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There seems to be a big problem with the Kohler high-pressure toilets. Best case, they don't work very well. Worst case, they explode and flood the house. In neither case is Kohler very interested in helping to solve the problem. Other complaints about Kohler products include their shower doors and lawn mowers.
William of No. Tonawanda NY (09/03/08)
Went to change the toilet seat,one of the seat mounting bolts were frozen. I tried everything to get it off with no luck. Its a model K-3386, This model has the mounting bolts built in the toilet! Poor design! Have had trouble with the flapper valve when I go to change it,won't seal? Will purchase a new toilet, but it won't be a KOHLER!
Broke the toilet trying to get the seat off!
Jan of Northampton PA (08/21/08)
We had our entire bathroom renovated. Walls were cut out and all bathroom items (toliet, cabinets, sink, plumbing, etc.) were removed. The contractor spent three weeks renovating. All new Kohler and Sterling supplies were used. The new tub ensemble was inspected by the contractor prior to installing. All new porcelain tile flooring was installed. The bathroom was not used for one week after installation as there was a death in the family, and we were not home. Upon using the tub for two days, we noticed putty-like substance in three areas flaking off. The three areas discolored significantly.
We called the contractor who called the supply house, Allen Supply Company in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A Kohler representative was sent to inspect the tub. The Kohler representative said that it was a definite manufacturing defect. The representative said that it was covered up at the factory. The representative said that it would not be noticed by anyone until some dirt or soap and water got onto the spot. He said a replacement tub was his recommendation.
The problem is that Kohler camouflaged the defect so it would not be noticed until installed and used. Kohler will not pay the contractor to replace the tub which means, taking out the plumbing, tearing up the new tiles, cutting the drywall and moldings, etc. We shouldn't have to pay to have the contractor to replace the tub as it was not the contractor's fault, and it was not our fault. Had the defects not been camouflaged at the factory, the defects would have been noticed, and the defective tub obviously not installed. The tub goes in before the drywall and tile flooring. Kohler will send a replacement tub, but they will not pay to have the defective one taken out and all the supplies to put in the new one.
We spent thousands of dollars to have our bathroom redone, but we do not have money to pay to have all the work and supplies redone. Consequence is that since Kohler will not pay the contractor for time and materials to take out the defective tub and install the new one, we are left with a discolored, gouged out tub in a brand new bathroom. It would cost a lot of money to replace the tub. We shouldn't have to spend any money as it was admittedly Kohler damage at the factory and cover-up so the consumer would not see it until it was used.
Meg of Williamsville NY (08/04/08)
We've had problems with our high-pressure Kohler toilet almost since it was installed in April of 2005. It was advertised as being able to flush just about anything, yet ours clogs at least once a month under normal usage. Assuming that it was our sewer lines, and not our new toilet, we've had plumbers come frequently to snake our lines- only to have trouble with the toilet clogging very quickly again.
This last time, I had the plumbers clear the lines of roots. Within two weeks, the toilet wouldn't flush properly again. It is very hard to plunge due to the interior design of the bowl. Therefore, we have to wait several days for the clog to dissolve before the toilet is functional again. Thank goodness we have a second bathroom. Today I decided to check online to determine whether the problem was with the toilet, and not our plumbing. That is when I discovered all the complaints from other consumers. I will now plan to purchase a new one and have it installed at my own expense. Thank you for this website.
Karen of West Hempstead NY (07/17/08)
My Kohler high pressure toilet exploded while my 3 year old was sitting on it!
By the time I tended to my child, the water was flooded into my newly finished basement, and there was porcelain everywhere...Thank goodness my son was not injured. Kohler offered me $150 when I had paid over $800 for the original, not to mention all the water damage, and was told to take the money in good faith. Not good business ethics. Kohler lost a customer..
Catherine of Pella IA (06/26/08)
We had a shower installed as part of a bathroom remodeling two years ago. The shower leaked through the side and into a wall and then ran under the floor. The whole area rotted out and now we need to replace the floor, baseboard and part of the wall.
The whole area rotted out and now we need to replace the floor, baseboard and part of the wall. We hired a different plumber to look at the shower and he said that the company now recommends caulking the area but didn't at the time of installation. We have had to hire a plumber and replace the floor.
Pete of Mt. Prospect IL (06/15/08)
This is really not an official complaint but just to report a problem with the Kohler K-3423 toilets I bought in 2004 which may or may not be a standard on all brands. I accidentally found out about this problem accidentally. The fill-up mechanism turned on while I was cleaning the toilet which means that the water in the tank dropped to the level that will trigger the fill-up mechanism. It could only mean two things. 1. The flapper could be warped that water could leak into the bowl, and 2. The leak is between the flush valve and the beveled rubber gasket. I called Kohler customer service and explained the problem and as a sign of good pr, send me a replacement flapper and gasket at no cost. Receive the items in 2 days and (correctly, carefully, diligently)install it. Further observation told me I still have the same decreasing level of tank water problem. The flapper was not the cause so it must be the gasket. After some analysis, I did the ff: 1. Turn off the water source. 2. Flush the tank up to the rim of the flapper seat. 3. Took the flapper off. 4. Observe the bottom edge of the valve seat and there it was, the silent drip, drip, drip coming from a gap between the tank and gasket. How can that be when the gasket is new and I installed it diligently, carefully and correctly (just hand tightening the big plastic nut at the bottom of the tank, to the point that the valve will not wiggle.
