I just installed a new Kohler Cimmaron toilet that came from the factory with the Fluidmaster 400A (or similar...it's re-branded with Kohler's logo on the cap). The 400A doesn't seem to fully shut off...it has a very slight hissing sound and periodically squirts some water out from under the cap. This eventually leads to the water level rising enough to go into the overflow canister.
I took the top off, cycled the water on/off to clear out the valve. I even popped out the rubber seal and cleaned it well with hot water and again with isopropyl alcohol. It then worked fine for a few days, but is now doing the same thing.
I'm going to call Kholer for a replacement valve since the toilet is brand new, but I'm so frustrated with the 400A. This is the third one I've installed, and the 3rd one I've had issues with! Years ago I installed one to replace an old worn out ballcock and couldn't get it to fully turn off. Gave up on that one and installed another old school ballcock.
A few weeks ago I replaced my own toilet's ballcock with a 400A and also had the same issue! It just seems like the float doesn't make enough pressure to positively turn off the valve. I followed the instructions to flush it before even using it the first time, cleaned the seal, etc. After flushing it out multiple times and finally cleaning the rubber seal AGAIN, I have been able to get this one working for a few weeks now without further issues.
Every time I've had issues, I've verified there's no leak at the flapper (or canister in the case of this new Kohler toilet) by marking the water level in the tank and waiting an hour with the water turned off.
I finally got the Fluidmaster valve in the Kohler to work for now by slightly bending the end of the plastic arm that attaches to the float adjustment screw just enough to make it push at a little better angle. However, after a few days, it goes back to not fully turning off.
These 3 toilets have been at different homes with different city water systems, no well water.
Any ideas? I know Kohler will send a replacement, but I'm not going to keep battling with these things...pretty sure I'm not doing anything wrong with the installation or adjustment. Thinking about trying the Korky 528, but I keep reading that plumbers are installing the 400A by the case load and not having any issues. What could be wrong?
I took the top off, cycled the water on/off to clear out the valve. I even popped out the rubber seal and cleaned it well with hot water and again with isopropyl alcohol. It then worked fine for a few days, but is now doing the same thing.
I'm going to call Kholer for a replacement valve since the toilet is brand new, but I'm so frustrated with the 400A. This is the third one I've installed, and the 3rd one I've had issues with! Years ago I installed one to replace an old worn out ballcock and couldn't get it to fully turn off. Gave up on that one and installed another old school ballcock.
A few weeks ago I replaced my own toilet's ballcock with a 400A and also had the same issue! It just seems like the float doesn't make enough pressure to positively turn off the valve. I followed the instructions to flush it before even using it the first time, cleaned the seal, etc. After flushing it out multiple times and finally cleaning the rubber seal AGAIN, I have been able to get this one working for a few weeks now without further issues.
Every time I've had issues, I've verified there's no leak at the flapper (or canister in the case of this new Kohler toilet) by marking the water level in the tank and waiting an hour with the water turned off.
I finally got the Fluidmaster valve in the Kohler to work for now by slightly bending the end of the plastic arm that attaches to the float adjustment screw just enough to make it push at a little better angle. However, after a few days, it goes back to not fully turning off.
These 3 toilets have been at different homes with different city water systems, no well water.
Any ideas? I know Kohler will send a replacement, but I'm not going to keep battling with these things...pretty sure I'm not doing anything wrong with the installation or adjustment. Thinking about trying the Korky 528, but I keep reading that plumbers are installing the 400A by the case load and not having any issues. What could be wrong?
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