This was a very helpful video in determining what this odd-looking gasket is and how to deal with it. I had replaced the fill valve on a Kohler with a Fluidmaster, which seemed to disagree with the proprietary Kohler flush valve. Attempting to replace the flush valve with another Fluidmaster, I found the triangle gasket under the tank. Turns out the Fluidmaster flush valve works fine with the Kohler gasket, which was a relief because the repair had already involved a defective fill valve from the hardware store, a leaky water supply line that I must have damaged when I first disconnected it, and the purchase of a replacement water supply line that was the wrong size. Clearly I’m not a plumber. Anyway, this video was just what I needed when encountering another, and thankfully last, mystery involving that particular toilet.
Thank you! I had to replace the Flush Valve unit and had no clue how to make the triangular gasket fit again so everything leaked. Stepped back, slept on it and found your excellent How To. All fixed now 🙌🏼
Everything went well, just like per the video.... thank you! UNTIL the first sample flush ..... water came pouring out from between the tank gasket and the bowl. My problem had been being afraid of “overtightening” the 3 “tank to bowl bolts” for fear of “cracking the porcelain. But apparently there needs to be some pressure on the gasket to assure that seal. So to see if there were any gaps I lifted the flap and inserted a flashlight and closed the door - then used a mirror under the tank in the dark to view if any light could be seen between bowl and tank. There was light .... so I alternately tightened the 3 bolts until no more light was visible.
I replaced my tank fill and flush valves, but put the gasket back incorrectly, so I had a quite the leak. I found your video, installed the gasket correctly, and solved my problem. Thank you so much for this video. Saved a big plumbers bill!
Thanks for posting. Your video made the replacement very easy. My toilet originally had an older style Kohler GP51487 gasket (triangle shaped). One of the bolts rotted inside the tank and it started dripping. The other two bolts were in pretty bad shape also. This newer style GP51487 gasket appears to have bolts that are more corrosion resistant.
Thank you so much for confirming my suspicions. I too, purchased the "universal" gasket that leaked. After watching your video, I purchased the official Kohler gasket (and used the soapy water method to create better suction), and . . . no more leaks.
Thanks ! Just watched this video to figure out what I did wrong on my replacement and figured it out from your video. One thing I would add is to place a level on the toilet tank side to side and front to back. Loosen or tighten - Carefully, don't overtighten - to make it level. Kohler has a a good description of how to get is level by adjusting bolt tightness,
The video was interesting because you're just like the rest of us. You tried other types of gaskets and they all leak. So you had to go get the correct gasket for the Kohler toilet. Thanks for being genuine.
It was helpful to watch this video, thanks. Between this and Kohler's install video, I just don't get the don't "over tighten" part. I've worked on cars and bikes for years, and most stuff has a torque value. Don't over tighten???? Ugh. So our toilet of 17 years suddenly started running about every 24 minutes. I knew it was an internal leak, so I replaced the internals with a fluidmaster kit. I initially used the universal gasket between the tank and bowl, and then replaced it with the proper Kohler part. I keep getting internal leaking. At first I thought I was over tightening the nut on the flush valve assembly, but after many iterations of taking it apart, it continues to leak. My last attempt was to snug down the three bolts more, as that seems to make sense to me in terms of compressing the center gasket. It's now running every 7 minutes. This is driving me nuts.
Thank you! I have the exact toilet and the first two times it leaked. I got it all put together but it's late and will try turning in the water tomorrow.
I am now installing the same gasket and was concerned about how much torque to apply to the nuts. I have a drill with an adjustable clutch so I set to the lowest setting. then a couple of more clicks. so here I am before testing for leaks. I bought the gasket at my local ACE. I believe the gasket is designed to expand into the holes. It would be nice if there were more instructions on the package. Thanks for the video by the way. I have realised Plumbers are the unsung heroes of America.
You are very welcome. However, I should be the one thanking you for your excellent video. I like your straightforward description of the problem and the steps you need to fix it. It’s hard to find quality how-to videos on UA-cam. I was lucky to find yours. Keep up the good work!
I bought a replacement toilet (the cheapest toilet Home Depot had) and had a problem of the tank and bowl not lining up. No washer or amount of sealant was going to to do the job so had to return it (for a better toilet, a one piece two button flush toilet).