I had to disassemble the flush valve unit again and as I was looking at the big hole at the bottom of the tank, I noticed that it does not look like a perfect circle and voila! the circle has a deviation between 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch.
Since the gasket is almost perfectly rounded and the tank is not, the pressure on all points of the circumference would not be the same considering the beveled shape of the gasket, leak is highly probable as what has happened to mine. What I did afterward was just an experiment. I reverse the gasket installation. The narrow side of the gasket is now up and the wider/flat side is now down. It muted the purpose of the beveled shape but it did work. The drip, drip, drip is gone.
Not sure how many gallons have been wasted but i'm sure it is not minor. E-mailed Kohler about the problem to find out if I maybe entitled to a new replacement tank due to the nature of the defect. Still waiting for a reply.
Terrie of Vancouver WA (06/07/08)
We have built a home well worth over a million dollars. We wanted the best and added the Kohler Water Tile in the Master Bathroom shower. Since using this item means getting your head wet I did not use it but twice and the third time it fell on my husbands head. I contacted the company we purchased it from, George Morlan Plumbing in Portland OR. After spending $20,000 in that store I was given the run around and told we would first need to take the water tile out (plumber needed) and return it before it could be replaced. They wanted to see the product and make certain it was defective. I told them that was not going to happen in this lifetime.
I am an interior designer and not new to this way of dealing with suppliers. Instead I contacted Kohler and after several phone conversations they finally sent a replacement out to us. As of today, we have used it once to make certain it worked. When we came in from working in the yard we again found one of the 4 tiles sitting on the shower floor. This time at least, it did not land on my husbands head. No, our cats are smart but they did not pull out the tile. I will contact Kohler again tomorrow but expect very little if any help. The tiles are not really all they say and I find that it was not only a waste of time and money but a potential life hazard.
George of Corona CA (05/19/08)
In 1995 I installed a kohler San Rafael one piece toilet for a customer. Kohler # K-3394 (found on the bottom of the toilet lid) This toilet has the pressure clean flushometer tank system. Serial #T94F20198 ( # found inside toilet on flush mechanism)The color of the toilet is Kohler ice gray-95. Color chart can be found on Kohler web site. Something inside the toilet flushing mechanism gave way (broke) and flooded her house. Since the job is 50 miles away I needed to make sure the local plumbing supply house would carry the parts. I called Kohler and was informed that parts for this toilet are no longer available.
As a plumbing contractor this was a shock to me, that I couldn't get parts for a 12 year old toilet. List price for this toilet on Kohlers site is app.$975.00. Checked on the web and found other people have had their houses flooded by this toilet. Contacted Kohler and explained the problem. What Kohler is doing about the problem is they will send you out a new toilet to your house @ a cost of $150.00 plus tax. You still need to pay someone to install the toilet. Customer also complained about poor flushing action.Sorry I don't know all the years affected by the unavailability of toilet parts.
Flooded house
Irene of Madison Heights MI (05/11/08)
I have a Kohler elongated toilet K3402FB. This is the worst toilet I have ever had. The water inside the bowl is always running and I have had plumbers out several times trying to fix it. There are no parts to replace in inside and I have all gray in the bathroom, the toilet, bathtub, and sink are all Kohler. Everytime I try to call someone, they are no help whatsoever. I am 65 years old and need some help with this running toilet.
Barbara of Grayling MI (05/05/08)
Purchased two high pressure toilets, (Cimmaron's) Although they flush fast with less water, they by no means clean the bowl. There is a huge problem with the design, when everytime you have a bowel movement, you have to use a toilet bowl brush. We paid good money for these toilets and I don't feel we got anywhere near our monies worth.
We bought this name thinking we were getting quality. The original toilets, although low to the ground and they used more water, were sure a lot better as far as flushing goes. Now it seems we may be stuck with cleaning the bowl every time we go.
Morris of Norwood NJ (03/16/08)
Over the past several years, I have purchased 2 Kohler bathroom sinks and 1 acrylic bathtub. When I had a bathroom sink installed in 2003 everything seemed OK. I had another bathroom sink and tub installed in April 2005 in another bathroom. In 2006 I noticed that a small scratch began to appear in the sink installed in 2003. At first I thought I might have dropped something on it. Very gradually the scratch grew, and I realized that it was not a result of anything I did. It got wider and longer until now it is extremely unsightly and a germ attractor. It was obvious that this was a factory defect that Kohler attempted to cover up by reglazing, knowing full well that it would begin to show after a couple of years or so. My second sink has a pinhead sized red blemish on the inside in a very obvious position.
When I called Kohler, they said it was the contractor's responsibility to notice it, and they would do nothing at this point. They also refused to address the problem with the first sink. How could a contractor note such a small defect when the item is installed, with all of the dirt and dust flying around? My acrylic tub developed several chips on the part that is stepped on. I believe the skid resistant surface was applied incorrectly. That problem is getting worse. Again, Kohler disclaimed any responsibility. All of these items were purchased from different retailers and came to me sealed in their containers or crates.
Kohler refuses to admit any responsibility and refused to deal with me, the consumer. This matter will continue to be addressed by me. If there is anything you can do, it would be appreciated.
Patricia of Walnut CA (03/04/08)
We remodeled our kitchen a few months ago and bought all new appliances, granite counter tops, and a new (K-5898-4u-o) Brookfield white Kohler sink. About the third week after having the sink installed, I began to notice little rust, hairline marks just above the Kohler symbol--running up and down and one running across-- looking as if it was going to chip off. Then more started to appear at the other end of the sink, all in the center divider. I called Kohler and spoke with a Kohler customer care representative, Kathleen R. She assured me it was not a defective sink, but was most likely the granite company's fault if they hadn't installed it right; but they will replace it with no cost to me. (Wait a minute, why would they be so eager to replace it if it wasn't defective?) So, they sent me a replacement voucher to be taken back to where I purchased the sink (Pacific Sales.)
