Kohler Toilet 81100 owners, replacement options [Archive] - Terry Love's Plumbing & Remodel DIY forum

jomardi

01-26-2005, 01:43 PM

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/jpg/aaa03864.jpg (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/big_image.jsp?image=aaa03864.jpg&item=6980402&number=3467&descript=San+Raphael%28TM%29+One-piece+Round-front+Toilet+with+Concealed+Trapway%2C+12%22+Rough-in%2C+Seat+and+Trip+Lever&module=Toilets&frm=&bak=detail)

Good news for owners of Kohler 81100 pressure-assist toilets. Kohler is offering FREE replacements for this troublesome (& sometimes dangerous) model. Owners can exchange for a new K-3467 (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=6980402&prod_num=3467&module=Toilets)San Raphael at no charge. The new model is not pressure-assisted, so owners need not worry about the explosions & floods reported with the 81100.

Terry

01-27-2005, 10:12 AM

http://terrylove.com/images/kohler_pressure_1.jpg

Kohler 81100 pressure-assist toilets.
Seems pretty fair to me. Those models are at least 10 years old at this point.

jimbo

01-28-2005, 07:29 PM

On Jan.20, 2005 a class action suit was filed in the California Superior Court ( San Diego County) against Kohler. The suit alleges that in 2000, Kohler stopped manufacturing parts for the Rialto Pressure Lite model K3404 and the San Raphel Pessure Lite model K3394, rendering these models unrepairable; and also alleges that the remediation and replacement program was inadequate, unfair and unlawful.

Kohler does not admit any wrongdoing, and settlement talks are ongoing.

jimw203

01-31-2005, 10:18 AM

How does one know if a toilet is involved? What models are included; where on the toilet should one look to confirm?

Jim W

Terry

01-31-2005, 10:35 AM

http://terrylove.com/images/kohler_pressure_1.jpg

If you lift the tank cover off, the inside will look like this.

AlpineFrank

12-29-2005, 03:51 PM

I have one still working Kohler 81100, but want to replace it with a safer toilet that will not explode and flood. I used to have a second one but it died some years ago. Can someone give me a hint on how to get the replacement toilet from Kohler?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Frank

jk60

12-29-2005, 04:17 PM

Call Kohler and mention the replacement program for your toilet. They will ask you for the serial number on the pressure tank. Then they will send you a letter that you can take to a Kohler distributor in your area to get your free toilet. I did this a few weeks ago.

You could try 1-800-4-KOHLER

12-30-2005, 06:26 AM

Interesting. I replaced one about 10 years ago, but had heard that the program was discontinued.

jk60

12-30-2005, 01:04 PM

I first became aware of the replacement program from reading a thread on this forum published on 11-30-05 by Coca-cola Bear. I followed his steps for obtaining a new replacement toilet and the process was very easy. Installation of the new toilet and disposal of the old one are not covered by Kohler and are up to the owners.

Deric Kettel

05-31-2006, 03:27 PM

Well I called Kohler a few days ago, and told them I have 7 of these toilets where I work, and they said I could buy a new top half with the new tank inside for about $125.00 each. So I guess the replacement program is gone? :mad: Any ideas?

Deric Kettel
Maintenance Mechanic II
University of Washington

Terry

05-31-2006, 03:41 PM

$125 would be a good deal I think.

Deric Kettel

05-31-2006, 03:43 PM

Hey Terry is this really you? I love the website, and have been reading all kinds of threads. Well I might replace the one I robbed parts off of to see how the replacement goes, but are the parts going to be available in 10 years, or am I going to have to go through all of this again. Thanks again for the reply.

Deric Kettel
University of Washington

Joerg

05-31-2006, 04:34 PM

Scott

06-01-2006, 05:43 AM

This brings up a question: Are pressure-assist tanks in general safe? When I got my first one I was looking for an overflow path in case the plastic tank inside decides to take a dump. Didn't see one...

Regards, Joerg.

Kohler discontinued their Pressure Clean system and currently uses Sloan Flushmate systems in their pressure-assist toilets. While there were some reliability issues when Flushmate transitioned from the original plastic & metal tank to the all plastic tank, those issues have long since been resolved and Flushmates now have a LIFETIME WARRANTY on the pressure-tank and a ten year warranty on components.