I messed up both my toilets will toilet bowl cleaners (don't use them). Sterling 404555 (now a Kohler brand). I had to replace fill valves and flappers on both of them, but one of them now has a leak between the toilet and the tank. I've read online that people had bad luck with third party parts, so I decided to use the Kohler's GP51487 tank to bowl seal. After replacing it, it still leaked, so I took it apart and tightened the large nut thinking that was the issue, but it still leaked. I think I figured it out, it seems I wasn't tightening the 3 bolts enough due to being too cautious. I noticed that when I compared both of my toilets, I had a massive gap on the one I replaced the tank to bowl seal. It helps tremendously to use a ratchet with a deep socket instead of a wrench to tighten those three bolts (don't over-tortorque) because the rubber between them needs to compress so that a seal forms between the tank and the toilet with the rubber gasket. I also noticed that people complain that the bolts with this kit are not long enough, but that is not the case, since the rubber compresses a lot, so the bolt length is not an issue. Lastly, I've read to re-tighten the bolts after a week or so since the weight of the water will compress the rubber further and may cause the tank to wobble.
There are two major issues with this kit for a Wellworth toilet with old flush valve: 1) It is really difficult to get the bolts through the holes in the gasket and 2) The back bolt head is occluded by the flush valve in the normal position. To solve #1, I would first put the gasket in, then put the bolts in and use the nuts and washer to bring the bolt through. I would then take the nuts off and mount the flush valve and tighten the plastic fastener. For the Wellworth, this meant rotating the flush valve a bit so it did not hit the bolt head. After that, mount the tank to the bowl as shown, but I also used rubber washers underneath the bowl for insurance against cracking.
The part of the gasket that envelops the 3 bolts didn't seem to seat flush with the bowl and it was getting really tight so I stopped turning the bolts for fear of cracking. But even with those gaps, somehow it didn't leak. The rubber inside the tank must expand a little or something to keep the water from leaking out. This is a terrible design. I wouldn't recommend buying this toilet. The only benefit I see is there is some extra stability in that the tank doesn't move quite as much.
I can't believe that at your age (no offense intended) that your able to get on your knees on a hard floor like that..wowwww..I'm 57 and for the last few years can only get on my knees if I use my special thick firm foam pad. Been going thru bad arthritis inflammation in both knees and limited function since I had to renovate my low clearance crawl space. I advise all that at any age you should use the best padding you can find (or knee pads) for ALL kneeling or you'll eventually end up like me. Before watching this bought both the Kneeney (Lowes) and than made trip to HD where they have the genuine Kohler gasket...thanks for the tip about using the Kohler. Now lets hope I don't have to go look for a compatible Kohler flush kit because I'm replacing that too and I bought a Fluidmaster PerforMAX..they had a few Korky kits, but only one Kohler and the box said it was NOT a universal fit and made for one particular Kohler toilet ..started with a C...can't remember but I wonder if it would fit mine. Do you have any advise on the brand for the flush kit?
My mistake was putting the thin plastic gasket between the tank and the rubber gasket, instead of INSIDE the rubber gasket! Kept leaking into the bowl. Also some was leaking through a couple bolts because they weren't tight enough. The simple way to know if they're not tight enough is you'll see tiny air bubbles surrounding the hard plastic bolt tops. Lesson learned !
These kohler triangle gaskets never work. The best thing to do is cut off the 3 rubber barrels that stick through the 3 holes in the tank. Cut them flush with a scissor. Then just install using 3 rubber washers inside the tank. It will not leak and the height will still be correct.
This was a very helpful video in determining what this odd-looking gasket is and how to deal with it. I had replaced the fill valve on a Kohler with a Fluidmaster, which seemed to disagree with the proprietary Kohler flush valve. Attempting to replace the flush valve with another Fluidmaster, I found the triangle gasket under the tank. Turns out the Fluidmaster flush valve works fine with the Kohler gasket, which was a relief because the repair had already involved a defective fill valve from the hardware store, a leaky water supply line that I must have damaged when I first disconnected it, and the purchase of a replacement water supply line that was the wrong size. Clearly I’m not a plumber. Anyway, this video was just what I needed when encountering another, and thankfully last, mystery involving that particular toilet.
Sound like you had a trying time but came out on top. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for helping me to understand how to install the Kohler gasket assembly. I installed it on 2-7-2024. Your video was excellent. Thanks!
I am happy it was of help. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you! I had to replace the Flush Valve unit and had no clue how to make the triangular gasket fit again so everything leaked. Stepped back, slept on it and found your excellent How To. All fixed now 🙌🏼
Great.
Everything went well, just like per the video.... thank you! UNTIL the first sample flush ..... water came pouring out from between the tank gasket and the bowl. My problem had been being afraid of “overtightening” the 3 “tank to bowl bolts” for fear of “cracking the porcelain. But apparently there needs to be some pressure on the gasket to assure that seal. So to see if there were any gaps I lifted the flap and inserted a flashlight and closed the door - then used a mirror under the tank in the dark to view if any light could be seen between bowl and tank. There was light .... so I alternately tightened the 3 bolts until no more light was visible.
Neat approach.
Just about to tackle this repair so very grateful for the vid. As you say yourself at the end "I'll come back and let you know..."
