Our 18 year old Kohler 81100 pressure-clean Flushometer toilet sounds like water is constantly running very slowly, but it's not going into the bowl. It stops only when I shut off the water supply valve. Where is the water running? Can it be going down the drain without entering the bowl? Does the pressure tank need to be replaced?

How do you know its NOT going into the bowl? It takes a pretty good flow to even see a disturbance in the water.

Hi MP^2

Get up real close to the toilet bowl with a flashlight and see if you can see any water TRICKLING down the sides of the interior bowl... if so, the seals of the pressurized tank are gone and will need to be replaced.

If no water is running down the interior bowl walls then most likley you are hearing the hissing sound associated with the pressurized tank not shutting off completely. In other words, the tank isn't getting filled 100% because the unit is 18 years old and the unit isn't sealing properly... ;)

Here again, the only fix would be to find a replacement seals kit from a Kohler distributer at a local plumbing supply company. With an 18 year old toilet I have to wonder if you're better off getting a whole new toilet here, but chat with a local kohler guy as they will know their product best!

Good luck...

Mark

Thanks Mark. Looked closely and checked with dry tissue. No water into bowl. "Hissing" sound could explain it but I would expect pressurized tank to fill after a day or two. Toilet is not used much. At least I'm not wasting water. -- Marc

If you call the kohler representative or kohler company they should be able to tell you more. If you do, please post any info. That helped... would appreciate it!

Thanks...

Mark

Will do.
Thanks,

Marc

To massplumber2008:

Mark, sorry for the delay but it has been hectic. I called Kohler and explained the situation to the rep. She really didn't have an answer but said the manufacturer of the pressure tank went out of business and that the tank is no longer available. She also said that there were reports of this pressure tank exploding! I went online and was surprised to learn how true this was. Kohler offered to send a replacement toilet, just like the one I have, but not pressure-assist, for $200. I took them up on it and, for peace of mind, replaced the toilet. Appreciate your help.

--Marc

Thanks for the follow-up. That's info that will help others.

YUP! Thanks for the info. We appreciate the follow up post!