If you have a Kohler toilet, you’ve likely dealt with the refill tube popping out of place.
This plastic tube connects from the fill valve to the overflow tube inside the tank. When it becomes detached, it causes water to spill out and prevents flushing.
This can be a frustrating issue, but don’t worry, it’s often fixable without calling a plumber.
In this post, I’ll explain why your kohler toilet refill tube pops out all the time, and show you how to make it stay put.
These are the reasons why your refill tube comes loose and pops out:
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Over time, the plastic refill tube and rubber gaskets can degrade and lose their elasticity and flexibility, which prevents the tube from fitting snugly onto the overflow tube nipple.
This will make the refill tube pop out more easily.
Eventually, as these materials get older and more fragile, the tube can’t hold onto the connection as well, so it pops out more often.
If the refill tube was not properly installed from the beginning, it can be prone to popping out.
If the tube was not fully seated onto the overflow tube nipple or if it was attached at an incorrect angle, the connection may be compromised.
Even minor misalignments or incomplete connections can dislodge the tube due to vibrations or pressure changes during flushing.
In some cases, the refill tube may be longer than the required length needed to connect between the inlet and the canister.
This excess slack can cause the tube to sway and move with the flow of water during flushing.
As the tube moves, it can wiggle itself loose from its connection points, eventually popping out.
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Many Kohler models use a plastic or metal clip to hold the tube in place.
If this retaining clip breaks or becomes damaged over time, the tube loses its attachment point.
So without the clip holding it in position, the tube can easily pop out.
This is less common, but high water pressure can also contribute to the problem.
If your water pressure is high or you have a really forceful flush, it puts a lot of pressure on the tube. That pressure can make the tube move or get out of line over time.
With all that back-and-forth, the connection will eventually weaken and the tube might just pop.
Here’s how to stop your Kohler toilet refill tube from popping out:
If the tube keeps popping out due to wear and tear, you should swap out the old tube for a new one that fits snugly onto the overflow nipple.
Here’s how to replace the tube:
If the particular model of the refill tube in your toilet uses a plastic retaining clip, check it for signs of being worn out, and replace it with a new one so the tube hooks securely in place.
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As a temporary fix, you can use a zip tie to secure the refill tube to the fill valve.
However, this is not a long-term solution as zip ties can become brittle over time and break.
Another thing you can try is pushing the tube more towards the inlet.
You can also use a hair drier or a heat gun to heat the end of the tube to make it more malleable and quickly shove it in.
Close the water supply to the tank, drain it and let it dry completely before you do this.
Do you see a lot of slack in the tube?
If so, measure out the length it needs for you to easily connect it between the inlet and the refill canister, and cut the rest off.
That way, the tube won’t be moving with the water flow, and hopefully stop coming off.
You can also try reducing the water flow in your toilet so that there will be less pressure moving the tube around. Here’s how to adjust the water flow:
Ensure that the water level is just under the top of the overflow tube in the center.
That’s it. You can adjust as needed by turning off the water supply, locating the adjustment stem on the float, and making necessary adjustments.
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