I called the granite company that installed the counter tops, and they assured me that they couldn't have damaged it by placing it on top of plywood and then placing the granite on top, since there is a gap between the two before sealing it with sealer. But they did tell me this is the fourth Kohler sink they have had to replace within a year, and they all had no luck with Kohler customer service. Kohler will give them a new sink but won't pay a cent to the cost of removing the defective one. The cost is all mine, and it says on their warranty that they aren't responsible for any removal of their product. So, I now have to pay for a cabinet man to come and cut the inside of my new cabinets so they can remove it from under the counter, remove the dishwasher, pay for a plumber to disconnect all the plumbing and then pay to have it all put back. This does not include what it's going to cost to have the granite company to remove the sink, which is going to take a total of about 3 days with all that has to be done--plumber, cabinet man, granite co. It's going to cost about $1000.00.
Shame on Kohler! They have a defective item, and they know it. I should mention... Kohler has discontinued the K-5898-4u-0 sink and replaced it with K-5942-5u-09. If anyone has remodeled a kitchen before, you know the expense and all the frustration and inconvenience for weeks at a time. Having to pay $1000.00 in addition isn't right. Shame on Kohler!
Mary of Arlington Heights IL (01/23/08)
I have just spent the second evening trying to unclog the Inodora Cimmaron toilet that was installed one week ago. I was told over and over at Lowe's that it was the best and was heavy duty! My husband is handicapped and this is the only toilet on the first floor. Supposedly this was rated the best by Consumer Report. We are now afraid to even try to use the toilet and we can't anyway as it won't go down!!
It is causing physical damage as my husband has one leg and cannot run up and down the stairs to the upstairs bathrooms to toilets that are 35 years old and are fine!!
Julie of Mckinleyville CA (01/15/08)
We have three Kohler Pressure clean 81100 toilets in our house. One completely quit working, and we have learned that it can't be fixed; instead we will have to replace it. I'm concerned that I've read reports of flooding, and wonder if I also need to replace my other two. Why is Kohler not taking responsibility for this defective product?
Broken toilet, have to pay to replace it and live with the fear that my remaining two will explode and/or flood my house.
Jerry of Rockford MN (01/06/08)
My tank is filling up with water. I have read the numerous complaints and it seems I will need to replace it or risk having a major problem.
So far it is water on the tile floor and some sheet rock damage.
Cherie of Penn Valley PA (12/28/07)
We purchased Kohler elongated high end one piece San Rafael toilets in our home when we had it redone. These toilets continually break because the water keeps running and running. We have had 3 different plumbers look at them and repair them with a new Kohler flapper - only to have the same thing happen again within 6-8 months time.
Our septic tank gets over-flowed, we keep incurring plumbing costs and aggravation and have to shut off the toilets making the bathroom non-functional.
H of Overland Park KS (12/19/07)
I bought one of Kohler's cast iron sinks from a local plumbing supply. The sink was marred by surface imperfections as well as color blotches in the enamel. Long story short, the sink was replaced countless times; each time the replacement sink was in worse shape than the previous sink. The countertop fabricator and contractor were both kept waiting as installation date after installation date was set--only to be moved back because the new sink that was delivered was worse than the one before. Kohler was of no help. Called customer service three times. The third time I found out the first two calls to them didn't even merit them filling out a complaint and forwarding to anyone in the company. I gave up as the customer service seemed useless. I even had contact with our local Kohler rep who was equally useless (the local plumbing supply and my own contractor even refused to have anything more to do with her).
Two months after they had my money, and on their 7th or 8th try, a sink was finally delivered that looked halfway decent. Here's the thing I'd like to get across to other consumers: If you're looking for a company that stands behind their product or who will work with you to keep you appraised of what's happening and why, then LOOK ELSEWHERE. Kohler will do nothing. They don't want to hear about problems and no one, I mean NO ONE, in the corporate hierarchy will ever respond to you. They prefer to bury their heads in the sand and twiddle thumbs or whatever else their doing up their in Kohler with their exploding toilets and other shenanigans that I'm finding out by searching these consumer sites. The corporate officers won't even write a letter to you to explain what's happening or to apologize.
After two months I finally got my sink...and about one month after that after reopening the BBB case, I did get an email that said they'd be getting a full explanation in the mail. Two weeks after that, I finally got an unsigned letter written on Kohler letterhead from someone in the Factory end. It was four paragraphs of about two or three sentences each, and all they said was they learned a lot by me bringing the problem to their attention and how closely my area representative worked with me. (She didn't.) But they had my money for over two months so I KNEW I'd get my sink eventually. But as for customer service: Forget it, there is none.
Olga of Baltimore MD (12/15/07)
Purchased and installed Kohler glass shower door 2 to 3 months ago. Followed installation directions exactly and everything was fine. At about 5:15 AM this morning, while everyone was sleeping and no one near the door, we heard a loud explosion. We went to investigate and found one of the two glass doors in a million pieces inside the bathtub. The doors were in the open position and the door facing into the tub exploded.
Thankfully, no one was injured. Our losses are basically to replace the door itself. Are these doors safe? Very bizarre, but that's what happened.