It's difficult to imagine a company offering a lifetime warranty if they have any reason to believe their product isn't safe. If you go with Flushmate, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Deric Kettel

06-01-2006, 07:19 AM

I also wondered where water would go if it ever did start leaking. The one toilet that has failed of mine out of the 7 installed here, was indeed leaking and got really bad toward the end of its life. What is funny is the leak was bad enough that if there was no place for the water to go it would have filled up in just a couple of hours. So I am still confused as to where the water was going. Oh well I am going to pursue the replacement top half of the tank and inside tank from Kohler. I wonder if they will be recalled after a few years like this model and if I can still get parts, but in a world that is unstable and as fragile as ours who can know? Time will tell. The other 13 toilets I have here on site are the wall hung type, and I have never had a problem with them in 11 years. Well the occasional cartridge, but pretty maintenance free. I guess they put the Kohler toilets in the apartments to make it seem less institutional. :cool:

Deric Kettel
University of Washington

alwayslakers08

07-09-2007, 11:15 PM

Hey I was wondering if you guys know if the Free replacement is available as of today. Thanks in advance.:)

jk60

07-10-2007, 08:11 AM

I could be wrong, but I believe that the Free Replacement program has been discontinued a while back. Worth a call to Kohler though to make sure. Maybe it was brought back.

Deric Kettel

07-10-2007, 09:59 AM

No the program is no longer available, you have to call them and give them the serial numbers and then you can get the replacement top tanks with the built in pressure tanks for $125.00 each. The change was easy, I did 6 of them in a couple of hours. Call 1-800-4564537 Give them:

Tank number
Serial number
Color
Maybe a date, for example mine were manufactured on 10-21-1994

Example of numbers to look for:
K4470 21005
T94k30631

Something to that effect.:) Let us know if you get this done. I'm curious if they are still working with customers.

I hope this helps, I know how frustrating this can be. But I have to tell you that replacing just the top half and not the whole thing was not only waaaaaaay cheaper, but made the job really easy. Nice retrofit in my opinion. One thing I did notice after almost a year is that you do need to tighten the two bolts between the two pieces, it seems the gasket settles a little allowing water to squirt out, but a few turns with the wrench and you're back in business.;)

Deric Kettel

07-10-2007, 10:01 AM

P.S. I forgot to mention how great this site is, I need to check in more often. I got this thread in an e-mail notification, great feature that a lot of forums are using these days.:cool:

Sincraft

07-11-2007, 10:04 AM

I spent 500 bucks for a nice looking kohler toilet that went with the decor of our bathroom (antique with oil rubbed broze, old style porcelin sink top and bowl) looks VERY nice.

However, 2 months afterwards, our toilet wasn't shutting off. The parts seem really cheap inside it. I made some adjustments and then again in another 4 months we had issues again. I finally got fed up and replaced the inards with some things I found at the big box store and what I could bend/mangle to work. Haven't had a problem since.

Now the flushing is still just OK for what they advertised it as.

mikendomsmum

07-22-2007, 01:56 PM

jimbo

07-22-2007, 04:17 PM

The last time I swapped out a Rialto for someone with a "Kohler letter" was about 1998. I had no idea they were still offering that.

mikendomsmum

07-23-2007, 04:48 PM

They are still offering the $125 new tank. I just wonder if it's worth it.

jimbo

07-23-2007, 04:59 PM

I didn't realize that this thread dates back to January of 2005!!! Must be a world record!

revere51

07-24-2007, 03:52 PM

Received one today @150.00........mine was from 1994

alwayslakers08

07-27-2007, 10:35 AM

Can you recommend a replacement pressure tank for the 81100 model? Ours worked great for many years but now is broken beyond repair. We'd love to replace the tank inside with another power flush model because we can't get a decent flush from that side of the house without it.
TIA

