How to Fix a Leaking Silent Kohler Toilet

Test the Leak

• 1

  Remove the lid from the toilet tank, and drop food coloring into the tank water to color it.

• 2

  Lift the lid and seat from the bowl and look for evidence of food coloring in the bowl, indicating that the leak comes from the valve between the tank and the bowl.

• 3

  Feel around the sealed base of the toilet at the floor for water. If it feels wet, you should replace the wax ring sealing the toilet to the floor drain.

• 4

  Touch the back of the toilet tank, if it feels wet without evidence of a crack, the toilet is sweating and needs insulation.

Replace the Valve Flap

• 5

  Remove the lid to the toilet tank and flush the toilet. Shut the water to the toilet off as soon as the tank drains completely.

• 6

  Sop up any leftover water with a sponge.

• 7

  Unhook the chain from the existing valve flap and lift the flap and its putty ring from the drain at the bottom of the tank.

• 8

  Wipe off the rim of the drain with a sponge to clean any dirt or residue off that caused the valve to leak.

• 9

  Pull off the paper around the putty ring included in the universal toilet flap kit on one side and press the exposed side of the base of the flap.

• 10

  Take off the paper from the remaining half of the putty ring and press it down around the drain, applying even pressure to create a tight seal.

• 11

  Attach the chain to the valve handle, and turn on the water to the toilet to refill the tank.

Wax Ring Replacement

• 12

  Shut off the water to the toilet.

• 13

  Remove the water supply connection and bolts at the base of the toilet.

• 14

  Turn the toilet on its side carefully to expose the wax ring around the drain at the base.

• 15

  Scrape the wax ring off the toilet flange and from the underside of the toilet with a flat screwdriver or a putty knife.

• 16

  Wipe the flange and toilet clean with a sponge.

• 17

  Place a new wax ring on top of the flange, and press the toilet down on it to seal.

• 18

  Replace the floor bolts on the base of the toilet and reconnect the water supply. Turn the toilet water back on.

Adding Insulation

• 19

  Lift the tank lid and flush the toilet. Shut the toilet water supply off once the tank drains.

• 20

  Wipe up excess water with a sponge.

• 21

  Cut pieces of foam board with a utility knife to fit snugly against all four walls inside the toilet.

• 22

  Insert the foam boards into the tank.

• 23

  Turn the water back on and replace the lid.