I replaced my tank fill and flush valves, but put the gasket back incorrectly, so I had a quite the leak. I found your video, installed the gasket correctly, and solved my problem. Thank you so much for this video. Saved a big plumbers bill!
I am glad it was helpful.
Really nice, detailed and straight forward video. Directly answered my questions. Thanks a lot.
Thank YOU!
Thanks for the extra extra effort Glenn! So nice to NOT have to worry about keeping a towel on the floor
Got to keep the wife happy.
Thanks for posting. Your video made the replacement very easy. My toilet originally had an older style Kohler GP51487 gasket (triangle shaped). One of the bolts rotted inside the tank and it started dripping. The other two bolts were in pretty bad shape also. This newer style GP51487 gasket appears to have bolts that are more corrosion resistant.
Thank you, glad it helped.
Thank you so much for confirming my suspicions. I too, purchased the "universal" gasket that leaked. After watching your video, I purchased the official Kohler gasket (and used the soapy water method to create better suction), and . . . no more leaks.
Outstanding.
What's the soapy water method?
Thanks ! Just watched this video to figure out what I did wrong on my replacement and figured it out from your video. One thing I would add is to place a level on the toilet tank side to side and front to back. Loosen or tighten - Carefully, don't overtighten - to make it level. Kohler has a a good description of how to get is level by adjusting bolt tightness,
I'm happy the video helped, those were good suggestions
The video was interesting because you're just like the rest of us. You tried other types of gaskets and they all leak. So you had to go get the correct gasket for the Kohler toilet. Thanks for being genuine.
I try.
Excellent tutorial, thank you very much!
I am Happy it was of use.
This is exactly the model I have. Thanks!! You might want to mention that one should not over-tighten the nuts as you might crack the tank.
I think I did in the video?? Got a comment on how much is too much.
It was helpful to watch this video, thanks. Between this and Kohler's install video, I just don't get the don't "over tighten" part. I've worked on cars and bikes for years, and most stuff has a torque value. Don't over tighten???? Ugh. So our toilet of 17 years suddenly started running about every 24 minutes. I knew it was an internal leak, so I replaced the internals with a fluidmaster kit. I initially used the universal gasket between the tank and bowl, and then replaced it with the proper Kohler part. I keep getting internal leaking. At first I thought I was over tightening the nut on the flush valve assembly, but after many iterations of taking it apart, it continues to leak. My last attempt was to snug down the three bolts more, as that seems to make sense to me in terms of compressing the center gasket. It's now running every 7 minutes. This is driving me nuts.
Thank you! I have the exact toilet and the first two times it leaked. I got it all put together but it's late and will try turning in the water tomorrow.
I am now installing the same gasket and was concerned about how much torque to apply to the nuts.
I have a drill with an adjustable clutch so I set to the lowest setting. then a couple of more clicks. so here I am before testing for leaks. I bought the gasket at my local ACE.
I believe the gasket is designed to expand into the holes. It would be nice if there were more instructions on the package. Thanks for the video by the way. I have realised Plumbers are the unsung heroes of America.
Good luck with your gasket
Thanks. Good instructions, although would appreciate more comment on what type of tool needed to remove that large, low profile nut.
Thanks for the video. Install went easy.
That's great.
Excellent video!
Thank you, I am happy you found it useful, thanks for the comment.
You are very welcome. However, I should be the one thanking you for your excellent video. I like your straightforward description of the problem and the steps you need to fix it. It’s hard to find quality how-to videos on UA-cam. I was lucky to find yours. Keep up the good work!
Thank you SO MUCH.
Thank you!
exactly what i was looking for - thanks for doing this!!!
Thank You.
I bought a replacement toilet (the cheapest toilet Home Depot had) and had a problem of the tank and bowl not lining up. No washer or amount of sealant was going to to do the job so had to return it (for a better toilet, a one piece two button flush toilet).
Home Depot cheap toilets are crap
Home Depot is not my first choice in supplies.
Thank you sir! I almost bought that Keeney kit. Glad I didn't!
Glad to be of help
I messed up both my toilets will toilet bowl cleaners (don't use them). Sterling 404555 (now a Kohler brand).
I had to replace fill valves and flappers on both of them, but one of them now has a leak between the toilet and the tank.
I've read online that people had bad luck with third party parts, so I decided to use the Kohler's GP51487 tank to bowl seal.
After replacing it, it still leaked, so I took it apart and tightened the large nut thinking that was the issue, but it still leaked.
I think I figured it out, it seems I wasn't tightening the 3 bolts enough due to being too cautious. I noticed that when I compared both of my toilets, I had a massive gap on the one I replaced the tank to bowl seal.