Franklin of Camarillo CA (12/05/07)
I also bought two new Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height toilets, and after 6 months of use, both of them have a problem. For no reason (no flush, toilet is on stand-by), the two toilets are filling up their tanks for about a second to four seconds every 45 minutes.
Who knows how much this will cost me, but again, as mentioned on the many posts in this webpage, when you buy something you expect it to work without any issues for a reasonable amount of time.
Bradley of Des Moines IA (11/10/07)
We have a Kohler 81100 Pressure Clean toliet that the back of the toliet lid blew off for no reason. Since we have owned this house the toliet has been running non-stop. I'm pretty handy but not when it comes to this off the wall product! What do I do? How do I repair this? What are my options?
So far we have had only small leaks that I could repair. Now I'm leaning on replacing the toliet after reading all of the horror stories about this toliet. I quess if Kohler does'nt do anything to help us, I will never buy Kohler again.
Judith Tarantino of Ventura CA (10/02/07)
Our kitchen sink is about 3 years old and has been showing stains in it for about a year and a half. I called Kohler and they sent me some kind of gel to use on the sink but it really didn't do anything. I have had sinks for 20 years that didn't show this wear and tear. I'd be interested to know if others have had this problem and if there are any solutions short of a new sink.
Don of Longwood FL (09/21/07)
Bought a Kohler K-3386 model toilet for a new house in 2001. The flapper always had problems making a good seal after flushing. After a few years I finally replaced the flapper, but the it has gotten worse. I now have to manually shut off the water after each use of the toilet. Of couse, I know how to use the Internet and now am aware that many other people are having problems similar to mine. Maybe Kohler will learn how to use the Internet and realize that their non-action in fixing these problems are going to cost them alot more in the long run.
I'm going to call it a day and go get some other brand. No more Kohler for me, thanks.
Michael Falcone of Allentown PA (09/11/07)
I purchased a Kohler Promaster sink faucet, model number K-6330: Manufacturer retail price $1283.00 in 2003. 1 week following installation I experienced problems. After 2 years of replacing parts, 4 rounds of vacuum seal replacements, Kohler agreed to replace the faucet in its entirety. After 2 years of approx $2000.00 labor costs, and now a new installation, the same problem resulted immediately following installation. Kohler's bottom line comment was: try another faucet.
Cheryl of Pacific Palisades CA (08/11/07)
We suspect that Kohler is sending out factory rejects to replace recalled toilets. On July 9, 2007, I spoke with Lucas to tell him that our model K-3466 toilet was making a very loud noise. Lucas informed me that the toilet had been recalled and, for the price of $150, plus tax, Kohler would ship me a replacement toilet. The new toilet arrived UPS but, when the plumber came out on July 19, he refused to install it because it had a huge crack at the bottom of the tank. The crack did not extend to the outside of the toilet but the plumber was sure that water would eventually leak from it.
Gary, at Kohler, informed me that they would send out another toilet but that I was out the expense of the plumber's visit and that I had to dispose of the reject. I asked to speak to a supervisor but got the same answers from Scott. The second replacement toilet arrived and the plumber, with an assistant, came to install it on July 27. Once again the toilet could not be installed. The plumber stated that the toilet looked used but, more importantly, the base was broken and there was a large hole in the bowl. Perhaps the damage occurred during shipping but proper packaging could have prevented that.
My call to Josh, at Kohler on July 27, was no more satisfactory than previous calls. I was once again told that Kohler was not responsible for the plumber's visit nor the disposal of the broken toilet. After protesting, I was transferred to Chris who is supposed to call me back on Monday to let me know if anything can be done. I will update this complaint next week after the next toilet arrives and to let you know if Chris contacts me with a resolution to the disposal of the toilet and plumber's bill. UPDATE Chris never called back so I again called Kohler.
They sent out a third toilet and--surprise--once again, it had a large crack in the tank. Since then I have called Kohler numerous times and was finally told that I would receive a letter allowing me to take one of the defective toilets to a local retailer for an exchange. The letter arrived on August 9 but it is for a toilet tank model number K-4645 and not the toilet model K-3466. A tank is not a toilet. I have pictures of two of the reject toilets if you would like to see them.
Cheryl of Pacific Palisades CA (07/28/07)
We suspect that Kohler is sending out factory rejects to replace recalled toilets.
On July 9, 2007, I spoke with Lucas to tell him that our model K-3466 toilet was making a very loud noise. Lucas informed me that the toilet had been recalled and, for the price of $150, plus tax, Kohler would ship me a replacement toilet. The new toilet arrived UPS but, when the plumber came out on July 19, he refused to install it because it had a huge crack at the bottom of the tank. The crack did not extend to the outside of the toilet but the plumber was sure that water would eventually leak from it. Gary, at Kohler, informed me that they would send out another toilet but that I was out the expense of the plumber's visit and that I had to dispose of the reject. I asked to speak to a supervisor but got the same answers from Scott.
The second replacement toilet arrived and the plumber, with an assistant, came to install it on July 27. Once again the toilet could not be installed. The plumber stated that the toilet looked used but, more importantly, the base was broken and there was a large hole in the bowl. Perhaps the damage occurred during shipping but proper packaging could have prevented that.
My call to Josh, at Kohler on July 27, was no more satisfactory than previous calls. I was again told that Kohler was not responsible for the plumber's visit nor the disposal of the broken toilet. After protesting, I was transferred to Chris who is supposed to call me back on Monday to let me know if anything can be done. He still insists that they have no way of picking up the toilet but they might cover my plumber's bill.
