There is a common issue that goes around with Kohler toilets, where the fill tube just pops out of the canister. This results in all the water getting out of the tank.
If you have the same issue, it can be pretty annoying and disturbing to have.
Sometimes, even calling a professional plumber is not enough to solve the problem. Then, what can you do? Well, don’t worry, I am here to save your day with this problem.
Let’s explore the root causes of a loose refill tube and the best ways to get it firmly seated in place for good.
I will go through a couple of solutions that you can try to fix the issue of Kohler toilet refill tube pops out.
What Is the Toilet Refill Tube?
The refill tube is the flexible plastic line that connects from the fill valve up top to the overflow tube down below inside the toilet tank.
After flushing, it redirects fresh water to refill the tank bowl up to the correct level and stop the fill valve. Having it detached can lead to water overflow, leaks, and flushing problems.
Why Does The Toilet Refill Tube Pop Out?
There are several reasons for that refill tube to pop out. Let’s check them out one by one.
- Incorrect Installation
If the refill tube was originally attached improperly, it likely won’t stay in place. Only sticking it partway in or at the wrong angle will make it detach with any jostling or vibration.
- Cracked or Broken Fittings
Sometimes the plastic tube fittings themselves crack from age and repeated use. This stops the tube from fitting snugly over the overflow tube nipple as intended to stay put.
- Excess Play in the Line
Too much slack or play in the line allows it to sway and wiggle free. Make sure there are no kinks and the tubing is taut but not stretched tight.
- It Does Not The Metal Clip
The Kohler toilet uses a metal clip to attach the refill tube to the canister. When you don’t use a metal clip and only insert the tube down the larger diameter of the plastic tube, it eventually comes out off that.
No matter how many times you insert it, the tube will pop out if you don’t use the metal clip.
- The Rod Knocks Out The Tube
There is a rod that the handle raises when you are flushing can knock the tube out. When the tube is too short, raising the handle can knock it off, and it will pop out.
- Worn Out Bottom Seal
When the bottom seal of the drain base wears out, you will face this issue. A worn-out seal makes it hard to push down the handle.
So, when you finally get to release it, the handle goes up too high and knocks off the tube completely.
- Aged Tube
Tubes can age and become stiff. They don’t stay in the same place and constantly reposition when that happens. At some point, it will pop out and cause this same problem.
- Aggressive Flush Action
An overly powerful flush or flapper that slams down forcefully can jostle the refill tube loose over time. Slowing a pressure-assisted or piston-driven flush may help.
Solutions To Kohler Toilet Refill Tube Popping Out
There are several solutions that you can try out to fix the problem with your toilet. I will go through particularly two of them.
One is a rather expensive solution, and the other one is an inexpensive and easy solution.
You can go with whichever solution you may prefer.
Let’s get started with the fixes right away.
Solution 1: Swapping Out The Fill Valve
Now, this is the more expensive solution. However, it will still be cheaper than calling in a plumber.
You will need to find a replacement valve for your current fill valve to make this work.
Here’s how you do the whole thing for your toilet.
- First, you have to cut off the water supply to the toilet tank. Then, flush your toilet to get all the water out of it.
- Next, you have to use a sponge and get all the remaining water at the tank’s base.
- After that, you have to disconnect the water supply line by unscrewing the mounting nut. This should release the valve, and you can lift it out from your toilet tank.
- Now, take your replacement Korky 528MP valve, then insert it in the same place as the previous valve you had. Once inserted, you have to hand tighten the nut you unscrewed earlier.
- Next up, you have to adjust the height of the valve according to your needs. You can adjust it using the top portion of the valve and pull it upwards. You have to match the waterline markings of the fill valve and the tank waterline.
- Then, you have to turn your valve in the clockwise direction to snap-lock it in that position.
- Now, you have to take the refill tubes and insert the metal clip that you have on one end of the tube. Attach the opposite end of the tube to the fill valve.
