7 Best Toilet Repair Kits

Every month, thousands of people encounter a problem with their toilet. Maybe the toilet isn’t flushing properly, or maybe there’s a leak.

Even people who know their toilets encounter problems and have to visit the hardware store to pick up parts.

Recently I noticed my toilet was running. I’m not sure when it started but after some investigating, I discovered the flapper needed to be replaced. For a few bucks, a little elbow grease, I found the part, replaced it and my toilet was back to normal.

Considering how much we use our toilets, it’s surprising that we don’t experience more problems. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve only had a few issues with my toilet.

Depending on how old your toilet is, you may or may not experience problems. Thankfully, there are only a few parts to toilets and any issues you have are easy to figure out.

In this article, I’ll share the best toilet repair kits that will help you get your toilet back in action. Depending on your needs, you can find different types of kits, however, the full kit will replace all the parts in a tank. A full kit can be replaced within an hour and the tools you’ll need are minimal.

I recommend saving your money and doing the project yourself. Plumbers know their stuff but they also cost a pretty penny.

What Is A Toilet Repair Kit

As I mentioned above, the parts to a toilet repair kit are minimal. If it’s a “full kit” the parts include a fill valve, flush valve, float, flusher, flapper, chain, and tank to bowl hardware and gaskets.

Very rarely do the parts in a toilet need to be replaced. A common problem is a leaky flapper – if this is your problem all you need is a new flapper, not an entire kit.

The great thing about toilet repair kits is they provide instructions that take you through the entire process. Anyone can do it.

In this article, I highlight a toilet repair kit that converts your existing toilet into a dual flush toilet. How awesome is that?

Many homeowners are using these repair kits to improve their water use efficiency. A flush for liquid waste and another flush for solid wastes. Your wallet will appreciate the low water usage costs.

Reasons Why You Might Need A Toilet Repair Kit

Old rubber flapper that no longer creates a seal (holds water in the tank)
Damaged float
Upgrading from a single flush to a dual flush toilet

If you need to save money and DIY
If you’re installing a new toilet
You’re helping out someone else and you’re handy

Parts That Are Included In A Toilet Repair Kit

As I mentioned above, the parts that come in your kit differ depending on which option your purchase.

If you just want to replace the guts, you’ll want a fill valve and flush valve with a flapper.
If you replace everything you’ll want the flush handle as well

Do you have a leak where the tank and bowl meet? Then you’ll want the gaskets for the seal
If you’re doing a conversion to a dual flush system you only need the flusher, fill valve and flush valve.

In the section below I mention several different types of kits. There are a few things you should check before buying a kit.

Does your toilet use a 2” flush valve? Some older models use a 3” valve and you’ll want to get the kit that matches your toilet.

Is your toilet a 1 or 2 piece toilet (tank and bowl separate pieces)? Traditional models are 2 piece toilets, but modern options are commonly 1 piece. If you’re changing the flush valve on a 1 piece toilet its important you read the toilet instructions – you might need a special piece to change it.

#1 Danco Dual Flush Conversion – Toilet Repair Kit

The Danco toilet repair kit is awesome. Not only will it give you a fresh pair of guts in your toilet but it will wind up saving you money and saving a precious resource, water.

The kit is universal so it will work on existing toilets. The custom flapper and flusher actually fits over your existing flush valve (it does not come with a new flush valve but those rarely need to be replaced anyway).

Highlights:

New fill valve
New flusher

New flapper with a piece that fits over the existing flush valve
Uses up to 70% less water
No need for tools

Works on 1 and 2 piece toilets
5-year warranty

Installation of this toilet repair kit is simple and no tools are required. You will need to empty your tank before installing (this is done by turning off water to the toilet and flushing).

The flusher is a 2-button system and fits where your old flusher goes. It does not require the tank to be removed and can be done while it is attached to the bowl.

The reviews for this kit are great. People are pleased with the ease of installation and the fact the tank stays on while you do it. The water savings are real and it will pay for itself within a few months.

#2 Danco Dual Flush Valve Converter

This option is also by Danco. I wanted to share it as well because it offers a flush handle rather than buttons. It also doesn’t include the fill valve – only the flush valve conversion and the flushing handle.

Because it has fewer parts it’s offered at a lower price. It fits 2” flush valves

Highlights:

No fill valve replacement
No flush valve replacement

Replaces flapper and flushing handle
Simple installation
No tools necessary and the tank can remain on the bowl

Saves water and money
5-year warranty

Over 700 people have reviewed the conversion kit with most people giving positive reviews. Young guys and old women alike are able to install this repair kit within about 15 minutes (that seems pretty easy to me).

I like the price and the reviews. If you just need a new flapper, consider buying this product to replace it and you’ll get water savings as well.

#3 Fluidmaster PerforMAX Universal Toilet Repair Kit

Okay, now we’re getting to the traditional repair kits that are found in most toilets. If you didn’t like the water-saving options this is probably what you need.

This kit model comes with everything you need, including bolts and gaskets for the tank and bowl connection.

Of course, you don’t have to use every part in the kit. If you only want to replace the fill valve and the flush valve then you can keep the bolts and gasket in the box for another day.