Hey i replaced mine the other day. I called them and told them about the kohler toilet and how the pressure tank exploded. They said they would give me a brand new toilet that is about $600 for 150 and no shipping and handling. Pretty good deal...got it the other day and installed it...great toilet.:)

amature

11-12-2007, 12:31 PM

my 81100 one piece is from 1995. it just started to run, so i checked the web for replacements. no dice. the web says these bad boys explode, i thought the bidet was a blast, but look out. Kohler will replace for $150 free shipping. the caveat is that the color may be discontinued! they are sending me 3 bolt caps to help choose a replacement bowl. will update as things proceed. hope the bowl holds out long enough.

jimbo

11-12-2007, 02:09 PM

This brings up a question: Are pressure-assist tanks in general safe? When I got my first one I was looking for an overflow path in case the plastic tank inside decides to take a dump. Didn't see one...

Regards, Joerg.

Yes, the "overflow" is at the bottom. When in "ready to flush" mode, the flush valve at the bottom provides free flow of water in the tank...to the bowl. When the flush plunger is pushed, this opening is sealed. Pour a gallon of water in the tank and you will see it drains right out. I pour a gallon of white vinegar now and then to help the rim holes.

200Volts

11-23-2007, 03:07 PM

My K3404 with the 81100 Flushometer system just overflowed covering my bathroom floor. Thank God we were home.
After mopping the floor and sponging out the tank, I see a leak on the left side seem, where the black plastic pressure tank "end" is glued, welded or whatever to the cylindrical center section. I had to use a mechanic's mirror and flashlight to see the leak, near the bottom.
I sent Kohler an email, they're closed today because of the holiday.

We ordered our replacement from Kohler for $150.00, including the install kit and shipping. It just arrived. They asked for the s/n from the old toilet. They claim the footprint is the same, we'll see next weekend when I install it.

RogerLee

03-27-2009, 12:43 PM

Received replacement for one of my old 81100 pressure assist toilets - Kohler charged me $200 + tax. I have one more toilet that dosent work and I don't know what to do with it ... it has the same 81100, but in the discontinued high fashion Jade (#26) color. I'd rather not change out my Jacuzzi and sink to match a new toilet of different color... Anyone have any suggestions on where I can find ANY toilet ANY brand in a Jade color?
:)

mach2lou

05-16-2010, 05:38 PM

is it still possible to obtain a replacement for the Kohler 81000 pressure tank toilet?
lou siegel

Good news for owners of Kohler 81100 pressure-assist toilets. Kohler is offering FREE replacements for this troublesome (& sometimes dangerous) model. Owners can exchange for a new K-3467 (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=6980402&prod_num=3467&module=Toilets)San Raphael at no charge. The new model is not pressure-assisted, so owners need not worry about the explosions & floods reported with the 81100.[/QUOTE]

Redwood

05-16-2010, 06:07 PM

Reader Review

07-28-2010, 09:38 AM

Hi Terry:
Well, I never thought I would be writing on toilets, but I just had a major flood due to the Kohler 81100 tank. You can imagine what havoc it created, as it was a "major flood". I now need to decide on a replacement toilet. Kohler will send a replacement San Rafael with Ingenium flushing. However, I've read some reviews that say Kohler's require lots of flushing, and I can't determine if that is for the current flushing technology or older systems, but I'm now concerned.. I live on the 12th floor of an apartment building, so I guess there is lots of gravity, but this will be a frequently used toilet.
I would welcome your advice on whether I should stick with the Kohler with Ingenium flushing, or try a Toto instead (and if so, what type of flushing system). Also, any thoughts on low tanks vs. high ones, or is it just cosmetics?
Thanks,
Jodie

Terry

07-28-2010, 09:47 AM

Jodie,
The Ingenium San Rafael should work fine, free is a great price too. Kohler has been very good about this.
I can't imagine some of the imports giving this type of support.
It does have the 2" flush valve and the bendy trapway, so don't push it too hard. Stay away from the cotton based Charmin paper.
I find that the Costco embossed works better, it is paper, not cotton. Cotton really sticks up the plumbing.
The plumbing in the apartment building will be fine, plugs happen in the lower trapway of the toilet. Once it makes it past there, it's a twelve story drop.

If you want higher performance, then sure, pick up at TOTO.
The bowls with Sanagloss are really nice too.