Kohler toilets are one of the most popular toilet brands in the United States. They are well manufactured, efficient and come in a variety of styles. However, even Kohler toilets will suffer wear and tear. Replacing a defective part of the toilet, like the tank, can be simple or require a little more time, depending on your Kohler model. You can quickly change a Kohler two-piece toilet tank. But you will have to take out the entire toilet to replace.
Two-piece toilet
Turn off the water supply in the wall. You can find the shut-off valve by following the inlet hose from the tank to where it is connected to the wall.
Unload the toilet to remove the water. Wipe off any remaining water with a sponge and towels.
Unscrew the inlet hose.
Separate the Kohler tank from the base by unscrewing the two bolts inside the bottom of the tank. On most models, the bolts inside the tank have a screwdriver head, which allows you to use a screwdriver to keep the bolt stable while unscrewing the nut at the other end with a wrench. Or you can keep the key firmly on the nut at the bottom and unscrew the bolt.
Remove the bolts and washers. Gently lift the tank and out of the way.
Install the new Kohler toilet tank as you align the two bolt holes in the tank with the holes in the bowl and align the tank gasket with the inlet port in the bowl.
Pass the bolts and washers back into the tank holes once the tank is in place. Screw the nuts and washers onto the end of the bolts and tighten by hand.
Tighten the nuts a few turns with the key. Turn on one side and then on the other. Alternate the sides to maintain even pressure.
Add a few drops of glue or plumber's tape to the water inlet connection in the tank. This will ensure a tight connection. Then screw the water inlet hose. Squeeze with a wrench.
Turn on the water and allow the toilet to fill. Check for leaks.
One piece toilet
Turn off the water supply, clean the water and disconnect the hose following the steps above.
Unscrew the bolts at the base of the bowl that hold the toilet to the flange.
Gently shake the toilet back and forth to loosen it from its fit. Then lift it up and out of the way.
Wipe the remains of the old wax ring on the flange and install a new wax ring in place.
Insert the new flange bolts into the flange.
Turn over the new Kohler toilet. Add a thin strip of putty or plumbers putty along the bottom of the tank. This will help ensure an airtight seal between the cup and the floor.
Lower the new Kohler toilet into the wax ring, making sure the flange bolts seat through the holes in the base.
Press the toilet gently on the flange to make sure it is positioned on the ring.
Thread the nuts and washers onto the bolts on the bottom of the toilet. Hand tighten, then squeeze one side at a time with the key.
Things you will need
- New tank
- New one piece toilet
- Towels and sponge
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plumífero, adhesive tape and putty
- Wax ring
- Disposable gloves
- The above steps are a guide to use in conjunction with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Warnings
- Do not over tighten the nuts or the porcelain could break.
- When cleaning wax rings, wear gloves; This part of the bathroom is full of harmful bacteria.