Gerald of Middleton MA (07/05/07)
Not knowing my water bill has been 2-3x my neighbors I systematicaly checked my water hogs and found it to be my Kohler toilet with that infamous power booster 81100. I bought this in 1992 and God knows how much water it has leaked. I estimate $30.00 a month min. My wife and I are both seniors with normal useage but my water bill says I use 320 gal. per day which overloaded my septic system and caused overflow failure. Called Kohler not knowing there was a problem but to find a solution when they told me they discontinued that model in 1966 and gave me an option to buy a new toilet of $850 value for $150. At which time I agreed to the buy without signing any documents.
Charles of Batavia OH (05/02/07)
Purchased model K 3386 D one piece toilet, not inexpensive. Cannot stop water seepage from tank to bowl, have replaced flapper (part # 57-4995), same problem. Have extended arm that lifts flapper so it will reseat flat, to no avail. About every 20 minutes, bowl refills.
Increased water bills, due to wasted water, plus extra action for sewage system.
Barbara of Issaquah WA (04/27/07)
We built a new house with all Kohler products. However, I found when we moved into the house that the new Kohler toilets, termed 'comfort toilets' are taller than standard toilets and my feet do not touch the ground. I am 5'2 which is not outside the standard range for women. Thus Kohler has determined that women are not included in their definition of 'comfort'. Further I have arthritis and sitting on the toilet, when not touching the ground can cause me pain. As soon as we moved into the house and I realized the toilets were not standard I complained to Kohler. I spoke with two customer service representatives and they stated that unless there is a defect they will not replace the toilets. They refuse to address the issue that the fact that I cannot touch the floor is a product defect. They refuse to make any change on the product and have told me I have to pay for three new toilets. To me, this is lack of disclosure in not defining what 'comfort' means, discrimination against women, who are not as tall as men, and provides no redress for a disability.
I will have to replace three brand new toilets.
Bob of Oceanside CA (03/13/07)
I have read several posts regarding Kohler toilets. I installed a Kohler San Raphael a couple of years ago and it is JUNK! It takes at least four times to flush and is worse than the cheap toilets that were installed in my house. Kohler does not care about customers and have ignored all of my correspondence.
I especially like the stupid comment on this site that says: It takes about 10 minutes for a plumber to install a new toilet. The average homeowner can do it in 30 minutes. Why not scrap the thing and buy a new one? Right -- there's nothing you can buy that a new one won't fix! I have looked for a replacement and will mostly purchase a Toto, but it's a rotten shame! The Kohler was not a cheap toilet and any respectable company would stand behind their products.
Alex H. of San Diego CA (03/04/07)
Our Kohler toilet with a 81100 pressure system exploded yesterday. A plastic part that screws into the inlet of the tank broke off and started flooding the bathroom. Luckily we were at home and noticed very soon the water coming downstairs. We had drywall damage that needs replacement. I'll be calling Kohler tomorrow to see what can be done in terms of toilet replacement.
Michele of Lake Zurich IL (02/02/07)
We installed a mirrored medicine cabinet. It was very nice and a good price - $240? Only a couple weeks later, it broke. My Mother had opened the door and plastic in the hinge broke. When the plastic failed, it hit her in the face causing a red mark.
The door will not close and sticks out. The plastic left a red mark on my mother's face that went away after a few hours. Though if it hit her eye, she could've been blinded. Kohler did not care that this product caused any damage. The part is on back order and we didn't even get a letter of apology
Erik Koons of Arlington VA (01/22/07)
I bought a new Kohler kitchen faucet (K-10433) and it dripped from the second I installed it. The customer service rep said it was indeed an issue with the unit, not an installation issue. I said great, please send me a new one and Ill send this one back. They refused, saying they are onlu wiling to send a new valve. I said I am not a plumber and would have to hire one to put a new valve in. I bought a new unit because i didnt want a defective product. They said they could only send a valve. I responded that this would essentially double the cost of the faucet if I have to hire a plumber. They still refused to replace the product with a new one.
The economic damages will be the cost of hiring a plumber to fix a brand new product. Alternatively, the cost will be me uninstalling the product, driving it back to Home Depot, buying a replacement one at the same price or greater and then reinstalling that one. Thats assuming Home Depot takes the product back, which, at this point I don't know.
Ed of Denville NJ (01/16/07)
I have a model 81100 pressure clean flushometer tank system that has a minor leak and the water keeps running. I asked how do you adjust the tank to stop the water from running and was told the tank has no adjustments and has no replacement parts and that i would have to just buy a new toilet that the warranty is only 1 year. I said the toilet looks like it is brand new and that all I want to do is adjust the tank from running all the time and don't want to replace it. After giving the technical service rep 6 different numbers embossed into the tank and cover she said i still havn't given her the right number and she can't help me she asked for a serial number from a label on the back of the tank system that is impossible to reach or see. When I told her this she told me to send a picture of the label that's impossible to see without taking the tank appart. Otherwise she couldn't help me. I notice that there have been numerous complaint about this model number pressure clean flushometer tank system including tank explosions. Is this tank safe and has there been a recall on the tank that I am not aware of. I found the experience dealing with the Kholer representative completely unacceptable.
John of Glen Cove NY (01/07/07)
My plumber installed 2 of the KOHLER low profile toilets with the 81100 Clean Flushometer System when I remodeled & extended my house in 1994. One failed within a year and had to buy another model to replace it, the other has been a non-function curio piece, its SN 794B03616. We lived with it because we have 5 full bathrooms in the house but I was totally upset when Kohler discountinued the model but provided no spare parts. There werent exactly cheap at approx $800 each.
john
There were no physical damages. I lost $ 1,600 plus the installation for the one I replaced and of course no usage of the second.
