the other(s) are not far behind. Replace all of the red gaskets.

[CFrance]

So, we have a year left on our gaskets and don't have a clue what you all are talking about! Off to You tube.:D

[LndLocked]

So, we have a year left on our gaskets and don't have a clue what you all are talking about! Off to You tube.:D

Think of the gaskets as the equivalent to the "flapper / stopper" in the traditional toilet flush mechanism .... you know, that rubber gizmo that sometimes gets hung up and causes the toilet to keep running ..... or deteriorates over time and stops sealing ..... which causes the toilet tank to drain down and causes a repeating drain / refill cycle.

[scottiee]

Dial 1800 4kohler and the cost is 0.

[ldj1938]

Read about a modification that will flush by just touching the top of the tank. Modern electronics will do anything for $.

[mrpete2]

I had a similar problem. Replace the gasket in the flush valve. Go to Ace Hardware and they will help you select the right on. Makes a huge difference and stops leaks.

[CFrance]

I found this on You Tube. Is this what you all are talking about?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oVbeFsXhI

[George Bieniaszek]

Hi Everyone!

I started this tread about my Kohler toilets being hard to flush and using more force on the handle to flush.

Went to Home Depot today (Lowes sells them too) and purchased 2 Kohler gaskets, Part number GP1059291, Yellow in color, and replaced them. Cost $6.98 each. Toilets flush like new.

It is an easy DIY project and took less than 2-3 minutes per toilet. Make sure you wipe off any gasket residue where it seals. These gaskets deteriorate over time and will leave some residue where they are located before installing the new seals.

[ldj1938]

Read about a modification that will flush by just touching the top of the tank. Modern electronics will do anything for $.

KOHLER K-1954-0 Touchless Toilet Flush Kit $45.00
Operates on 4 AA batteries


Look this up on Amazon for no touch flush!

[Penguin]

We have been noticing that we have to push the handle to flush our toilets harder to have them flush after 5 years. Just wondering if anyone experienced this and what you did to fix.

Don't want to start replacing handles or other plastic pieces if there is a simple fix to get them to operate easier.

We have no leaks and other than pushing the handle, they operate perfectly.

Thanks

Shut off the water, flush the toilet, raise the tube and coat the gasket on the bottom of the tube with silicone grease. Done. Takes around 1 minute and lasts for months. Just repeat process when it gets tough to flush.