Typically, toilets last between 10 to 12 years. However, the internal mechanisms are a different story. They are often made of plastic and have many moving parts. This makes them prone to malfunctions.
Rather than replacing the entire toilet, we look at the best toilet repair kits to see which ones are a cut above the rest.
- Kohler designed & engineered
- Quiet-fill facility
- Improves water flow & flush
- Microban prevents bacterial growth
- Comes with a 501 flapper
- Fits 35-gallon toilets
- Self-centering gasket
- Powder-coated steel
- Prevents toilet smells
- Chlorazone rubber construction
- Stainless steel chain
- Fits older toilet models
- Complete repair kit
- Adjustable fill valve
- Water-saving performax flapper
- Fits most toilet tanks
- Includes water filter
- Adjustable water flow rate
- Fits pre-1994 toilets
- Works with dual flush systems
- Works with high-efficiency toilets
- Easy to install
- Ballcock design
- Durable plastic & rubber
- Push-button flush
- Chemical resistant
- No tools required
- Universal repair kit
- Push-button selector
- Water-saving capabilities
Product Reviews
Two large companies dominate the toilet repair kit market, so finding a diverse selection has been a challenge. We managed to boil down our selection to the 10 best toilet repair kits to make your search easier.
1. Kohler Silent Fill Valve Kit
Best Silent Fill Toilet Valve Kit
This is a genuine Kohler part, so you can buy it with the confidence that it should fit your existing class 5 Kohler toilet. This silent-fill valve fills your water tank quietly, so you can flush at night without the fear of waking the kids or elderly relatives.
It is an adjustable valve kit, so it is universal in the sense that it fits all class 5 Kohler toilets, and once installed, it improves the flush rate and saves you water thanks to the fill-rate inserts. The great news is that Kohler engineers designed this repair valve kit, so you can rest easy that they know a thing or two about toilets.
Pros
- Genuine Kohler part.
- Kohler designed and engineered.
- Adjustable.
- Quiet-fill facility.
- Improves water flow and flush.
Cons
- May not be suitable for all toilets.
- Only suitable for Kohler class 5 toilets.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 8.8 |
Dimensions (inches) | 17 x 5 x 3.5 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Single |
Warranty | 1-year |
Quiet fill | Yes |
Price | $$ |
2. Fluidmaster 400CRP14 Universal Repair Kit
Best Universal Toilet Repair Kit
This repair kit is suitable for modern toilets and even older 3.5-gallon flushing models. It’s the reason we choose this as the best universal repair kit. It is durable, which shows in the warranty. Fluidmaster is so confident about the quality of their product, they issue it with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
This repair kit comes with an anti-siphon valve and is easy to install. The manufacturer claims it can install in just 10 minutes. It also has a 501 flapper with a microban to prevent malfunction due to excessive bacteria growth.
Pros
- Microban prevents bacterial growth.
- Comes with a 501 flapper.
- Fits 3.5-gallon toilets.
- Quiet tank fill.
- Great value.
Cons
- Flapper has too much hinge friction.
- Gets stuck in the open position.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 9.6 |
Dimensions (inches) | 3.71 x 6 x 15.76 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Single |
Warranty | 5-year |
Quiet fill | Yes |
Price | $ |
3. NEXT BY DANCO Toilet Flange Repair Kit
Best Toilet Flange Repair Kit
Sometimes you only need to repair one element of your toilet’s internal mechanisms, and more often than not, the toilet flange is the culprit when your toilet runs continuously. This Hydro-seal flange repair kit by DANCO is a handy spare to have.
It has a self-centering gasket that grips the toilet’s horn for a complete seal, while the bolts ensure the flange stays in position. It is constructed from powder-coated steel and has a hard-wearing rubber funnel to provide that security of a tight seal.
It also prevents any sewer or toilet smells from backing up through the pipes. It fits most standard toilets, so you can rest assured that this is a universal repair kit.
Pros
- Universal.
- Self-centering gasket.
- Powder-coated steel.
- Prevents toilet smells.
Cons
- Works best with a wax ring (not included).
- Only the bolts are stainless steel.
- Prone to rusting.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1 pound |
Dimensions (inches) | 7 x 1 x 7 |
Adjustable | No |
Dual or single flush | N/A |
Warranty | 5-year |
Quiet fill | N/A |
Price | $$$ |
4. Korky 100BP Ultra High Performance Flapper Repair Kit
Best Toilet Flapper Repair Kit
This flapper repair kit is 100 percent American made. It is constructed from Chlorazone red rubber to make it hard-wearing and resistant to chlorine, bacteria, fungus, city water treatments and hard water.