Joyce Bynum of Sunnyvale CA (11/23/06)
I bought two new Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height toilets, just installed a week ago, and one is already stopped up! I wish I had held out for a Toto. I don't know what to do now - I can hardly afford to rip them out and put in new ones.
No damage - just annoyance.
Charles Hoffmann of Harbert MI (11/03/06)
I bought the Kohler bathroom fixtures 4 center set faucets (three sets) and one is wshowing signs of chrome discoloration. They claim the cleaner I used is the cause. All these bathroom cleaners are considered safe for chrome except obviously Kohler. I have used Kohler for over 50 years and never had a finish problem. I was told to use vinegar and water. I asked why that wasn't on the warranty.
Chrome discoloration after just one year and purchsed direct from the company! Kohler said I was stuck with this product.
jMark of Orinda CA (10/12/05)
Over the last 3 years, I've purchased 5 Kohler toilets (3 different models) for my primary residence, and a vacation home. None of the toilets flush solid waste well. The toilets need to be plunged between 25%-50% of the time. Kohler's customer service was not any help either. It appears that when the EPA changed the water levels from 3.2 gallons to 1.6 gallons, Kohler didn't reengineer their toilets to work with the new requirement. It seems like they slapped some restrictors into the drains and continued to sell the old products. I won't ever buy any Kohler products again. I also plan to warn all of my friends and acquaintances to not buy any Kohler products.
Richard of Los Angeles CA (10/10/05)
In 1997, I bought a house, built in 1992. In the master bathroom was a Kohler pressure asisted toilet. It began to lose steam (i.e., barely flush at all) about two months ago, also about the time I noticed the Consumer Affairs.com update on the same item (including the reference to the small but existing, risk of actual explosion).
Kohler has apparently substantially improved their response to this problem, though they do not make the offending item, or stock replacvewment parts, any more. On the advice of a local plumber, I called Kohler's customer service department; I gave them the model number and serial number of the offending fixture, and, without further question or argument, Kohler sent me, within the next week, a certificate which provided my plumber with a replacement (non-pressure) Kohler toilet for free; my only cost was the price of labor for the switch-out.
N of Fujino-Machi OTHER (08/28/05)
In 1994 we installed three Kohler K-3394 San Raphael Lite toilets with Pressure-Clean system. The toilets have not operated properly over the last ten years, and I don't know how many times I have replaced interior parts at great expense here in Japan. Luckily we haven't had any overflows or explosions, but weak flush is a constant problem, together with water leaking into the tank. The valve parts sets cost hundreds of dollars when they *were* available and are now not available at all, so I will be replacing the toilets as soon as I can find close replacement colors from Toto.
Natasha of Brookline MA (07/11/05)
In December 2004, I Purchased a KOHLER shower door from SPLASH, later that week i was told by a store representative that contacted me, that they would have to refund my money because these doors apparently have had some 'installation problems' associated with them. In order for me to purchase these doors i would have scedule an appointment with a KOHLER representative to come to my house and make neccesary measurements. I could not take any time off back in December so i waited till my vacation in June.
I went to JD Daddario store in Mashpee Mass where i purchased exactly the same kind of door. They did not tell me anything about having a KOHLER represenative take any measurments and said it would be delivered in two weeks. After delivery as promised, we had a worker come in to install the door. As he installed one piece and went on to get the other , the mounted piece EXPLODED into tiny pieces all over the bathroom, hitting him as he was standing outside in the hallway.
I contacted the store where i purchased the product and they offered a refund and a pick up of the remaining side of the door. I am still what those 'installation problems' that the SPLASH representatives warned me about. Sounds like hazardous and dangerous product to me.
Timothy of Seattle WA (03/01/05)
Our Kohler 81100 Pressure Clean Flushometer Tank System Toilet exloded during the night flooding our house. Looking at other websites it is clear this is an ongoing problem and Kohler needs to recall these defective toilets immediately. Absolutely unacceptable. Further I understand Kohler does not offer replacement parts for these high tech fairly new toilets. Please help.
Flooded our main floor and basement. Caused me to miss a day of work and we had to throw away many damaged items. We are hoping to salvage the carpet but do not know yet.
Sandra of South San Francisco CA (02/25/05)
Came home to a waterfall and flood in my home on 2/15/05 approximately 6PM. I entered thru our garage and noticed floor covered with water coming down walls and ceiling. Quickly went upstairs to find source of leak. Upon opening the door to the home the hallway carpet was soak as (squish squish) sound came upon walking on it. Followed to the bathroom area only to find chunks of china ceramic from the toilet all over the floor.
The side of the toiet gone and the pressure tank of mour Model 3404 had blown off. Realizing that our hardwood floor was under the carpet I began to rip the carpeting off only to find the pad was also thoroughly soaked and approx 1/4 of water on the floor. I called Kohler the next morning approx 7:30 AM (PST) and spoke with Tonya (no last name given), but was informed I had called into a call center. I asked if anyone else had called stating their toilets had exploded and she stated yes and they are replacing the toilet as the company that made the pressure assembly is no longer in business.
