Photo: amazon.com
A single leaky toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. That’s bad for the environment—and hard on your wallet.
Fortunately, fixing a leak with an inexpensive toilet repair kit is an easy DIY job. So, stop jiggling that handle! One of the top-quality toilet repair kits below will put the lid on that hissing—as well as the water waste.
Photo: amazon.com
Types of Toilet Repair Kits
There’s a wide variety of toilet repair kits. Some include only the specific parts required to complete a particular type of toilet repair, while others provide every part you need for a complete upgrade. Here’s what you can expect to find in the most common toilet repair kits.
Universal
A universal kit gives you everything you need to repair a leaky or malfunctioning standard toilet, including the fill valve, flapper, refill tube, and all the hardware that goes with it. Even if you only notice one issue with your toilet, if multiple parts appear dirty and corroded, you’re wise to replace all parts and hardware. After all, a toilet’s replaceable parts will only last 4 to 5 years, so it may make sense to replace everything at once rather than wait for each part to fail. This can ultimately save you time, money, and the added inconvenience of a toilet that repeatedly goes out of service.
Universal kits will fit toilets with 2-inch flush valves, which cover the majority of both newer low-flow models and older commodes. Just be sure to check the size of your flush valve—the drain opening located at the bottom of the tank— to confirm that 2 inches is the right size. Given that these kits include a full set of replacement parts, purchase one if you plan on completing a toilet overhaul.
Fill Valve and Flapper
While there are good reasons to purchase a universal kit and replace all the components in the tank, you may not have the time, money, or inclination to do that right now. Replacing the refill tube, for example, requires removing the entire tank—maybe not on the top of your to-do list.
Replacing the flapper and the fill valve is often all that’s needed to fix a leak. The flapper is the rubber plug that drops against the drain hole in the bottom of the tank. The fill valve, located on the left side of the tank, regulates the water coming in from the supply line, shutting off the water when the tank and bowl have reached their fill lines. If your refill tube is functioning correctly, buy a fill valve and flapper kit to tackle the problem. Just make sure the new fill valve is the same height as the old one. You’ll need to replace the old flapper with an identical one to ensure it will fit the fill tube, otherwise, you’ll need to replace the fill tube as well.
Fill Valve
Sometimes the culprit in your leaky toilet is merely a faulty fill valve incorrectly regulating the level of water coming in from the supply line. If you flush the toilet and the bowl finishes filling before the tank, your fill valve is operating improperly, wasting water and costing you money.
Fill valves can also become clogged. If your toilet takes too long to fill and the flapper is working correctly, it is likely due to a clogged fill valve. If the other components in your toilet’s tank are in good condition, purchase a new fill valve to replace the old one. Again, make sure the new fill valve is the same height as the old valve.
Toilet Tank
A toilet tank repair kit includes the large rubber gasket and bolts that create a watertight connection between the bowl and the tank. The rubber gasket sits between the tank and the bowl. The bolts that connect the tank to the bowl put enough tension on the rubber gasket to create a watertight seal.
If the gasket fails, water will begin to leak from that seal. When that happens, you’ll need to replace the gasket and bolts. While most gaskets are 2 inches in diameter, make sure to check the size before purchasing a replacement.
Silent Fill
Most toilets hiss after every flush until the tank and bowl fill. Though this doesn’t indicate a problem, it’s not the most pleasant sound on the planet, so if you want to eliminate it, replace the existing fill valve with a silent one. Silent fill valve kits typically cost a little more than standard fill valves.
Water-Saving Functionality
Water-saving toilet repair kits work by reducing the amount of water used with each flush. Water saver kits convert an existing toilet into a two-button dual-flush toilet. One button uses less water and is designed for liquid only flushes, while the second button uses more water and flushes solid waste.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Toilet Repair Kit
The type of kit to buy depends on a few factors. First, you need to identify which components to replace. Also, determine if you’re performing a necessary repair or a full upgrade. Then decide what efficiency-related features you’re after and how much you’re willing to spend.
Necessary Repairs
A necessary repair gets an out-of-service toilet up and running again. This type of remedy might involve replacing a leaky flapper or a clogged fill valve. Make sure you buy the right kit to complete the repair, as some kits don’t include all toilet repair parts.
An efficiency-related repair makes improvements to toilets that are functioning correctly. Water-saving kits and silent operation kits aren’t necessary repairs, but offer benefits that make the upgrade worth the initial investment. A silent operation kit that replaces the fill valve eliminates the annoying sound of a refilling toilet. A dual-flush allows your toilet to perform a half-flush or full-flush can save your household water consumption by as much as 70 percent.
Kit Flexibility
Toilet repair kits come in a variety of sizes. Some may come with one part, while others include every component in your tank. Although you may only need one part to repair your toilet, it might make sense to purchase a full kit. Most toilets will long outlast the flappers, fill valves, and refill tubes inside them, which means you will eventually have to replace each part.
Universal kits, which include all replacement parts, are much more affordable than buying each piece separately. Plus, when a toilet goes out of service, it’s convenient to have the necessary parts on hand, saving you a trip to the home improvement store.
You might also decide that given the work involved in draining and removing a toilet tank, it makes sense to replace all the old parts in one shot rather than wait for each piece to fail. With that in mind, you may want to opt for a kit that includes more replacement parts than you need.
Budget
How much you can afford to spend on your toilet repair can dictate what kit to buy. Some budget kits, with parts made from inferior materials, may get the job done but not last very long, while expensive kits, with parts made of more durable materials, will cost more upfront but may last longer.
If your budget is tight, the best approach might be to purchase a kit that only includes the necessary parts to get your toilet back into proper working order. If you can afford it, an efficiency-related kit will save you money in the long run by reducing water usage.
