Best Toilet Repair Kits Reviewed – Top 7 Valve Repair Kits to Save Your Throne
There’s no such home that can function properly without a serviceable toilet. Fortunately, modern toilets break very rarely, but when they do, it always happens at the worst possible time. But how can a toilet fix kit help you?
First of all, it’s the fastest way to solve the problem as you don’t have to wait the whole day for the plumber to come. Secondly, they usually cost much cheaper than the average plumber’s services.
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly solution, I will guide you through the selection process and tell you about the 7 best toilet repair kits that I’ve tested over the last several years in the business.
Table could not be displayed.The guide includes detailed tips on selection and installation. In addition, I provide replies to the most frequently asked questions of my customers and readers to set you free from additional research.
Top 7 Best Toilet Repair Kits
- Fluidmaster Universal Toilet Tank Repair Kit – Top Pick
- Korky 4010PK Complete – Runner Up
- Next by Danco HC660
- American Standard 3280.040-0070A
- NEXT BY DANCO HyrdroRight Dual Flush Valve
- Hibbent Universal Toilet Fill Valve Kit
- Kohler Genuine Part Gp1083167
In this section, I provide comprehensive toilet repair kit reviews that include descriptions of features and actionable application recommendations. You should read them thoroughly and use the knowledge provided in my guide.
1. Fluidmaster Universal Toilet Tank Repair Kit – Best Complete Toilet Repair Kit
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- Dimensions: 4.52 x 7.67 x 13.77 inches
- Included Components: All-In-One Toilet Repair Kit
- Item Weight: 1.5 pounds
Fluidmaster is a trusted toilet repair brand from California. The founder of the company, Adolf Schoepe, revolutionized the toilet care industry in 1957 by launching a line of innovative pilot fill valves. This repair kit is a successor of the original technology, but it also features a variety of durability and efficiency improvements.
In addition, the item is protected by a 5-year warranty that covers the US, Canada, England, Australia, and Europe.
The design of the parts lets you adjust the kit to the vast majority of water tanks equipped with 2-inch flush valves. The kit includes all the replacement parts and a set of durable rubber gaskets. The system comes almost fully pre-assembled so that you have only to put it inside and tighten everything in the correct order. Tanks bolts are also included so that you can replace all the guts of your tanks quickly.
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2. Korky 4010PK Complete – Excellent All-in-One Toilet Repair Kit
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- Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 11.5 inches
- Item Weight: 1.45 pounds
The 4010PK is made by Korky, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer that makes its toilet repair parts of a patented Chlorazone red rubber. This material is designed to withstand continuous chemical impact, harsh city water treatment, rust, hard water, chlorine, chloramines, and bacteria.
The kit includes a universal fill valve that can be stretched from 7¾ inches to 13½ inches without the help of a hack-saw. It’s also designed with patented technology that reduces the number of moving parts for higher durability. By the way, similarly to Fluidmaster’s parts, this set is backed by a 5-year warranty.
The mechanism is also notably quieter than most default systems. But if you think, that your toilet is too noisy, Korky gives you instructions on how to fix a loud fill valve.
The package includes a refill tube, flapper, fill valve, metal refill tube, gaskets, flush valve, and hardware (chain, tube, bolts, etc.). The price for the full set is slightly higher than average, so it’s a pocket-friendly option compared to the Fluidmaster’s set.
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3. Next by Danco HC660 – Best Toilet Valve Replacement Kit
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- Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 3 inches
- Material: Acetal, Polypropylene
- Included Components: Fill valve
- Item Weight: 12.3 ounces
- Warranty Description: Limited 1 Year
This item is manufactured by Danco’s subbrand Next by Danco which uses the technological base of the home DIY industry leader. Using the HC660 fill valve, you can easily replace the workout valve in your toilet.
The valve has an adjustable shaft that can be stretched from 11 to 13.8 inches. This height isn’t totally universal but fits most standard-sized tanks. Besides, you don’t need any tools to install it as the default smart nut lets you tighten itself firmly enough by hand.
The fill valve is equipped with an additional smaller valve for refill water level adjusting. This part helps to save up to 3000 gallons of water per year. In addition, the valve is equipped with a cleaning tube that blasts water to prevent slime from building up on the flapper as well as to clean rust.
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4. American Standard 3280.040-0070A – Best One Piece Toilet Repair Kit
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- Dimensions: 10.3 x 7 x 6.4 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Included Components: Flush Valve Assembly
- Item Weight: 4 ounces
- Warranty Description: Limited 1 Year
In 1929 American Standard has already become the world’s largest manufacturer of sanitary fixtures. Today, it remains a leading sanitary company with factories in the US. Their 4-inch flush valve for one-piece toilets is the best option if you have an American Standard Veneto or Champion 4 toilet.