Deborah of Scotch Plains NJ (01/19/05)
I have three pressurized Kohler toilets in my home. One doesn't have enough pressure in it to make the water go down, the other makes horrible noises when it flushes and both of these have water in the tank, which I'm told should not be there. The third one so far hasn't been a problem. I called the Kohler service and was told that the model was discontined and that I should get replacement toilets. I am not sure what kind of replacement toilets they will be.
Kohler will not bear the cost of installation. I am outraged that a company such as this does not have an instant recall on a defective product like this AND BEAR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION. I am not through with them yet.
Ellen of New Canaan CT (03/20/04)
We purchased an expensive custom built high end home in Fairfield County six years ago. Two of the seven toilets installed were Kohler high pressure models. Last month, my husband called me screaming from the bathroom that he needed help. When he flushed the toilet, the tank lid lifted off as the pressure tank exploded sending torrents of water all over the bathroom.
As he frantically tried to turn off the water supply and mop water with every available towel within reach, he realized that he could have been seriously hurt or had a heart attack from the episode. Conversations with various plumbing supply stores and plumbers indicate that it is common knowledge among the trade that these toilets have had many problems and that Kohler will only give you a credit towards the purchase of a new Kohler toilet, when absolutely forced to comply.
We were extremely lucky that we were home and through our rapid actions we were able to prevent the water from flooding the first floor rooms below the master bath.
Dr. Edward of Verona NJ (01/08/04)
We were away on vacacation and I received a call from the manager of our building . He stated that our toilet had overflowe and that there was water damage to our apartment as well as two adjacent units. of our high-rise condominium.They turned off the water to the toilet and cleaned up our apt.I am not sure of the total extent of damages to the other apartments but we sustained damage to carpeting and clothing in an adjacent closet
The carpet has to be replaced. The clothing had to be cleaned and the entire toilet replaced. The culprit is this toilet ,the Kohler 81100 Pressure Clean Tank system. When I checked the internet ,I was shocked to learn that this unit installed about 1994 has a long history of explosive leaks. Our home insurance will not reimburse us for much of the loss sustained in our apartment.
Judy of Rockville MD (01/03/04)
We have Kohler toilets which have bumpers under the toilet seat. In the past it was possible to replace these bumpers when they became damaged. However, Kohler has now made the toilet seats so that they cannot be replaced. Therefore, if they become damaged it is necessary to replace the entire fixture at great expense.
It is necessary to replace an entire toilet seat at great expense instead of merely replacing the bumpers. I assume this is financially beneficial to Kohler but certainly an unnecessary expense for the consumer.
Martin of Mercer Island WA (11/02/03)
Kohler Model 81100 Pressure Clean Flushometer tank toilet stopped flushing. Fortunately for me, I checked consumeraffairs.com before attempting home repairs and read about the exploding toilets. I believe you saved me from potential injury and at the very least, a helluva mess.
I'll make sure the dealer is fully aware of the problem with Kohler not standing behind their products and, for sure, will not buy another Kohler product.
Brenda of Winchester VA (08/18/03)
We came home from vacation a few days ago to find our Kohler 81100 Pressure Flush toilet literally spraying water out the back. The hardwood floor of the bathroom as well as the bedroom and family room in the basement have been destroyed as well as a treadmill, leather chair, etc. It is obvious to us now, after reading complaints on this website as well as others, that Kohler was well aware of the possibility of these toilets exploding.
They are willing to give us a replacement toilet (only one specific model -- that they are probably trying to get rid of), which is available at the local Home Depot. BUT, we can't get it from there. We can only get it from one place within 100 miles, and they can't get one from Kohler for 5 weeks. We feel that considering the thousands of dollars of damage caused by Kohler's failure to make us aware of a known problem, the least they can do is make arrangements for a replacement sooner than 5 weeks.
Our hardwood floors in three rooms were destroyed. A treadmill was destoryed. The water leaking through the wall shorted out the intercom system and it no longer works. There is unknown damage to the ductwork, which was filled with water. We are going to be forced to make a substantial claim against our homeowner's insurance and no doubt have our premiums raised.
Devi of Oakland CA (01/31/03)
I purchased 4 Rialto pressure toilets from Kohler and installed in my new house in 1993. All the other fixtures are matched with the toilets, in four colours. One toilet has burst and flooded the other three are imminent. They have never worked as well as they should, and have always been substandard. Kohler has authorized me to replace them with Wellworth toilets, which are much cheaper,less than half the cost of the Rialtos, not the one piece design, and they will not pay for the labor to do so.
It concerns me that at any point the toilets could burst and leak and shatter as I hear they are capable of doing. It would cost me about $800-$900 a piece to replace the toilets with the San Rafael toilets which would be most suited to my bathrooms. Kohler, may have to custom make one of them because of the colour. I would have to incur this cost plus the cost of getting the new toilets shipped to me, the new ones installed and the old ones sent back to the place of purchase. This seems extraordinarily unfair. There is an inherent expectation that a toilet should last for 30 years at least, and replacement parts if any should be confined to toilet seats.
Guy of Medford NY (01/25/03)
Kohler Rialto Pressure Lite Toilet poses a considerable risk to life and property including wasting huge amounts of domestic water. Kohler discontinues the high profile very expensive over six hundred dollar model and renders parts unavailable with no fix for the problems. This seems like a quick cover-up.
I experienced a major leak with one of my Kohler Rialto Pressure Lite Toilets causing damage and wasting water. Plus it houses a high pressure tank that can explode causing risk to life. I contacted Kohler and all they said was the pressure clean assembly and all its parts are discontinued, no parts are available. I asked why, all they said was the manufacture of the parts went out of business. I said that I spent over six hundred dollars on this model and your now telling me no parts are available??? That is NOT an excuse.