Our Top Picks
These kits are manufactured by companies with long, respected histories of designing quality toilet repair products and feature durable materials, advanced technologies, and excellent value.
Best Overall
1Fluidmaster Universal All-in-One Toilet Repair Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFluidmaster’s kit includes the essentials needed to complete a total toilet renovation. The kit includes a flapper, fill valve, gasket, and hardware. It even comes with a universal fit tank lever just in case yours has snapped off.
Other features include Fluidmaster’s patented PerforMAX water-saving flapper, which boasts an adjustable dial that allows you to adjust your flush performance and water usage.
The Fluidmaster kit is suitable for most toilets with a fill valve that can be adjusted from 9 inches to 14 inches.
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Runner Up
2Fluidmaster Toilet Fill Valve and Flapper Repair Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceIf your toilet gets a lot of traffic, fix it with this tough and sturdy valve and flapper kit from Fluidmaster. With quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of installation within a toilet tank, Fluidmaster’s kit can help keep your toilet running for years. Notably, the toilet valve is made of corrosion-resistant material and is capable of filling much more quickly than older valves. The flapper, meanwhile, is made of Microban—a type of rubber that resists chlorine and bacteria.
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Eco Pick
3Next by Danco Water-Saving Toilet Repair Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceShave dollars off your water bill with this water-saving toilet repair kit, which converts standard toilets to a two-button dual-flush system. This allows you to reduce water consumption by as much as 70 percent.
Additional features include tank cleaning jets that operate with each flush, as well as a leak detector that can alert you in the event of a leak.
This kit works with most standard toilets that have at least 10 inches of clearance from the flush valve to the tank lid.
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Best for Flush Valve
4Fluidmaster PerforMAX Toilet Flush Valve Repair Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis low-cost, high-quality Fluidmaster flush valve repair kit—which includes a durable flush valve, a replacement gasket, an adjustable flapper, and all necessary hardware—will handle the most common toilet repairs. It will work with most toilets and comes with easy-to-follow installation instructions. No tools are required.
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Best for Fill Valve
5Next by Danco Toilet Fill Valve Repair Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceIs there such a thing as a smart toilet fill valve? This option boasts such a range of useful features, it might make you think so. Its water jets keep the tank clean by stirring up sediment and rust deposits, while a mini valve lets you fine-tune the tank refill level to save water.
In the event of a leak, the fill valve will alert you to the problem by emitting a high-pitched noise. It even allows you to bypass your toilet’s shut-off valve. There’s also a floating lock that lets you quickly shut off the water supply to the tank for repairs.
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Best for Tank Gasket
6Fluidmaster Tank To Bowl Bolt & Gasket Kit
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThat rubber ring between the toilet tank and the bowl is critical for keeping the water in your tank. This repair kit from Fluidmaster has you covered with a durable rubber ring that keeps that vital connection watertight. And because the two bolts holding everything together are common leak zones, Fluidmaster uses brass bolts with thick rubber gaskets, ensuring the water in your toilet’s tank stays right where it belongs.
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Also Consider
7Korky 528MP QuietFILL Platinum Fill Valve
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceBring near silence to your bathroom by replacing your standard fill valve with this innovative Korky model. It boasts easy tool-free installation, thanks to Korky’s twist-lock technology, and it’s compatible with a wide range of tank sizes, thanks to its adjustability from 7 3/4 inches to 12 1/2 inches. A twist-lock adjuster makes changing the valve length an easy task, while refill controls allow you to alter the tank and bowl’s water levels for efficient performance.
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Our Verdict
Chosen for its universal capabilities, water-saving flapper, and easy 10-minute installation, the Fluidmaster Universal is our first choice for the best toilet repair kit. With all of the necessary hardware and components included, this model is for those looking for a full toilet overhaul.
Alternatively, the Next by Danco model is made for those looking for a water-saving alternative to their current system. With a water-saving, two-button dual-flush design and self-cleaning jets, this kit also comes with a leak detector and does not require you to remove your current tank to install.
How We Chose the Best Toilet Repair Kits
The right toilet repair kit can help improve the functionality of your toilet without the steep cost of a plumber. Selections for the best toilet repair kit depended upon the materials used, the components included, the ease of installation, and the special features offered.
The above picks prioritize effectiveness by providing an array of parts for different repair needs. Select picks also have durable Microban construction for rust and corrosion resistance.
Though many options come with basic flappers, fill valves, gaskets, bolts, and hardware, some also come with self-cleaning jets and leak detectors for convenience. The above picks also require few or no tools and minimal hassle while installing without the need to hire professional help. Finally, a few of the above selections also come with floating locks for easy shutoff during maintenance.
FAQs
With so many options on the market, figuring out which toilet repair kit is right for you can be confusing. Answers to the most common questions are addressed below.
Q. How can I figure out the problem with my toilet?
Remove the lid on the tank and examine the parts. Check to see if any parts are worn or damaged. Flush the toilet with the tank cover removed and attempt to identify potential leaks. Check the floor around the toilet for any puddles that could indicate a leak.
Q. Can I reduce the noise my toilet makes with a toilet repair kit?
Yes. By purchasing a silent fill valve, you can significantly reduce the amount of noise a toilet makes when refilling the bowl and tank.
Q. How long should a toilet fill valve last?
Toilet fill valves typically last between 4 and 5 years on average before the seals and washers begin to fail.
Q. How do I know if my toilet fill valve is bad?
A failed fill valve emits a loud, shrill noise which indicates a leak. It may also cease to float properly, preventing the water from shutting off or causing incorrect water levels in the toilet and tank.