Best Toilet Fill Valve for Hard Water

Having a leaky toilet tank or flushing the toilet with a bucket of water can be embarrassing and bring in high water costs. Toilet fill valves can last up to 5 years, however, their lifespan can be shorter if you use hard water. It’s therefore advised that you look for toilet fill valves that can withstand hard water use.

You don’t need to worry; this article breaks down the best toilet fill valve for hard water. Additionally, we highlight what you should look for in toilet fill valves and the steps for installation. Common signs like noises from the tank, leakages, or weak flushing power are major indicators that your toilet fill valve is faulty and needs replacement.

Top 5 Best Toilet Fill Valves for Hard Water

1. Toto Universal TSU99A.X Fill Valve

This TOTO fill valve is compatible with all modern TOTO toilet models. You can easily adjust the refill volume and height to suit the settings of your toilet tank to get maximum performance. The package includes all the items you will need to install the valve: cone washer, clamp, refill tube, and nut.

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2. American Standard No Finish 3174002-0070AP Flush Valve

This American Standard flush valve is made from durable plastic that withstands frequent use for long-lasting performance. The design is compatible with most American Standard toilets, thus a suitable replacement for your worn-out valve. Luckily, the package includes a wrench to quickly remove your old toilet fill valve and fasten the new one.

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3. Danco Hydroright HYR271T Lever Handle and Dual Flush Valve 

The Danco Hydroright is a water-saving toilet flush valve that makes your standard toilet to dual-flush water. It uses 70% less than the average amount of water to flush paper and liquids than other toilet fill valves through the lever-style handle. The flapperless technology solves common toilet leaky issues by replacing your worn-out toilet chain, handle, and flapper, which break often. Lastly, this Danco valve is the only one on this list with tool-free installation without removing the tank.

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4. Kohler Toilet Canister Genuine Part 1083980 3″ Flush Valve

Kohler products are reputable in plumbing thanks to their sturdy construction and durability. The valve includes a 3′” canister and a 3″ outlet compatible with Kohler Cimarron toilets. The tank-to-bowl gasket allows complete assembly leaving no room for water leakage.

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5. Fluid master Performax Universal 400H-002 Toilet Fill Valve

This Fluidmaster fill valve is made from durable plastic and offers noise-free performance that you’ll love. The installation instructions are appropriately laid out, making the process easy and quick. This is a universal unit that’s compatible with most toilet models. The included EZ-Twist adjusts the height from 9 to 14 inches, making it a proper fit for many tanks. 

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What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet Fill Valve for Hard Water

It doesn’t matter if you plan to install a toilet fill valve or call in an expert; having information on how your toilet system works is necessary. Here are some vital factors to look out for, especially if you live in hard water areas;

Material

Toilet valves are primarily plastic or metallic. Though plastic fill valves may not be as durable as metallic ones, they are the best choice. This is because metal fill valves or those with metal parts are subject to corrosion which causes leaks and malfunctioning. 

Toilet tank design

While there are various brands and designs of toilet fill valves, your option is limited to your toilet tank. Therefore, identify the current valve, its type, and its measurements to determine which one to buy. For example, a toilet with a low-fill tank or profile will require a specific fill valve to fit its design. Luckily, choosing a fill valve for your classic toilet tank is the easiest, as most current fill valves are either universal or adjustable. 

Price

You may be enticed to go for a low-budget toilet fill-valve if it matches your toilet tank specifications. Not all cheap toilet valves are good quality, whereas most expensive ones are associated with good quality.

Steps to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve 

Toilet fill valves can’t last forever as they are in constant contact with water and will leak or clog up sooner or later. When replacing your toilet valve, it’s important to also replace the flapper for added efficiency. This explains why some toilet valves come complete with a flapper.

Follow these simple DIY steps to the latter for the successful installation of your toilet valve so you don’t risk flooding the whole room;

1. Drain the water: First, turn off the toilet water supply and drain all the water from the tank; you can use a large bucket. Then dispose of the collected water and put the empty bucket back again.
2. Disassemble the water tank: Detach the inner flapper from the water tank and disassemble the gasket below the fill tube. Next, use a wrench to unscrew the tank’s bolts to the toilet bowl. Then remove the water tank from the bowl.
3. Install your new toilet fill valve and gasket: Strictly follow your product user guide to prevent cross-threading in installing the gasket and valve. Use a lock nut to fasten the fill valve to the tank’s underside. 
4. Put the toilet tank back: Take the tank back to its initial position and use bolts to tighten it completely.
5. Attach the flapper: Put the flapper back if it’s still in good condition or the new flapper if the valve kit came with one. Modern flappers can have unique features; thus, use the installation manual for proper fixing.
6. Connect the water tubes back: Connect the water pipes back. Check for leaks, then confirm that the whole tank mechanism flushes water easily and refills it faster without making a hissing sound. 

The above replacement valves will help you bring back your toilet and its tank efficiently. Good toilet valves for hard water should have durable yet rust-free parts, deliver high-quality performance, and be simple to install. Notably, the toilet valve should be compatible with the tank.