Toilet fill valve too short ?

[Hall]

We replaced a toilet a few years ago and it's one of those too-efficient, low-water-usage ones. Compared to our other toilets, it's immediately apparent that the fill tube is much shorter than the others. I replaced the fill valve yesterday and with it set as low as it can go, it's definitely not set 1/2" below the fill tube top like intended. It works, but the water level is literally 1/16" below the top of the fill tube. It's a Korky valve (similar to ones I've always bought) and it says it's compatible with 1.2 gallon and higher toilets. The toilet is a Delta but I couldn't tell you the water usage rating for it.

Before installing a water softener, I had to replace the valves every few years and on the Mansfield toilets, I had to replace the 3" flat rubber gasket almost annually. This Delta toilet was in use for 2-3 years with this hard water too and was "hissing" (common with debris, i.e. limescale build-up).

Do I need to look for a shorter flush valve ? They all seem to be the same size although I wasn't looking at them based on height when I was at the store.

 

[factorytuned2012]

usually on replacement fill valves you can adjust the height. the fluid masters have a locking ring the korky I am not too familiar with but I think they should to be adjustable maybe a 1/4 turn to disengage the lock mechanism.

check the korky site for instructions

 

[burbguy82]

usually on replacement fill valves you can adjust the height. the fluid masters have a locking ring the korky I am not too familiar with but I think they should to be adjustable maybe a 1/4 turn to disengage the lock mechanism.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.korky.com/sites/default/files/2023-09/lit148_-_528mp_instructions_-_02.20.pdf

This is correct. Korky uses not quite a 1\8 turn unlocking move, with a weird looking clip that holds the fill valve shaft in place after the adjustment. The clip is usually white of black. Kind of looks like some "Batman" type gizmo

@Hall you have to adjust the fill valve. Assuming the fill valve is working properly

you want the fill line to be as close as possible to the top of the bowl fill tube.

water efficiency is fine, but not for a toilet.

 

[Hall]

usually on replacement fill valves you can adjust the height

I adjusted the height

and with it set as low as it can go

 

[burbguy82]

I adjusted the height

Is the water level to the height of the bowel fill tube?

 

[Hall]

you want the fill line to be as close as possible to the top of the bowl fill tube.

It is - it's about 1/16" below the top and it works. I am just going by Korky's instructions that say this:

It doesn't appear to be possible though. I can't adjust the valve to be any shorter as it's down as far as it will go.... I can double-check though. I positioned it where it goes and could see it needed to be lower, so I pulled it out (I hadn't nutted it in place yet) and adjusted it outside of the tank. From past experience, I unlocked it and extended it right off the bat, then once in the tank, saw it wasn't correct for this high-efficiency toilet.

 

[factorytuned2012]

I adjusted the height

this looks like how you adjust tank/bowl water ratio .. does your fill valve have that?

 

[burbguy82]

I might be missing something.......what was the complaint?

 

[Hall]

this looks like how you adjust tank/bowl water ratio

It says "bowl" level. No reference to the tank level.

 

[factorytuned2012]

It says "bowl" level. No reference to the tank level.

Counterclockwise will put more water in the bowl and less in the tank

 

[SC Maintenance]

As long as your below the top of the overflow pipe and it stops running, your good to go. As long as your house doesn't tilt and gravity doesn't stop, below is below.

However I had the same issue. I ended up having to get this valve - it goes down to 7.8 inches.. Looks like not available anymore - I think I have a spare around here somewhere. Next time I think I will just replace the toilet.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H27NYNP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[shortyb]

Does the toilet flush completely? As long as that happens, you're good. If not, get an extension for the flush valve tube and raise the water level in the tank until it does.

 

[burbguy82]

Does the toilet flush completely? As long as that happens, you're good. If not, get an extension for the flush valve tube and raise the water level in the tank until it does.

that might work, depends on the flapper.

of note if anyone ever gets a new toilet, get one with a 3'' flapper

 

[George7941]

Moen 5350 is the perfect solution. It can be adjusted down to 4 inches of water in the tank. See how close to the base of the tank/fill valve is the bottom end of the arm on which the float rides

Some of the old LoBoy toilets need a low water level and I have been using the Moen for this purpose.

Unfortunately Moen has discontinued this valve.. Amazon Canada indicates stock of this valve though I expect when you place an order, Amazon will get back to you that it is NLA
https://www.amazon.ca/Moen-M-Line-M5350-Universal-Toilet/dp/B010C5MU6E

 

[Hall]

As long as your below the top of the overflow pipe and it stops running, your good to go. As long as your house doesn't tilt and gravity doesn't stop, below is below.

I was only trying to be close to the instructions. If it was 1/4" difference, I wouldn't have brought it up.

get an extension for the flush valve tube

Never knew that was a thing.

of note if anyone ever gets a new toilet, get one with a 3'' flapper

Ours actually does but I didn't realize it until I looked at it, then looked at the 2" flapper I bought, and realized I bought the wrong size.