Highlights:

Universal option for 2” flush valves
Fill valve with adjustable float

Flush valve
Flapper and chain
Gaskets, bolts, and washers

7-year warranty

Fluidmaster is a leader in toilets. Chances are, the parts in your toilet are Fluidmaster – they are in mine. The parts are durable and that’s why they offer such a good warranty. The parts are chlorine and hard-water resistant.

I like Fluidmaster parts because you know what you’re getting and the work with just about every toilet on the market. Whether it’s an American Standard or Toto, this repair kit will do the job.

#4 Fluidmaster Toilet Repair Kit – Fill Valve and Flapper w/ Chain

Similar to the Fluidmaster above but with fewer parts, this option is perfect if you know your problem. Flappers are the biggest reason for buying a kit and if that’s your problem then this is all you need.

Of course, you’ll want to upgrade your fill valve too. There are various types of fill valves and the old style floats use the stem and balloon. This fill valve has a built-in float surrounding the valve. It looks good and is durable.

Highlights:

Simplified Fluidmaster version (fewer parts)

Fill valve w/ float
Flapper w/ Chain
5-year warranty

Idea for older toilets (3.5 gallons or more)

Most Fluidmaster parts will get great reviews. The product is durable and once you install it, you can forget about it.

The price is reasonable and it’s easy to install. If you want a quality product go with this company.

#5 LDR Industries Toilet Repair Kit – Fill Valve and Flapper

LDR makes budget toilet products that are also good quality. It’s very similar to the Fluidmaster product but about $10 cheaper. Surprisingly it also has a great warranty, just like the other good brands.

This option has the bare minimum replacement parts – it’s usually all you need. The fill valve uses the same modern float and the flapper is a durable rubber connected to a chain. This product will do the job.

Highlights:

Fill valve w/ float

Flapper w/ chain
Adjustable height
Easy to install

Limited lifetime warranty

In addition to the tank repair kit, LDR offers a flush kit, seat hinge bolt, toilet installation kit, and toilet paper roll holder. Their products come at a budget but don’t lack quality. I like the reviews and customer seem pleased with the quality and the price.

This is another good option and comparable to the Fluidmaster products.

#6 Kohler Kit For 1 Piece Toilets

If you have a Kohler, check to see if it’s a 1 piece toilet (not separate tank and bowl). If so, these are the parts you need. 1 piece toilets require unique parts, especially if you want to replace the flush valve.

Highlights:

Fill valve
Flush valve

Gaskets
Flapper
1 piece toilets by Kohler

I’m a little surprised that it uses the balloon float (old school), however, these parts are made for Kohler’s older toilets. A lot of people have purchased the toilet and are purchasing these kit to give their old toilet a facelift.

It’s wise to always use the branded products, that way you know the parts are compatible and they usually have a warranty. Kohler is a solid American brand and their parts are reliable. But these parts come with a price tag. 1 piece toilets require more specific parts so they aren’t cheap.

#7 Flush Saver 3” Drain Dual Flush Conversion Kit

Some older toilets have a 3” flush valve (the newer toilets use a 2”). If your toilet is a 3” you’ll need a specific flush valve and this one is a good option to convert your old toilet into a water-saving toilet.

It comes with the fill valve, flush valve, and flusher. It also requires you to replace the gasket so you’ll need to remove the tank.

Highlights:

Special for 3” drains
Fill valve

Flush valve
Gasket
Flusher (handle)

Saves up to 10,000 gallons per family
Budget prices

Flush Saver isn’t a well know brand, but this product works and it’s reasonably priced. Like the other options on the list, it’s easy to install and has great reviews.

Lift the flushing lever up for liquid waste and push it down for larger waste. Let’s save some water and save some money.

Can I Repair My Toilet Myself

Absolutely you can repair a toilet yourself. It seems overwhelming at first but there are few parts to a toilet and it’s very easy to figure out how it works. Once screwed in, the parts can be easily adjusted with your hand or with a screwdriver. You can change the height of the water in the tank and you can change the length of the chain to the flapper.

I’ve repaired my toilet a number of times and recently installed the dual flush valves on my 10-year-old toilets. My water bill decreased by about $50 last month!

Conclusion

If you’re up for a quick home project and want to learn something new, then a toilet repair kit can help you fix your toilet. You don’t need to be an expert, nor does it take a long time to learn.

The inside of a toilet is pretty straightforward. You’ve got a fill valve, flush valve, a float, flusher, and flapper. If you’re doing more work on the tank you can replace gaskets but it’s not usually necessary.

If you’re replacing all the guts in your toilet I recommend to use a conversion kit to a dual flush system. The cost is about the same as a regular toilet kit and it’s just as easy to install.

With a dual flush system, you can help the environment by using less water for liquid flushing and you will save a lot of money on your monthly water bill. It will pay for itself within a couple months or less.

When it comes to toilets I do my best to share relevant information that answers your questions. In this article, we discussed toilet repair kits and the various options you can buy based on your needs. I appreciate your visit and hope you found what you were looking for. Check out the homepage for more relevant information on toilets and accessories.