How to Tighten a Kohler Flush Valve Nut

Have an adjustable wrench nearby when tightening a toilet nut.

If your Kohler toilet has a consistent leak, it could signify that the flush valve located inside the water tank is loose, improperly tightened, or has worn seals. To gain access to the flush valve nut, you must take the toilet apart. You'll need to use a few basic tools along with one specific tool, an empire lock wrench, to disassemble the toilet. Empire lock wrenches resemble adjustable wrenches but feature wider, longer jaws designed to wrap around the toilet's large flush valve nuts.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Slotted screw driver
• Empire lock wrench

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Instructions

1. Locate the water supply valve, which comes out of the wall, near the lower back portion of the toilet. Turn the water supply off and flush the toilet a few times to drain the tank. Use a sponge to soak up any left over water in the tank. Fasten an adjustable wrench to the water supply hose and disconnect the hose from the valve body. Leave the hose connected to the toilet tank end.

2. Locate the nuts that secure the tank to the toilet bowl. Attach an adjustable wrench to each nut and turn them in counterclockwise directions. Affix a slotted screw driver to the opposite sides of the bolts, which are located inside the toilet tank, if they spin in place while you try to remove them. Remove the bolts.

3. Lift the toilet tank up and place it upside down on the floor. Lay an old towel on the floor before placing the tank on it to absorb any leaking water.

4. Attach an empire wrench to the flush valve nut. Turn the wrench in a clockwise direction to tighten the nut. Don't over-tighten the wrench, which could break the nut or strip the valve threads.

5. Reinstall the toilet bowl by turning it over and setting it on the tank. Slip the bolts back through the slots inside the tank and the bowl. Slide the washers over the bolts, thread the nuts onto them, and use the adjustable wrench to tighten. Reattach the water supply to the valve body and turn it back on.

6. Watch for any leaks as the tank fills up with water. Check the flush chain to ensure it's hanging properly. Flush the toilet a few times and set the lid back into place.

References

• The Keeney Manufacturing Company: Toilet Repair Parts — Installation Instructions
• Plumbing Supply: The Wellworth Series Toilet Repair Parts by Kohler