Universal toilet repair — start here
Most US residential toilet repairs (across Kohler, AmStd, Sterling, Vortens, Mansfield, Gerber, Glacier Bay, and most other brands) use universal aftermarket parts available at every Home Depot and Lowes. This guide diagnoses by symptom and recommends the correct universal part. Brand-specific exceptions are flagged.
Universal repair diagnostic flowchart
| Symptom | Cause | Universal part | Brand-specific exceptions | Cost (~) | Repair time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous running water | Flapper not sealing | Korky 2032BP (3-inch) | Kohler AquaPiston models: Kohler canister rebuild kit. TOTO: TOTO OEM. Eljer Aqua-Saver II: 091-7115 cartridge. | $7-$60 | 15-45 min |
| Phantom flushes (sporadic refill) | Flapper slow leak | Korky 2032BP | Same as above per brand | $7-$60 | 15-45 min |
| Tank refills slowly | Fill valve worn | Fluidmaster 400A | Eljer: 3-inch shank requires 091-7320 OEM or 400UAK adapter. TOTO: TOTO OEM fill valve. Kohler designer: GP1083167 OEM optional. | $10-$50 | 25-35 min |
| Tank refills incompletely | Fill valve shut-off too low OR fill valve worn | Adjust fill valve OR replace | Same as above per brand | $0 or $10-$50 | 10-35 min |
| Toilet won't flush | Chain disconnected, broken trip lever | Korky 6071BP universal chrome | None — handles universal | $0 or $8-$28 | 5-15 min |
| Weak flush (incomplete bowl evacuation) | Chain too tight OR partial clog | Adjust chain OR plumbing service | None — adjustment universal | $0 or $50-$200 | 5 min or 1 hr |
| Leak at tank-bowl joint | Gasket failed | Bemis 7530 (3-inch universal) | Eljer: wider pattern requires 091-7355 OEM or Bemis 7560 wider universal. | $5-$18 | 45-60 min |
| Leak from base (where toilet meets floor) | Wax ring failed | Korky 6000 wax ring | None — wax rings universal | $5-$10 | 60-90 min |
| Leak from supply line at fill valve | Supply line worn or loose | Replace supply line OR tighten | None — supply lines universal | $0 or $5-$10 | 10 min |
| Wobbly toilet | Floor flange bolts loose | Tighten flange bolts | None — universal | $0 | 15 min |
| Cracked tank or bowl | Porcelain damage | Full toilet replacement | Check warranty: TOTO 1-year, Kohler 1-year tank trim + warranty varies, Eljer/Mansfield/Vortens/Sterling lifetime porcelain. | $0 if warranty, else $110-$580+ | 90 min |
Brand-specific repair gotchas
Eljer (proprietary 3-inch fill valve shank)
Eljer toilets do NOT accept Fluidmaster 400A directly. Use Eljer 091-7320 OEM ($35-$50), Fluidmaster 400UAK adapter kit ($18-$25), or Korky 528MP universal multi-shank ($16-$20). Eljer trip lever uses LEFT-HAND threading (turn RIGHT to loosen).
Kohler (AquaPiston canister flush)
Cimarron, Highline, Memoirs Stately, Maxton, Veil Smart, Numi, Persuade, Adair, and most current Kohler models use AquaPiston canister flush — NOT a flapper. Service requires Kohler AquaPiston rebuild kit ($45-$75). Wellworth and other value-tier Kohler use standard 3-inch flush valve compatible with universal Korky 2032BP.
TOTO (proprietary throughout)
TOTO uses Tornado Flush + CeFiONtect glaze + TOTO-specific mounting patterns. Aftermarket Korky/Fluidmaster parts do NOT fit TOTO toilets. Service requires TOTO OEM parts through Ferguson, Winsupply, Hajoca, or TOTO USA customer service.
Niagara (vacuum-assist trapway)
Standard universal parts work on Niagara bowls — flapper Korky 2032BP, fill valve Fluidmaster 400A, etc. The vacuum-assist trapway is integrated into the bowl casting (not a serviceable component).
Saniflo (macerator/upflush)
Macerator pump is Saniflo-proprietary and requires authorized service center. Bowl + tank use universal aftermarket parts.
When to call a plumber vs DIY
- Wax ring failure with subfloor damage: $300-$800 plumber service
- Recurring drainline clogs: downstream issue requiring snake or video inspection, $150-$400
- Floor flange replacement: typically requires opening floor, $250-$600
- Cracked tank or bowl: full toilet replacement (warranty if eligible)
- Saniflo macerator internal repair: authorized service center only
- Kohler AquaPiston canister: Kohler customer service may be needed for warranty
- TOTO proprietary parts unavailable locally: TOTO customer service or Ferguson special-order