However, you can also use it to repair other models if they are compatible with the part’s dimensions – 6.40 in wide x 7.00 in tall x 10.3 in deep. You can check the compatibility of your model on the official Amazon page of the product.
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5. NEXT BY DANCO HyrdroRight Dual Flush Valve – Best Dual Flush Toilet Repair Kit
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- Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.5 x 12.6 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Included Components: Flush Valve
- Item Weight: 1.67 pounds
- Warranty Description: Limited 1 Year
If you’re looking for a reliable dual-flush system for a standard water tank, the HYR460 is the best option. This item is designed for barehand installation and offers excellent water-saving capabilities. You can install it into any tank with a 10-inch clearance and taller, but not into tanks by Mansfield.
I’ve already mentioned that HC660 can save you up to 3000 gallons during the year. But if you use it with the proprietary dual-flush system, the economy raises significantly and lets you use around 70% less water for liquid waste and paper. The soft flush lets you reduce the overall yearly consumption by up to 16000 gallons.
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6. Hibbent Universal Toilet Fill Valve Kit – Best Alternative to HC660
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- Dimensions: 9.88 x 3.82 x 2.72 inches
- Item Weight: 12.3 ounces
Hibbent is a young manufacturer of toilet parts and sanitary accessories, and I was rather skeptical when I once had to buy it instead of HC660. Fortunately, the high user rating on Amazon appeared to be deserved.
Similarly to HC660, you can adjust this fill valve’s height from 7.8” to 13”, which makes it a universal part for both small and big tanks of standard shape. Another good aspect is that this valve consists of a single durable element plus a replaceable water supplement plug. As a result, the item is significantly more durable than most competitors.
Besides, it has a decent built-in filer that keeps the dirt and particles outside the tank. Due to this, you will have less cleaning work and a lower probability of damage by dirt.
This part is recommended if you don’t mind the budget that much, and you need a mechanism that fills the tank really fast and quiet. It’s also one of the easiest parts to install if you have a standard toilet by Kohler, Toto, American Standard, and many other popular brands.
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7. Kohler Genuine Part Gp1083167 – Best Rated Toilet Repair Kit for Kohler
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- Dimensions: 11.75 x 3.75 x 3 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
Kohler is one of the most recognized toilet manufacturers in the US and Canada as it has been around with high-quality cheap products for over 150 years. The Gp1083167 kit is the easy-to-get solution if the default fill valve in your Kohler toilet gives you up. The kit has just a few parts which make it easy to install.
You can adjust the fill rate by attaching different inserts and choosing the needed height by rotating the lower part of the tube. However, the length range is a bit lower than Next by Danko and Hibbent offer, so you cannot install it into tanks with low clearance.
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When You Should Use a Toilet Repair Kit?
The most common problem that may require part replacement is a running toilet. It’s usually caused by the flapper. Else, it can be caused by wrongly adjusted refill valves, which is easy to solve without a kit.
You may also need to replace the flush valve if it doesn’t seal the trap firmly enough. The best way out is to replace it. The third common problem is a broken ballcock. It may cause water level issues, and it’s always easier to replace it instead of repairing it.
It’s also important to replace parts if they get too dirty over time or you notice any other signs of malfunc.
How to Choose the Best Toilet Repair Kit
Although the market is full of high-quality repair kits, not all of them are designed for your particular toilet model. However, choosing the right one is not that hard. You already know when you should use a repair kit, so now consider the following points to get the right one.
It must be compatible or adjustable
The first thing you should do is make up a list of all the available kits for your toilet brand and model. This way, you will narrow down the selection to a few products and save loads of time. Some kits offer universal compatibility due to adjustable parts.
You should check if the valves and the bolts can be adjusted to your tank. This way, you will save a lot of money as so-called universal kits are usually much cheaper than original parts by your toilet manufacturer.
Durability means a lot
All the replacement parts should be resistant to corrosion and not exposed to the growth of bacteria and the collection of debris. Read negative reviews to make sure that there’s no such problem with the kit you are going to buy.
Unfortunately, manufacturers cannot guarantee that their products will solve the problem with leaks totally, so you have to find and fix a leak alternatively too.
Comprehensive vs. partial
While some kits include only particular parts, you can also get a comprehensive set. The first type is good for those cases when you already know what the problem is, and you want to spend as little money as possible. I recommend you to get a partial solution if the problem has already occurred.
Comprehensive kits are usually more expensive, but they can help you with the full specter of potential issues. It would be wise to buy such a kit in advance to be ready for all possible problems.
Price & Warranty
Toilet repair kits usually cost around $30, but some brands still offer more expensive solutions, especially when there are no alternatives. I recommend you not to catch the cheapest variants if you’re not sure about their quality and avoid overpriced items if it’s possible.
