Best Toilet Fill Valves – 2021 Complete Guide

| Last Updated: October 23, 2022

While toilet fill valves are relatively simple pieces of equipment, they can wear out and crack over time with regular water usage. If you want your toilet to run as efficiently as possible, it makes sense to replace a damaged or faulty toilet fill valve with a new, high-quality option.

To help you choose the right fill valve replacement, we are going to explain everything you need to know about fill valves. We will also review five of our top picks for the best toilet fill valves on the market today!

Comparison of the Best Toilet Fill Valves

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Universal design fits most 2-inch flush valve toilets
  • Adjustable Height: 9 - 14 in
  • Material: Plastic and Rubber
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  • Built-in mini valve automatically adjusts water level
  • Adjustable Height: 11 - 13.8 in
  • Material: Plastic
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  • Best for the Money
  • Adjustable Height: 9 - 14 in
  • Material: Plastic
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  • Quietest Toilet Fill Valve
  • Adjustable Height: 7.75 - 13.5 in
  • Material: Plastic
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  • Adjustable height and flow to suit most TOTO models
  • Adjustable Height: 7.75 - 13.5 in
  • Material: Plastic
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How Do I Choose a Toilet Fill Valve?

While choosing a new fill valve for your toilet might seem like a fairly simple decision, there are actually some important factors you need to take into consideration. To help you make the right choice, we are going to explain some important factors you should think about before you choose a toilet fill valve:

Corrosion Resistance and Durability

Since your toilet’s fill valve will be submerged in water for almost its entire existence, it is important to choose one that is not susceptible to corrosion and rusting issues. The best options are made from durable, high-impact plastics and rubber. These can withstand water exposure and will not crack with use.

Ease of Installation

As with any new component for any toilet model, it’s best to choose something you can install yourself. Hiring a plumber is expensive, as they almost always charge a hefty fee for showing up, as well as a steep hourly rate. Any time you can install or replace something yourself, you will end up saving yourself a great deal of time, money, and frustration.

Photo credit: fluidmaster.com

Compatibility With Your Toilet

Before you choose a new fill valve, it is important to find out if it will actually work with your specific toilet. Even if the fill valve is described as having a universal design, you should still make sure it works with your toilet. In most cases, universal design just means it works with many modern toilets designed by various manufacturers, but it will still only work with toilets that have specific gallons per flush (GPF) rating. Before you purchase a new fill valve, check the packaging to make sure it works with your toilet flush valve, otherwise you could be wasting your time and money.

The Noise Created When the Fill Valve is Used

Nobody likes a loud toilet. Unfortunately, poorly designed fill valves will create a significant amount of noise when the tank is filling with water. This is because small leaks can create an annoying hissing sound. Look for a fill valve that is specifically designed to cut down on noise. You will thank yourself after it is installed!

Antimicrobial Surface

The inside of a toilet can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The best toilet fill valves are designed to have surfaces that inhibit the growth of mold and harmful types of bacteria. If you want to help keep your toilet sanitary and safe, it is worth checking to see if your chosen fill valve has any sort of antimicrobial coating.

Reviews of the Best Toilet Fill Valves

Now that you know what to look for, we can review some of the best toilet fill valves on the market today:

Best Overall

Fluidmaster 400CRP14

Fluidmaster 400CR Universal Toilet Fill Flapper Repair Kit for 2-Inch Flush Valves, 1-Pack, Multicolor

Specifications

Material: Plastic/Rubber

Dimensions: 3.71 x 6 x 15.76″

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Review

The Fluidmaster Fill Valve and Flapper Repair Kit was designed to be a simple solution to one of the most common causes of toilet leaks and hissing noises. It includes their iconic 400A fill valve, which happens to be the best-selling toilet fill valve in the world!

It has a simple design, which is why it can be installed in as little as 10 minutes. Both the fill valve and the flapper are made from corrosion-resistant materials, so you will not have to worry about rust stains inside your toilet tank. They are also made from durable plastics and rubber materials, so they will last for years to come. A ‘Microban’ coating also prevents bacteria from growing on the surface of the fill valve.

Bottom Line

There is a reason Fluidmaster is one of the best-selling brands in the toilet repair industry. They are known for outstanding quality and effective designs. Luckily, the 400CRP14 Toilet Fill Valve and Flapper Kit is made to the same high standards we have come to expect from the Fluidmaster brand!

Pros

Extremely quiet design

Comes with a toilet flapper

Corrosion and rust-resistant design

Designed for a simple installation process

Universal design fits most 2-inch flush valve toilets

Cons

If you do not need a new toilet flapper, it can be fairly expensive

Runner-up

Next by Danco HC660

Danco HC660 Toilet Fill Valve Repair Kit, Pack of 1, Blue White

Specifications

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.15 x 12.60″

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Review

This unique toilet fill valve kit from Next by Danco has some really interesting features. For starters, it has a built-in leak detection alarm, which triggers an audible flow of water when a leak is detected! This means you will know about leaks before they end up costing you money.

It also helps to clean the tank, as filtered jets remove sediment, slime, and other bits of debris from the water when you flush. We really liked how easy it is to install, which is thanks to the unique ‘Smart Nut’. This means you do not have to use any tools when you install your new fill valve!