This flapper kit is universal, fitting most makes and models, provided you have researched the size options correctly. The adjustable chain is stainless steel, so it is corrosive resistant, and the heavy-duty rubber even fits older toilet models. So, if you have a toilet with a 3.5 or even 5-gallon flush, this toilet flapper can cope.
Pros
- Chlorazone rubber construction.
- Stainless steel chain.
- Adjustable.
- Fits older toilet models.
- Super-affordable.
- 100 percent American.
Cons
- Weak attachment bracket.
- Hard to adjust.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.6 |
Dimensions (inches) | 4 x 7 x 2 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | N/A |
Warranty | 5-year |
Quiet fill | N/A |
Price | $ |
5. Fluidmaster 400AKR Toilet Tank Repair Kit
Best Toilet Tank Repair Kit
This is an all-in-one toilet repair kit. It comes with everything you need to make your toilet feel like new. And the best news is it is a universal kit, so whatever make or model toilet you have, this kit will probably fit.
It comes with the flush, the flange, the flapper, wax ring, and bolts, nuts and washers. You can replace every element of the toilet’s mechanics with this kit. And once you fit it, you will marvel at the water-saving qualities of the Performax flapper. The toilet fill valve adjusts from 9 inches to 14 inches, making it a true superstar no matter what size of toilet you own.
Pros
- Complete repair kit.
- Universal.
- Adjustable fill valve.
- Water-saving Performax flapper.
- 5-year warranty.
Cons
- The floater gets stuck.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 8 |
Dimensions (inches) | 4.3 x 7.4 x 13.9 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Both |
Warranty | 5-year |
Quiet fill | Yes |
Price | $$ |
6. Universal Toilet Fill Repair Kit
Best Adjustable Toilet Tank Repair Kit
This is the easiest toilet repair kit to adjust. Simply wind the plastic nut, and the valve extends or retracts. It is quiet, fast-filling and compact. It stops impurities from damaging the valve thanks to a water filter inside the unit.
It adjusts in height from 7.8 inches to 13 inches to cater to all sizes and shapes of toilet tanks. Above all, thanks to the adjustable stem, it is easy to install and saves you water, which saves you dollars. You can even adjust the water flow rate as well as the valve to prevent water wastage.
Pros
- Easy adjustment.
- Saves water.
- Fits most toilet tanks.
- Water filter.
- Adjustable water flow rate.
Cons
- Hard to follow instructions.
- Not suitable for hard water.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 7.2 |
Dimensions (inches) | 9.9 x 3.7 x 2.8 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Single |
Warranty | Not stated |
Quiet fill | Yes |
Price | $$$ |
7. Fluidmaster 400AH Performax
Best Toilet Repair Kit for Warranty
If you want peace of mind when buying your toilet repair kit, look no further than this Fluidmaster 400AH. It comes with a 7-year warranty. That is an industry-leading guarantee against defects with their product.
So, how good is it? First, it’s a universal kit, so it should fit in most toilets. Second, it height-adjusts from 10 inches to 15 inches, making it suitable for older toilet tanks where the capacity was 3.5 gallons or even 5 gallons. So, if you have a toilet that predates 1994, you are in luck.
Third, it reduces the noise your toilet makes as it fills the tank, thanks to a slow-filling and powerful valve. That said, it has twice the refill rate than standard refill valves.
Pros
- Universal fitting.
- Fits pre-1994 toilets.
- Works with dual flush systems.
- Works with high-efficiency toilets.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to adjust.
Cons
- Not as quiet as the maker’s claim.
- Takes forever to fill the tank.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 11.2 |
Dimensions (inches) | 3.13 x 12.5 x 4.5 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Both |
Warranty | 7-year |
Quiet flush | Yes |
Price | $ |
8. DANCO Toilet Tank Repair Kit
Best Toilet Flush Repair Kit
This universal kit differs from the rest because it comes supplied with a spring, a ballcock and a float with a rod. While it is universal, it replaces flappers that fit 2-inch toilet valves. It’s easy to install and constructed from durable plastic and rubber.
The fill-valve stands 8.5 inches tall, and the length of the brass rod is 7.75 inches. With the float on the end of the rod, the total measurement is 11.75 inches. What makes this kit unique is the ease of installation with the most basic of tools.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Ballcock design.
- Universal.
- Durable plastic and rubber.
Cons
- Not easy to adjust float level.
- No instructions.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 8.8 |
Dimensions (inches) | 4 x 7.4 x 13 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Single |
Warranty | 1-year |
Quiet flush | No |
Price | $$ |
9. NEXT BY DANCO Hydroright Water-Saving repair Kit
Best Water-Saving Toilet Repair Kit
This DANCO Hydroright kit saves you up to 70 percent more water. That means you can convert your old high-capacity toilet tank into an eco-toilet by calibrating the exact amount of water needed for each flush. This kit covers all the bases; it has a dual-flush capability, and it even comes with a European-style push-button flush mechanism.