It helps tremendously to use a ratchet with a deep socket instead of a wrench to tighten those three bolts (don't over-tortorque) because the rubber between them needs to compress so that a seal forms between the tank and the toilet with the rubber gasket.
I also noticed that people complain that the bolts with this kit are not long enough, but that is not the case, since the rubber compresses a lot, so the bolt length is not an issue.
Lastly, I've read to re-tighten the bolts after a week or so since the weight of the water will compress the rubber further and may cause the tank to wobble.
Thanks!!
You are welcome. This video gets a lot of views.
There are two major issues with this kit for a Wellworth toilet with old flush valve: 1) It is really difficult to get the bolts through the holes in the gasket and 2) The back bolt head is occluded by the flush valve in the normal position. To solve #1, I would first put the gasket in, then put the bolts in and use the nuts and washer to bring the bolt through. I would then take the nuts off and mount the flush valve and tighten the plastic fastener. For the Wellworth, this meant rotating the flush valve a bit so it did not hit the bolt head. After that, mount the tank to the bowl as shown, but I also used rubber washers underneath the bowl for insurance against cracking.
Thank you.
Definitely; it was challenging with the new bolts. In the beginning, I thought something was wrong with the part. Thanks, for the hint.
The part of the gasket that envelops the 3 bolts didn't seem to seat flush with the bowl and it was getting really tight so I stopped turning the bolts for fear of cracking. But even with those gaps, somehow it didn't leak. The rubber inside the tank must expand a little or something to keep the water from leaking out. This is a terrible design. I wouldn't recommend buying this toilet. The only benefit I see is there is some extra stability in that the tank doesn't move quite as much.
I agree.
Thank you ! I installed mine 2 hours ago
Will see if it leaks 😳
my Home Depot doesn't recognize the part number given. and -- isn't there another round gasket inside the tank? like a 2" flush valve gasket.
Neither Home Depot of Lowe's carries the gasket. I had to order of the inter net. Thanks.
No torque specs on the bolts? You suggest not over-tightening but how do we know?
None was given in the instructions other than not to over-tighten. Sorry
Once little air bubbles disappear from the bolt tops (when it's filled), it's tight enough!
This was a live saver today. The toilet from hell. Thanks
Why would a company design such a arrangement?
You can order this part direct from Kohler Co. Cost is a little over $12.00 and free shipping.
One bolt is leaking. What did l do wrong?
I can't believe that at your age (no offense intended) that your able to get on your knees on a hard floor like that..wowwww..I'm 57 and for the last few years can only get on my knees if I use my special thick firm foam pad. Been going thru bad arthritis inflammation in both knees and limited function since I had to renovate my low clearance crawl space. I advise all that at any age you should use the best padding you can find (or knee pads) for ALL kneeling or you'll eventually end up like me. Before watching this bought both the Kneeney (Lowes) and than made trip to HD where they have the genuine Kohler gasket...thanks for the tip about using the Kohler. Now lets hope I don't have to go look for a compatible Kohler flush kit because I'm replacing that too and I bought a Fluidmaster PerforMAX..they had a few Korky kits, but only one Kohler and the box said it was NOT a universal fit and made for one particular Kohler toilet ..started with a C...can't remember but I wonder if it would fit mine. Do you have any advise on the brand for the flush kit?
I fell an broke my leg at the ball, they did a full hip replacement 2 1/2 weeks ago. getting on the knees right now would HURT
I like the leveling of the tank that he did LOL
Always want to please.
@@ThrottleStopRacing I did not see any ;)
@@trutano It was in the eye of the beholderer
I inserted the rubber in the 3 holes from inside vs outside. Should I be okay if I’m not leaking?
I really do not know, sorry
Kit doesnt come with the washer. And it's not easy to get either.
Which kit, mine had everything in it.
I found later the friction gasket is cardboard. I used old plastic gasket. Water runs every 4 hours, for about 10 seconds. Trying to figure it out.
My mistake was putting the thin plastic gasket between the tank and the rubber gasket, instead of INSIDE the rubber gasket! Kept leaking into the bowl.
Also some was leaking through a couple bolts because they weren't tight enough.
The simple way to know if they're not tight enough is you'll see tiny air bubbles surrounding the hard plastic bolt tops.
Lesson learned !
Don’t feel bad. I did the same thing.
How bout getting out of the way of your seeing all camera sir?
These kohler triangle gaskets never work. The best thing to do is cut off the 3 rubber barrels that stick through the 3 holes in the tank. Cut them flush with a scissor. Then just install using 3 rubber washers inside the tank. It will not leak and the height will still be correct.
That is an idea, however the gasket been in awhile now as packaged an not leaked.
The one I just replaced on a 60 year old Kohler Trylon did not fit a Kohler gasket