Best Toilet Fill Valves for A Quick and Easy Replacement

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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On average, toilet valves last for approximately five years, after which you'll have to replace them. Luckily, you won't need to look very far to get the best toilet fill valves as we've taken the liberty to curate for you a list of the best of the best in the market.

Once you get yourself a high-quality toilet fill valve, you can go for even more than five years before you may need to replace it. Because the valve will be in constant contact with water, you want to get a premium toilet fill valve that won't clog or leak.

The process of replacing your toilet fill valve is pretty straightforward, and you can do it in no time. Let's look at the options below so that you can get the toilet fill valve for you.

Best Toilet Fill Valves

1. Fluidmaster 400H-002 Fill Valve

Sale
Fluidmaster 400H-002 Performax Universal Toilet Fill...
  • Fix noisy, or slow filling fill valves with the quietest, most...
  • Easy to install, step-by-step instructions included
  • Universal fit for most toilet models and brands
  • Tank and Bowl water level adjustment dials to customize the...

When we tested the Fluidmaster 400H-002, what caught our attention was the fact that the fill valve is less noisy than most of the other ones that we have used. The fill speed is good and we are able to fill the tank as well as the bowl without any interruption of noise. This feature is most advantageous in ensuring that there is no disturbance during the use of this facility.

This has revealed that installation was one of the essential selling points of this product. This is an easy-enough project which doesn’t require any professional help – even if they possess little to no plumbing knowledge. The provided instructions were quite concise to follow so hooking up all the devices was a thing done in the shortest time possible.

Pros:

  • Quiet, efficient operation
  • Simple installation process
  • Adjustable height and water levels

Cons:

  • Some may find the adjustability overwhelming
  • Compatibility may vary with unique toilet models
  • Limited color options

2. Fluidmaster K-400H-039 Fill Valve

Fluidmaster K-400H-039 High Performance Toilet Fill...
  • The PerforMAX fill valve and 2 in. Flapper Kit is the premium...
  • PerforMAX toilet fill valve offers high performance with...
  • Fast and Easy to Install
  • PerforMAX Water-Saving Toilet Flapper included to save water use...
  • Adjustable fill valve height to fit more tanks, corrosion...

We just fitted the Fluidmaster K-400H-039, which is one of the best models we have come across. Even people with little to no plumbing experience can install it within little over 20 minutes. The steps were straightforward, which was helpful, and it also came with a video, which was helpful.

Now that we have purchased a new valve for our old toilet, the sound made is relatively low. This made it possible for us to set the water levels in a way that best fitted our tank and bowl. It is great to have a product that does not only reduce the noise produced during flushing but also assist in saving water for each trip.

Pros:

  • Quick and simple installation process.
  • Adjustable features for customized water levels.
  • Efficient water-saving flapper included.

Cons:

  • Some users reported minor leaks after installation.
  • Quality control issues were noted by a few customers.
  • May require adjustments to fit older toilets optimally.

3. Korky 528 Toilet Universal Fill Valve

Sale
Korky 528 Toilet Fill Valve, Universal, BLACK
  • UNIVERSAL FILL VALVE: This toilet fill valve replaces ballcocks &...
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Quiet replacement fill valve has a twist-lock...
  • INCLUDES: Installs in less than 5 minutes. Includes fill valve,...
  • WHY KORKY: Our high quality toilet products are universal &...
  • REPLACEMENT TOILET PARTS: Try Korky Toilet Repair because we...

This replacement toilet fill valve is created to fix any slow refilling noisy toilets. The universal design of these replacement toilet fill valves makes them fit into several one-piece and two-piece toilets. This QuietFill universal fill valve is quiet and very easy to install.

You won't need tools to install these toilet water-fill valves. This quietest fill valve has an innovative twist-lock adjustment that allows you to install it without the presence of a plumber. In addition, the years of experience that Korky has accumulated in the manufacture of toilet repair parts make them able to produce the best toilet flush valves and fill valves in the market.

The clomazone gasket at the base of this replacement toilet fill valve and its simple design make it reliable and easy to install.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with most toilets
  • Fixes a constantly running toilet
  • Has a reliable clomazone leak protection

Cons:

  • Noisier than the other options

4. Kohler Genuine Silent Fill Valve Kit

Sale
Kohler Genuine Part Gp1083167 Silent Fill Valve Kit For...
  • Kohler genuine part
  • Silent fill provides a gracious experience by filling the tank...
  • Multiple fill rate inserts are provided to optimize performance...
  • Adjustable to accommodate any height. Never use an abrasive...
  • Confirm shank color to determine correct part; If black, use this...

These valves will give you a good experience thanks to their ability to fill your toilet tank quietly at multiple rates. When Kohler tells you that their fill valve is high quality, you better believe them. With over a century of valuable experience in creating high-quality products loved by many, you can be sure that this best toilet valve will not fail you.

The brand is a genius for creating products in the categories of sanitary equipment, engines, furniture, and so much more. This best toilet valve helps you conserve water, and you can choose which fill rate you want. In addition, you can adjust it to accommodate your toilet tank. However, avoid using abrasive materials to clean it. Such materials include souring pads and brushes.