- Then, attach the black clip on the tower for your Kohler toilet and then attach the metal clip on the refill tube to the black clip.
- After that, you can reattach your water supply lines. Simply connect the water supply line and turn the nut counterclockwise to reattach.
Typically, that’s pretty much it for the replacement of the valve. Sometimes, you may need to adjust the water refilling level to your toilet bowl.
To do that, you can simply mark the water levels on the toilet bowl and then flush your toilet.
If the water level is too high, then you will need to reduce the water level using the refill adjuster on the valve. Usually, closing the refill adjuster a little bit will reduce the water level.
And opening it more will increase it. That’s how the whole thing works on this system.
This is an expensive solution where you have to get the Korky 528MP as a replacement valve for your toilet. However, it’s also an effective solution that doesn’t require any professional plumbing help whatsoever.
Now, watch this video on it.
But if you don’t want to spend money on a replacement valve, then you can move on to the next solution.
Solution 2: Using Zip Ties
Yes, you heard me right. You can easily fix the problem of your refill tubes popping out with zip ties. It doesn’t cost you too much money, nor is it not easy.
You can easily do it yourself at your home without any worries. And most of the time, it fixes the problem with no issues whatsoever.
Here’s how you can fix the issue with zip ties.
- First of all, you will need to get 3 zip ties. You will need to install them in 3 different areas to solve the issue.
- Get a zip tie and loosely put it around the canister receptacle neck. Let’s call this the neck for your convenience.
- Then, use another tie and thread it through the previous necktie. Here you can use the term connection tie to make things easier.
- Now, take another zip tie and then put it around the rubber hose of the fill valve. Make sure to put it loosely at first.
- Once you have put on all three ties, simply tighten the neck and the hose tie.
- Finish off the process by closing and tightening the connector tie until you see the hose completely nested in the canister receptacle.
Usually, this is enough to fix the problem. But you can go one step ahead and loop around a rubber band on the hose, so it doesn’t slide down. You can also use electric tape to ensure that the hose isn’t sliding down.
Other Solutions To Try Out
Aside from these two core solutions, you can try out two other solutions that may or may not work. They are pretty easy to do, so it’s always worth trying. Let’s check them out one by one.
The first solution you can try is simply flipping the sides of the hose. So, all you have to do is remove the two ends of the tube and flip them around.
This can sometimes work, but this solution may rarely work.
When this doesn’t work, you can try out this solution where you have to use metal hose clamps to hold the tube in its place.
You can easily find these clamps in a hardware store, or you can look up online for these clamps.
Or you can simply try out swapping tubes if there is something wrong with it. When the tubes are stiff or short, simply getting a new tube will fix the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main function of the overflow pipe is to move water from the tank to the bowl. It prevents the toilet tank from overflowing resulting from ballcock malfunctions and so on.
The fill tube should be above the overflow tube always.
When your toilet is refilling, the refill tube trickles water into the bowl. You can find the flexible plastic-made refill tube at the center of the toilet tank.
When the adjustable float is set too high, water will overflow from the tank to the bowl and your toilet will keep running. You need to adjust the height of the float to stop it from running.
A fill valve that pops up is usually caused by an improperly seated refill tube. If the tube isn’t fully inserted in the overflow nipple, water pressure will push the valve up, causing early cut-off and overflow.
Check for cracks in the fittings, clean away mineral buildup, adjust slack, and firmly reseat the tube pushed at least 1-2 inches onto the overflow nipple. Zip ties, retaining clips, or replacing the tubing can also help.
Conclusion
In short, you can easily fix the problem where the Kohler toilet refill tube pops out without any professional plumbing help.
All you have to do is know the extent of your problem. It’s better to try out easier solutions like swapping the ends of the tube. Or using hose clamps to fix the problem.
If these two don’t work, then you can either replace the fill valve or use zip ties to keep the hose in place. Replacing the valve will involve a bit of work along with some expense.
As for the zip ties, it still involves some complicated work.