The best thing about this toilet kit is the smart tech that detects leaks and signals when the leak is found. It is chlorine and chemical-resistant and will not warp. It is adjustable in height and requires no tools to install it correctly.
Pros
- Push-button flush.
- 70 percent water savings.
- Chemical resistant.
- No tools required.
- Universal.
Cons
- Not suitable for Mansfield toilets.
- Prone to leaking from rubber gasket.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.55 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 7.2 x 3.5 x 12.6 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Dual |
Warranty | 5-year |
Quiet flush | Yes |
Price | $$$ |
10. NEXT BY DANCO HYR270 Dual Flush Repair Kit
Best Dual Flush Repair Kit
A lot of newer model toilets have dual flush capabilities. If you care about the environment, invest in a dual flush toilet to cater to solids or liquids. So, this repair kit exclusively replaces your old dual flush mechanism when it malfunctions.
It fits standard 1.6-gallon tanks and 3.5-gallon older models, converting them into eco-friendly toilets in the process. Thanks to the design, it eliminates flappers, flapper chains, and toilet handles, simplifying them all into one unit. The flush comes courtesy of the push-button selector that sits on the top or side of the tank.
Like the other DANCO water-saving flush valve, this is chemical and chlorine resistant and it will not warp.
Pros
- Converts older toilets into high-efficiency units.
- Universal.
- Push-button selector.
- No tools required.
- Water-saving capabilities.
Cons
- Doesn’t fit Mansfield toilets.
- Harder to install than claimed.
- Costly if the complete unit fails.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 14.4 |
Dimensions (inches) | 4 x 3 x 10.5 |
Adjustable | Yes |
Dual or single flush | Dual |
Warranty | 1-year |
Quiet flush | No |
Price | $$$ |
Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Adjustable | Dual/Single flush | Warranty | Quiet fill |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kohler Silent Fill Valve Kit | Toilet Valve | 9 oz | 17 x 5 x 3.5″ | Yes | Single | 1-year | Yes |
Fluidmaster Universal Repair Kit | Universal Kit | 10 oz | 3.71 x 6 x 15.76″ | Yes | Single | 5-year | Yes |
NEXT BY DANCO Toilet Flange Kit | Toilet Flange | 1 lb | 7 x 1 x 7″ | No | N/A | 5-year | N/A |
Korky Ultra High Performance | Toilet Flapper | 1.6 oz | 4 x 7 x 2″ | Yes | N/A | 5-year | N/A |
Fluidmaster 400AKR Repair Kit | Toilet Tank | 8 oz | 4.3 x 7.4 x 13.9″ | Yes | Both | 5-year | Yes |
Universal Toilet Fill Repair Kit | Adjustable Kit | 7.2 oz | 9.9 x 3.7 x 2.8″ | Yes | Single | N/A | Yes |
Fluidmaster 400AH Performax | Warranty | 11 oz | 3.13 x 12.5 x 4.5″ | Yes | Both | 7-year | Yes |
DANCO Toilet Tank Repair Kit | Toilet Flush | 9 oz | 4 x 7.4 x 13″ | Yes | Single | 1-year | No |
NEXT BY DANCO Hydroright Kit | Water-Saving | 1.55 lbs | 7.2 x 3.5 x 12.6″ | Yes | Dual | 5-year | Yes |
NEXT BY DANCO HYR270 Repair Kit | Dual Flush | 14.4 oz | 4 x 3 x 10.5″ | Yes | Dual | 1-year | No |
How Are Toilet Repair Kits Used?
Toilet repair kits are used to turn a malfunctioning toilet back into a functioning one. From time to time, toilets go wrong, and the culprit is often the internal workings. Flush mechanisms, flanges and valves all fail, but toilet repair kits are a cost-effective and simple way to sort the problem without calling in the professionals.
In general, toilet repair kits are easy to install and only take minutes before you have a functioning toilet again.
Are Toilet Repair Kits Universal?
Most are universal, like the NEXT BY DANCO or the Fluidmaster repair kits. However, specific toilet manufacturers make repair kits that fit their toilet brand. Kohler is one that springs to mind. When you are purchasing your replacement kit, if it says “Universal” on the box, there’s a strong chance that it will fit your toilet.
Types of Toilet Repair Kits
Some kits come with flappers, while others have replacement valves. Others specifically replace the flushing mechanism. There are different types of toilet repair kits to suit each specific problem.