Before you get this toilet fill valve, ensure that you are getting the right Kohler genuine part. If you want black, this Gp1083167 Kohler genuine part is right. If it's grey, get the GP1138930 instead. This best toilet fill valve is extremely easy to install and will only take a couple of minutes. The one drawback of this valve model is that it is not a universal toilet valve. Ensure that your toilet is compatible first. It works well with Kohler toilets.

Pros:

  • Very high quality
  • Suitable for a DIY installation
  • Will serve you for over a decade
  • Provides a silent water refill
  • Adjustable height

Cons:

  • Not a universal fill valve
  • Only has a one-year warranty

5. TOTO Adjustable Replacement Fill Valve

Sale
TOTO TSU99A.X Adjustable Replacement Fill Valve...
  • Adjustable height for all TOTO toilet tanks
  • Resets your tank back to optimal performance
  • Includes valve, refill tube and clamp, cone washer and nut
  • Standard 7/8 inch inlet connection
  • Easy, DIY installation

Our final pick is from a trusted Japanese brand with over a decade of experience supplying local and international markets with high-quality plumbing products. These best toilet fill valves have an adjustable height that allows them to adjust to your toilet tank. With the ability to reset your toilet tank back to its optimal performance, you can expect a major improvement after using this toilet fill valve.

This purchase comes with a refill tube, clamp, cone washer, nut, and toilet fill valve. Ensure that the standard 7/8-inch inlet connection matches with what you have in your toilet tank. You can do an easy and quick DIY installation with this refill tube and water fill valve. If you feel like your flush valve needs a replacement, you can also get one while purchasing this fill valve.

If you are keen on water conservation, you'll enjoy using this fill valve along with your flush valve and the accompanying refill tube. Be prepared to enjoy using your new toilet fill valve and kick out your old fill valve. The quiet performance is another thing you'll enjoy with this fill valve whether you have a Toto toilet or other modern toilets. You won't have to do another toilet valve replacement for another 13 years after getting this new fill valve.

Pros:

  • Very high-quality
  • Comes with a detailed installation manual
  • You can do a quick DIY installation process
  • Suitable with all Toto toilets
  • Fast refill

Cons:

  • Has a short warranty
  • More expensive than the rest

Factors to Consider When Getting the Best Toilet Fill Valve

1. Type of Toilet Fill Valve

This is one of the most important factors to get the type that suits you the best. Let's look at the five common types of fill valves.

a). Plunger / Piston Ballcock Fill Valve

The piston fill valve is one of the oldest valve designs in the market. These fill valves are made of cast brass that enables them to give you durable and silent performance.

A floating ball valve is attached to a pivoting lever and enables this fill valve to work alongside the flush valve. The drawback with this fill valve is that it doesn't have any anti-siphon protection.

It also doesn't meet modern plumbing standards. As a result, most toilet models and most toilet brands don't use this type anymore.

b). Diaphragm-Type Ballcock Valve

Just like our previous type, this one has also been around for years. Most of these types ate made of brass or plastic.

This type also features a large floating ballock lifted by the water in the toilet tank and closes the inlet once the water tank is full. This is to prevent the water flow from continuing.

c). Float-Cup Fill Valve

This replacement valve first made its debut in the market back in the 50s. It soon became a household name for Fluidmaster's toilet parts.

You might recognize the O-shaped cut that moves up and down with the water. Metal spring clips the cup to an actuating rod. Depending on the water level inside the tank, you can adjust the rod. This is the most common fill valve in the market.

d). Floatless Fill Valve

These types of valves use a diaphragm and a mechanism that is sensitive to water pressure. This fill valve fits easily into the toilet water tank and has an easy installation process. In addition, the small number of moving parts makes this valve durable.

However, they are not as commonly used at the float cup valve above.

2. Material

We've seen that different valves are made of different materials. For example, some high-efficiency toilets often use plastic valves that won't rust even when exposed to a hard water supply.

Another advantage of plastic fill valves is that they are long-lasting. Nonetheless, the metal valves that we've seen above are high quality and will not rust over time.

However, keep an eye out to avoid choosing valves that can corrode or rust when exposed to hard water. Of course, if you don't have hard water in your toilet tanks, you don't have to worry about this.

3. Toilet Tank Design

There are low-fill tanks and classic toilet tanks. If you have a low-profile tank, ensure that you get a fill valve that suits this type of design.

Getting the wrong fill valve can mess with the water supply and will give you a bad experience. On the other hand, it may be quicker for you to get a suitable valve if you have a classic toilet tank.

A universal fill valve can work for many classic toilets but not so much for low-flow toilets. Our second and third picks are great options for your modern or classic toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all the fill valves similar?

No. As we've seen above, there are various types of valves, and they all come in different designs. So before you settle on the new valve you want, ensure that it is the correct type. A universal valve can be a good choice as it goes with various types of toilets.

2. How do you know if your toilet fill valve is bad?

A malfunctioning valve often has several characteristics, including the following.

  • Running toilet

When the water is constantly running, or the flapper is leaking, it's time for a fill valve kit like our first pick above. This may mean that you have a worn-out fill valve. You can also check if your flush valve has a problem.

  • Screaming or humming toilet

If you hear any annoying sound coming from the tank, it might be time to get a new fill valve or flush valve. Most toilets are easy to check, so you can easily pinpoint the root cause of the problem.

  • Slow filling rate
  • Toilets flush ineffectively 
Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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