Surprisingly, many kits offer up to 5 years of warranty despite their low price. However, you should read the warranty terms to make sure that the terms are flexible enough and really worth the extra dollars.
Consider toilet size & parts properties
You should consider the size of your home toilet and make sure you know the specs of each part, including the flipper, fill valve, and flush capacity. All the properties must match when you’re buying a new replacement kit. Otherwise, you will just waste your money.
How to Install Toilet Repair Kit?
Installing a repair kit is not as difficult as it may seem. Engineers designed them to simplify the repair process and set you free from plumber service costs. However, you should know the essential steps to go through the installation process painlessly. Here are the steps.
Drain the water tank
Don’t ever start any repair work until you drain all the water from the system to avoid leaks. Tighten the water supply valve to block the water flow. It’s necessary if you don’t want to end up wasting your time attempting to dry the bathroom floor.
After that, you have to use the flush to get rid of the water in the tank and then remove the tank lid. Use a sponge to drain the leftover.
Remove the handle, fill valve, and the tank
To do this properly, you have to unhook the chain connector between the handle, flush lever, and flapper. Next, loosen the nut to remove the flapper, unscrew the locknut of the fill valve, and slip it out. Now you’re ready to remove the tank. Do it carefully to avoid surface cracking.
Remove the rest and clean-up
After removing the tank, you should take off the gasket and clean the whole tank and the base. Don’t skip to the next step until you clean it thoroughly.
Install new parts
Reassembling the tank, you should carefully insert the new components. First, you have to place the new flush valve with a rubber washer (if it’s included). Next, angle the flush valve to uncover the bolts and place the plastic locknut without tightening it to the end. Now push the new gasket onto the nut.
To finish the installation, you have to:
- put the tank back on the bowl and put the fill valve inside;
- insert the handle into the hole on the front (if it’s the type you have);
- hook the chain to connect the flapper to the flush lever;
- connect the water supply line;
- test the system.
FAQ
I decided to gather the most frequently asked questions of my readers and customers and provide you with comprehensive answers. You can use them as an actionable complement to the main part of the guide.
Are toilet repair kits universal?
Some brands advertise their product as universal toilet repair kits. But are they really compatible with all toilets? Actually, it may really work with the vast majority of models, but the compatibility list will never be comprehensive, so be attentive.
Can I reduce the noise of my toilet with a toilet repair kit?
Some kits are manufactured with noise reduction technology that can make the filling sound not as loud as it used to be. My experience shows that most kits reduce the noise notably, or just leave it on the same level.
Can I use any toilet repair kit to fix my toilet?
No. It’s important to choose the kit that will be compatible with your toilet model. While some toilets can be repaired with universal kits, others require specific solutions by particular brands. It’s also important to make sure that the kit you purchase includes all the needed parts to solve your issue. Read my guide attentively, and you will be able to choose the right kit without problems.
How do I figure out the problem with my toilet?
It can be very difficult to understand what causes the malfunction of your toilet, so you should know how to inspect each part that can potentially cause the problem. Follow this instruction step by step:
- Check the flapper – if you notice that your toilet runs all the time and consumes too much water, you have to check out if the flapper seals the flush valve opening correctly. If that’s the problem, you may replace the flapper. If it doesn’t solve the problem, I recommend you not to waste time and replace the entire flush valve part.
- Inspect the supply line – you have to turn the nut behind the valve just about a 1/8 or 1/6 of a turn. After that, make sure that the supply line connection is ok. If you notice any damage or you know that it was installed 5 years ago or earlier, you have to install a new line.
- Look at the fill valve – this part may get dirty over time, so you should either try to clean it or replace it with a new part if the debris is too solid.
- Check the bolts and gasket – an old gasket and bolts can also be a reason for leakages. Compatible toilet tank kits will help you to replace these parts quickly.
Save Time & Money
As you can see, it’s quite easy to use toilet repair kits, which makes them a preferable option in those cases when you don’t have time or money to call a plumber. The market offers a wide range of such kits so that you can choose the one that will work with your toilet model.
I recommend you purchase at least one kit to be able to repair your toilet quickly and cheaply in case of necessity. You never know when it’s going to break, so preparing for the worst scenario beforehand is the best thing you can do.
Have you ever used toilet repair kits before? What did you like or dislike using them? If you faced any problems, I’d be glad to discuss them with you in the comments section below this article.
You can also ask me any other questions about repair kits if the guide isn’t comprehensive enough for you. For more guides and reviews of toilets or sanitary equipment, check out other pages of my blog.
Gerald Carpenter
My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.
I recommend Fluidmaster flush valve repair kit to anyone. I used other kits in the past, but this one is certainly the easiest to install. You get all the replacement parts, so everything is ready to go. The toilet works quietly and it is as good as new months later.