Notes from installing a Kohler Gleam toilet

[GON]

Earlier today I installed a Kohler Gleam toilet. The toilet replaced a five year old Sterling toilet. Two reasons the Sterling was replaced (1) sewer gas smell from the toilet, (2) two flushes often needed to clear the bowl of solids.

I read numerous reviews of toilets. I only considered Kohler and Toto. No Totos in stock locally, so Kohler it is. Exclusively reading Home Depot reviews, ample unfavorable comments about Kohler's quality control.

What made this toilet unique is that the toilet installation very different than any prior Kohler I have installed, and I have installed more than a few.

The new installation method makes it easier for a one person install. I do not know if the black tube will be a blessing or not, time will tell.

As the reviews discussed, the installation document is weak. Fortunately, not much common sense need to assemble and install this toilet. The toilet seat is of poor quality, I installed a Bemis wood toilet seat.

A wet vacuum is very helpful with the removal of the old toilet. I brought the new toilet in one piece at a time. Finally, I used a Perfect Seal wax ring. With the black tube, not sure it is a match- time will tell.

 

[4WD]

That black toilet seems pretty small

 

[GON]

That black toilet seems pretty small

I thought the same thing. Here is the finished install, less the white cosmetic screw covers.

 

[Pablo]

That is new to me!

Can I get a sideview of the appliance itself? Gotta be cost saving.

 

[DuckRyder]

So the toilet is supported by (6?) bolts/screws into metal brackets bolted down on top of a plastic pipe?

I'm not getting a warm fuzzy feeling...

 

[GON]

That is new to me!

Can I get a sideview of the appliance itself? Gotta be cost saving.

I still need to install the white cosmetic screw covers. Simply waiting to make sure everything is good. So far, so good. This design is supposed to reduce dirt and dust on the bottom half of the bowl- easier to clean.

I did a leak test before installing the tank. No water where it should not be. But time will tell. Currently no sewer gas smell in the bathroom.

 

[GON]

So the toilet is supported by (6?) bolts/screws into metal brackets bolted down on top of a plastic pipe?

I'm not getting a warm fuzzy feeling...

Hopefully the toilet is supported by the floor.

 

[SC Maintenance]

So give us the play by play.

You install the wax ring, then install the black plastic thing like you would install a normal toilet over it, then you install the toilet to it?

Did you use a regular size wax ring or the thick one?

Not sure I like design. More parts = more failure modes?

 

[burbguy82]

I would suggest a new supply line and getting rid of the tee with cap that is connected to the angle stop, since there is no longer a bidet seat. No supply line is supposed to the reused. People do it, but it is not proper. Get a nice stainless braided line for looks, maybe 8 bucks at HD.

 

[GON]

So give us the play by play.

You install the wax ring, then install the black plastic thing like you would install a normal toilet over it, then you install the toilet to it?

Did you use a regular size wax ring or the thick one?

Not sure I like design. More parts = more failure modes?

Yes, fully concur more parts more issues.

Single piece toilets trump two piece toilets for that reason. I didn't go with a single piece toilet as they are heavy and I don't have anyone to help. So I went with a two piece toilet, with of course the black tube, which as noted is a potential concern.

I went with the Perfect Seal wax ring. The Perfect Seal gets outstanding reviews, but not sure how well the Perfect Seal matches with the black tube.


Removed old toilet. Removed old wax ring. I stalled the Perfect Seal wax ring. Installed the lower base. Put two gallons of water through the lower base for leak testing. I stalled the tank. Tested a bunch more. Installed aftermarket solid toilet seat. Drank a Coke Zero.

 

[GON]

I would suggest a new supply line and getting rid of the tee with cap that is connected to the angle stop, since there is no longer a bidet seat. No supply line is supposed to the reused. People do it, but it is not proper. Get a nice stainless braided line for looks, maybe 8 bucks at HD.

Good observation. I believe Kohler doesn't want the supply line I reused as I believe the line has a cone connector.

Not sure I will have time to replace the tee for the foreseeable future. I have a to-do list of over 50 tasks to be completed by Saturday.

 

[AZjeff]

This Kohler doc shows how it goes together. Install guide

What is the interface between the black thing and the toilet outlet shown in figure 6?

 

[GON]

This Kohler doc shows how it goes together. Install guide

What is the interface between the black thing and the toilet outlet shown in figure 6?

Not sure. I think it is just a gravity connection.

 

[GON]

Wife just told me all the toilets in the house need to be the exact same make and model.

No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[Hall]

So the toilet is supported by (6?) bolts/screws into metal brackets bolted down on top of a plastic pipe?

Hmmm, besides the size of the base, what stops it from rocking side-to-side ? Oh wait, the metal brackets do have threaded holes that line up with the openings. A normal toilet only has (2) fasteners as well, so with the combination of the huge base, I'll bet this works fine.

I do think the plastic internals are nice and definitely makes it easier to install.

 

[burbguy82]

Good observation. I believe Kohler doesn't want the supply line I reused as I believe the line has a cone connector.

Not sure I will have time to replace the tee for the foreseeable future. I have a to-do list of over 50 tasks to be completed by Saturday.

All toilet supplies in the usa are universal. The tee is not that big of a deal. But the supply line can be.

 

[burbguy82]

@GON if I may answer........

What is the interface between the black thing and the toilet outlet shown in figure 6?

The black rubber ring is a female ring that accepts the male end which on made into the mold of the bowl. It is at the top of the drain assembly which is what has to be pre installed on the flange.

The toilet secures to the assembly via a toggle type bolt system.

 

[George7941]

This Kohler doc shows how it goes together. Install guide

What is the interface between the black thing and the toilet outlet shown in figure 6?

Some of the Totos have the plastic horn, Aquias for example. There is a oring that seals the toilet to the plastic horn, else there will be water leaking if the toilet drain clogged and water backed up.

 

[benjy]

i replaced my antique water closet with a toto from AMZ because it was shorter from the wall, typical fit + it flushes great. never heard of toto until a search brought it up, comparable pricing to other better basic style units, was concerned with shipping so i was there to open the box on arrival, good to be RETIRED!!

 

[doitmyself]

Nice discussion, but I am more intrigued about the oddly located electric receptacle behind the toilet. Needs to be a GFCI in case the pooch decides to get a drink or the grand kids are flushing their stuffed toys.