Replacing Flapper In Kohler Toilet - What's with the float?

[Jdbs3]

Have a Kohler toilet with the phantom flush, so will replace the flapper. I've done this on Toto's before, but found the Kohler has a chain float attached to the flapper. A google search noted: "A chain float helps the flapper stay open a bit longer, allowing more water to enter the bowl for a better flush."

- Are Kohler toilets that poor at flushing that they need this float?

- Any reason I can't use a regular flapper with chain?

I'm considering the Fluidmaster Perfor MAX flapper that is adjustable.

Thanks!

 

[WorthFlorida]

I have found that early 1.6 gal flush toilets, the flapper worked OK. Then when replacing them the new one generally closed too fast, even ones with an adjustable dial on it to compensate for new and old 3 gal+ toilets. Nothing to do with a poor flush. I've have used this float type before when changing out the flapper and they work very well for me. HD still carries them and it's the same price as the MAX. I've tried the Korky Max and it didn't work for the toilet I had at the time. You can try the MAX and if it works, great, if not throw it in the tool box for a future emergency that might come up and get the float type. I always have spare flapper in my plumbing supplies.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

Flappers with floats were adjusted to 1.6 gallons.
New flappers can be bought that adjust from 1.28 up to 5.0

 

[Jdbs3]

Ok, I plan to use the Korky brand.

Fixing it is no issue; I've done it before, albeit the non-float type. But I always like to know the 'why' behind a product design.

Why does Kohler use a float type?

I understand what is does (flapper stay open longer, allowing more water to enter bowl for better flush), but does that mean the non-float style does not work for Kohler toilets?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Terry]

Fluidmaster also makes flappers for those.

Fluidmaster adjustable flappers are designed to flush toilets that use a flush volume of 1.28 and 1.6 gallon per flush (GPF)

And this one with a float.