Flushing is getting harder...

Hello all. I'm finding that I'm having to hold down the lever long to get the toilet to actually flush now. It has gotten worse over the last month or so. Also, I'm not sure if this plays a part, but the refill tube keeps coming out of the overflow tube and into the tank. It doesn't seem to want to stay in the tube. My bowl fills up with water, (not as high with the tube not in the overflow tube) but just a quick press and release of the lever does not flush the toilet anymore. I'm having to hold it down a bit to get it to actually pull the water from the bowl. Also, not sure if THIS has anything to do with it, but my son may have flushed a couple of paper towels down the bowl a week ago. They went down, but I thought I'd mention it. Do I just need a new flapper or fill valve? Can I provide you with more info to help diagnose? Thanks in advance!

either chain adjustment or new flapper

I would replace the full valve and leave a long upward arch on the tube going into the over flow so the tower don't knock it out when flushed . If the water level is too low in the bowl then the half tank water the low flow kohlers use then it won't flush all the way and you will need to hold down the handle i would start there more than likely the issue is just the low water in the bowl

Chains on those are very short and don't need hardly any adjusting. Probably just need to go to a plumbing supply house and get the original Kohler seal for that toilet. Part number GP1059291
Probably don't have anything to do with the water level either seems to how that is all original assuming you haven't tampered with it.

djmayhill said:

I would replace the full valve and leave a long upward arch on the tube going into the over flow so the tower don't knock it out when flushed . If the water level is too low in the bowl then the half tank water the low flow kohlers use then it won't flush all the way and you will need to hold down the handle i would start there more than likely the issue is just the low water in the bowl

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There you go. That hose should have a retaining clip to position and retain it in the overflow tube.

That one in your picture won't work on that type of flush valve. The refill tube has to push into the little pipe on the top of the valve. The outside part of the flush valve moves up and down.

I believe kohler had a recall on those toilets Beacuse the flapper will push out the tube. Try replacing the tube with a longer one

Does the lever itself feel any looser? I had a problem where there was a bit of plastic inside my toilet lever that pushed on the inside part when the lever was depressed and it would lift it-- but when the plastic started to break, it wasn't gripping like it should and eventually it completely broke off and I had to replace the lever.

Not sure if you have anything like that going on though.

I second the suggestion of getting a longer overflow hose though.

Thanks Phishfood. I put the tube into the opening on the top of the valve instead of just resting on the inside of the tube and it doesn't come out now. I'll report back and let you know if that helped the flushing issue. It definitely will help it from coming out of the tube.

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone, the tube now stays in the center opening and fills the bowl more, but I'm still having to hold down the handle longer to get it to flush. Still think the seal? There's no way my son flushing those paper towels down had anything to do with this right? There is a timing coincidence with that.

hunters said:

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone, the tube now stays in the center opening and fills the bowl more, but I'm still having to hold down the handle longer to get it to flush. Still think the seal? There's no way my son flushing those paper towels down had anything to do with this right? There is a timing coincidence with that.

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I don't think a clog in the drain would affect the trip lever. Try holding the lever down wile watching the movement of the arm to see how high the arm moves. It's possible the lever on the exterior is starting to come a little loose and not exerting as much pressure to raise the arm, but it could also be something else.

When my Kohler toilet became hard to push down on the flush lever, I solved it by replacing the spongy flapper and adjusting the chain.

havasu said:

When my Kohler toilet became hard to push down on the flush lever, I solved it by replacing the spongy flapper and adjusting the chain.

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So, it could be that the flapper deteriorated?

just poop outside

Zanne said:

So, it could be that the flapper deteriorated?

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Chlorine and chloramines eat rubber parts.

KULTULZ said:

Chlorine and chloramines eat rubber parts.

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Sorry, I should clarify that I was previously unaware that a deteriorated flapper could cause the lever to have to be pressed on harder. I knew it could lead to leaks and such, but did not know it could cause that.

I'm glad I don't use any chemicals in my toilet tank. My mother used to put crap in there but I made her stop and our stuff has been lasting a lot longer. Although, that trip lever did still break after 5 years-- just the plastic part inside though.

When the flapper becomes spongy due to excessive chlorine (or just plain wearing out) it created such a pliable seal that is like removing Saran Wrap from a drain. Instead of lifting up, it will bend up from the center creating even more suction from under the flapper.

havasu said:

When the flapper becomes spongy due to excessive chlorine (or just plain wearing out) it created such a pliable seal that is like removing Saran Wrap from a drain. Instead of lifting up, it will bend up from the center creating even more suction from under the flapper.

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Ahh! That makes sense.

Also the diaphragm in the fill valve can swell up a bit and not allow the water to flow adequately back into the bowl and tank
eassy to replace. turn off the water.
Lift the float lever and turn the red cap 1/4 turn and cap and lever assembly will come off. Replace the rubber diaphragm. $3 maybe.

make sure the water level in the bowl is coming up to where it should be.