Countless units were sold by Kohler and if the manufacture is not available contract another or Kohler should make the parts themselves. Is Kohler not capable of redesigning a retrofit flushing assembly for this model and offering it to all customers for free (recall)? They are obviously concerned about themselves more than the consumer.
All they did for me is offer me a one hundred dollar slap in the face with orders to go out and purchase another Kohler toilet. At this point I would not lean towards Kohler products at all nor would I recommend any to my clients. I demand that something be done about this immediately. There are many people as many as they sold out there with this problem
Howard of Middletown NJ (09/23/02)
We have 2 Kohler pressure flush toilets in our home. One developed a leak and actually caused water damage to the room below it. When I recently called Kohler to get parts to fix the toilet, they told me that they no longer made this model, had no parts whatsoever for it, and would generously give me a $100 credit towards a new $1,200 model. This model is only 6 years old and now I am faced with replacing the entire unit.
The customer rep that I spoke with on the phone did not think that this was out of the ordinary. She basically gave me a take or leave it ultimatum. I chose to leave it as I'm now replacing the toilet with an American Standard. This will be the last Kohler product that I will ever purchase and feel that a governmental agency should get involved as not only were these units defective but now there is not fix for them.
Lewis of Lido Beach NY (09/12/02)
This is a followup to a comment I placed about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday one of my Kohler High Pressure Toilets EXPLODED, sending shards of Porcelin and four chuncks( 5x7) of the tank into the wall and floor.The toilet moved about 1/2 over from where it was, the holddown bolts loosened and moved. The bathroom fooded and damaged the floor and sink cabinet. c
At this point I don't know the economic results. I need to take off from work and see. I did clean the water up and shut the supply line.
Thomas of Berkeley CA (08/08/02)
We own a Kholer 81100 pressure toilet. A couple of weeks ago it stopped having any pressure. I contacted the company and was told that they are no longer supporting this product and there was nothing to be done other than to replace it. I find it difficult to believe that they expect that I would ever by another Kohler product again. I expected to by replacement parts, not another toilet. I purchased this toilet to save money on my water bill and to help the environment not to replace it completely at my cost in less than three years.
Emilio of Aventura FL (06/11/02)
I recently needed parts for Kohler K-3394 toilets with 81100 pressure-clean system. I had been told by Kohler that they no longer make them, and that I would have to replace them. I feel they should provide the spare sparts since they built them. I have five of these toilets in my house that came with the house when I bought it. Most of the houses in my 80 house development came with these toilets. Kohler should take responsibility for this problem.
Jeff of New Jersey NJ (01/08/02)
I have a 8-9 year old Kohler 81100 Pressure Clean Flushometer toilet. It worked great until the other night when we were wakened by a noise loud enough to be called an 'explosion'. Lifting the cover revealed a spout of water gushing out of the tank area. I turned off the water supply and poked around to find that a componant either broke of or unscrewed, leaving a dime-sized hole for water to flood. I called Kohler and eventually got thru and was told they do not make this model any more (surprise!). Not only that, BUT THEY HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR SPARE PARTS.
Had this of happened during the day, when I was out, my house would have been flooded. I now have to buy a replacement toilet and get it installed. Kohler, as an act of 'good faith', would pay me $100 for the toilet. However the conditions are: (a) I must return it to where I bought it from ( a contractor 10 years ago - please !) and (b) I must buy another Kohler toilet. A similar model is 4 X this amount.
Tom of New York NY (11/23/01)
Our Kohler 81100 Pressure Clean Flushometer toilet recently developed a weak, almost non-existent flush. Contacting Kohler I am told that this the company stopped providing parts to this toilet so I my only recourse is to buy a new toilet. Considering that a replacement toilet is more than $800 I find this a shocking position for the company to take.
Normal toilets require but a few dollars of annual maintenance to keep them going for thirty years. How is that a company can market a product for double or triple the average original cost of similar products and then expect its customers to replace the ENTIRE product only a few years later when it needs routine maintenance? I have four other identical toilets operating in my house and do not look forward to what will happen when they too develop problems. If Kohler has put out a defective product that is no longer supported in the market with parts, it should be required to bear the consequences -- not the customer.
Deporre of Anna Maria FL (10/25/00)
I built and moved into a new home in Jan. of 1993. My water bills began to go up shortly after I moved into the house. I called the water company and plumbers on numerous occasions trying to discover the source of the trouble. Eventually I was told it was the toilet in the master bath. That one toilet has been a source of constant trouble from day one.
I've complained to Kohler and had plumbers out here time and time again. The customer service center keeps telling me to make minor adjustments-which the plumbers have done again and again--and the toilet is no better today than when I first moved in. I have to turn the water off by hand each time the toilet is used. I think the company failed to address our problem initially and when the problem was addressed it was treated as though it was a routine problem requiring nothing more than a small adjustment on the toilet.
This attitude persisted until it was out of warranty. I've spent lots of money on plumbers to make repairs that failed to correct the problem. I've asked for a Kohler service rep. to look at the toilet on numerous occassions and they tell me there isn't one available.
This has resulted it high water bills, numerous repeat bills from plumbers, contant frustration. I can't go to bed at night without hearing the toilet cutting on and off constantly throughout the night. If I turn the water off so I don't waste water then I have to manually turn it on and off each time the toilet is used. The plumbers can't seem to fix it and they are from a store that SELLS Kohler products!!
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