Make sure the one you choose best covers the issues you have with your toilet. That’s why it’s worth doing your research first to discover what the actual problem is with your toilet before you splash out on a repair kit. If you are still unsure, get a complete toilet repair kit to cover all your bases.
How To Know What Toilet Kit You Need
So, you have an issue with your toilet, and now it’s time to determine where the problem lies. Determining where the fault lies is easier said than done. Invest in research to get to the root of the malfunction.
Check the Flapper
If the toilet continuously runs, this can be a significant issue, especially because it increases the quantity of water you use. Check the flapper to see if it is completely sealing the flush valve. If not, that could be the culprit and the reason why water runs constantly.
Replacing the flapper might solve the issue, but you may have to consider swapping the entire valve.
Check the Water Supply
Check that there are no water leaks. This is a costly problem both in the amount of water you use and the damage that water does to the toilet, the bathroom, and potentially the floor. Turn the nut about an eighth. Then check the supply line and make sure the connection is sound to the supply valve. You might want to consider replacing the valve if it’s over 5 years old.
Check the Fill Valve
If the toilet runs continuously, there might be problems with the fill valve. If you see debris on the valve or think it might be too old, replacing it would be a sensible move. Sometimes they can be cleaned, but in the main, if it looks like it needs a new one, it probably does.
Check the Bolts and Gasket
Sometimes bolts and gaskets fail as a result of age and wear and tear. If your gasket is the culprit, get a repair kit that includes replacements.
Pros and Cons of Toilet Repair Kits
As with everything, there is an upside and a downside. Here are the main pros and cons of toilet repair kits.
Pros
- Money-saving.
- Easier to install than a new toilet.
- No plumbing skills needed.
- Tailored kits for specific problems.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Requires basic knowledge of fault first.
- Detailed research to get the right kit.
- One size fits all.
Things To Consider When Buying Toilet Repair Kits
Keep in mind some of the basic elements to look for when buying a toilet repair kit.
Toilet Size
Most water intake inlets are an accepted industry standard of 2 inches wide. However, some may differ, so make sure you have double-checked the measurements before buying the repair kit. If the sizes aren’t 2-inches, you may need to consult with your specific toilet maker to get the necessary parts to perform the repair. This is undoubtedly going to be more expensive.
Flapper and Fill Valve
Some toilet repair sets are specifically made for flapper and fill valves. Choose the kit to cater to the problem you are experiencing. If your toilet runs continuously, consider a replacement valve.
If you experience ghostly flushes, it could be the flapper. If you are unsure, get a kit that has both to cover every possibility.
Flush Capacity
Older toilets flush 3.5 gallons of water per flush, but modern varieties use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush. Consider the capacity of your flush and get a toilet kit to match.
Budget
Luckily, toilet repair kits are relatively affordable compared to replacing the entire toilet. Depending on the brand, it will only cost you a few dollars. Specific makers, like Kohler, charge a premium for spare parts thanks to a captive audience.
Warranty
Most toilet repair kits come with a warranty. Some are generous, giving you 5 years, while others provide shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is the way to tell how confident the manufacturer is about their product.
Toilet Repair Kits FAQs
Can You Replace the Inside of a Toilet?
Yes, you can replace the inside of a toilet. A toilet consists of three elements, the ceramic bowl and tank, and the mechanical attachments. Because the bowl is so hard-wearing, most people experience little or no problems here. But the delicate inner workings of your toilet is a different story.
These parts wear out and malfunction a lot sooner than the ceramics.
When Should I Replace My Toilet Fill Valve?
Consider replacing your fill valve every 5 years. While it may still function correctly, like all plastic elements that are delicate and part of a mechanism. Replacement before they fail is prudent to avoid problems later down the line.
How Do I Make My Toilet Flush Stronger?
One simple way to increase the toilet flush power is to squirt a thick bleach into the toilet bowl, making sure the detergent coats the flush holes under the rim. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before flushing it away. It will unclog any outlets that are restricting the flow of the water into the bowl.
You could also adjust the valve located at the base of your tank at the rear. It controls the flow of water into the toilet. Twist it one quarter turn to make sure it is fully open. This ensures the correct flow into the tank and, subsequently, the best pressure when you flush.
Flushed With Success
If you have an aging toilet, it might be an idea to upgrade the mechanisms rather than the toilet suite itself. It is cheaper and a better alternative if you want an instant result. Most toilet repair kits can be fitted in minutes, and many require no skills or tools.
So, if you have a continuously running toilet, or want to signal to the world your eco intentions, consider investing in a toilet repair kit. When the toilet breaks, you will be ready.