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a new fill valve that has some interesting features, the Next by Danco HC660 is a great option. The patented ‘Float Lock’ shuts the water off in the tank for quick repairs, while a built-in mini-valve adjusts the water refill level to help save water. It is built to a really impressive standard, but it can be a little bit loud when you flush.

Pros

Easy installation does not require tools

Has an audible alert when a leak is detected

Built-in cleaning jets clear debris with every flush

Refills toilet tank faster than a traditional fill valve

Water saving design has a built-in mini valve that adjusts tank refill level

Cons

Somewhat loud when filling the tank

Best for the Money

Kohler GP1083167

Kohler Genuine Part Gp1083167 Silent Fill Valve Kit For All Kohler Class Five Toilets,12.5' x 3.5' x 3'

Specifications

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 11.75 x 3.75 x 3″

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Review

Kohler is known for making high-quality toilets and toilet accessories, so it is no surprise that this Silent Fill Valve Kit is made to an impressive standard. As the name suggests, it is incredibly quiet, so you will not have to deal with any annoying hissing sounds while your tank refills with water. It is made from a smooth, easy-clean surface, so you will not have to worry about scrubbing it clean when you are cleaning your toilet. As with most Kohler products, it is made from durable materials, so it should last for many years without leaks or cracks.

Bottom Line

If you own a Kohler toilet, or you are just looking for an extremely quiet fill valve replacement, the Kohler GP1083167 is an excellent choice. It is made from durable materials and can be adjusted to various fill rates. Not only is it extremely quiet, but it is also available at a very budget-friendly price!

Pros

Incredibly quiet

Made in the United States

Easy clean design wipes clean with any cloth

Easy clean design wipes clean with any cloth

Offers multiple fill rates allows you to find the perfect performance level for your preferences

Cons

Designed to work with Kohler toilets, so it might not be compatible if your toilet is made by another company

Quietest Toilet Fill Valve

Korky 528 QuietFILL

Korky 528 Toilet Fill Valve, Universal, Black

Specifications

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 4 x 2.25 x 7.75″

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Review

If you are looking for a quiet fill valve that is compatible with a wide variety of toilets, look no further than the Korky 528 Quiet FILL Universal Toilet Valve. It is made to replace faulty and noisy toilet valves with a low-volume alternative. It is easy to install and works with all the top toilet brands, including Kohler, American Standard, TOTO, and more. As with all Korky products, it is proudly made in the United States!

Bottom Line

Korky makes toilet repair parts that are compatible with just about any type of toilet. This extremely quiet fill valve replacement kit works great and is available at a very fair price. One of the only problems is that it fills the toilet tank slowly, so you will have to wait a little bit between flushes.

Pros

Easy to install

Extremely quiet

Includes everything you need

Made from durable, anti-corrosion materials

Universal design means it works with various brands and both 2 and 1-piece toilets

Cons

Fills the tank slower than other types of fill valves

Editor’s Pick

TOTO TSU99A.X

TOTO TSU99A.X Adjustable Replacement Fill Valve Assembly for Toilet Tanks, Unfinish

Specifications

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 10.25 x 4 x 2.25″

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Review

The TOTO TSU99A.X Adjustable Fill Valve is designed to work with all TOTO toilets, regardless of model number or age. The height is easy to adjust, which means you can install it quickly and easily. As is often the case with TOTO products, this fill valve is made to an extremely high standard, so it should last for many years to come. The exterior helps prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, so your toilet water will be clean and bacteria-free. It is also really quiet, so you will not have to worry about an annoying hissing sound when your toilet tank is filling.

Bottom Line

If you own a TOTO toilet, this is the perfect replacement fill valve. Its adjustable height means you will not have to worry about compatibility issues. We really like how easy it is to install, as TOTO designed it to be DIY-friendly. Overall, it is a great choice!

Pros

Easy DIY installation

Made from high-quality, durable materials

Adjustable height means it works with all TOTO toilets

Anti-microbial coating prevents the buildup of bacteria

Backed by TOTO’s impressive warranty and customer support

Cons

Fairly expensive

What is a Toilet Fill Valve and How Does a Toilet Fill Valve Work?

A toilet fill valve is a simple device that helps bring water into the toilet tank after the toilet has been flushed. Whenever water exits the tank, including when the flapper leaks, the fill valve will activate and maintain a pre-set water level in your tank. 

The toilet fill valve is connected to the flush lever by a chain, so when the toilet is flushed, the toilet valve activates. It is a fairly simple piece of equipment, but it plays a critical role in how a flushing toilet works.

Types of Toilet Fill Valves

Here are the types of toilet fill valves.

Plunger/Piston Fill Valve

These are the original types of fill valves, which is why you only really see them in very old toilets. They used a hinged lever and a floating ball, which closes the valve when it reaches the right water level.

Float Cup Fill Valve

These are the more modern types of fill valves. They are almost always made from durable plastics and water-proof rubber materials. The old floating ball is replaced with an adjustable mechanism that lets you decide how much water your tank will receive during fills. Each of the toilet fill valves we reviewed above falls into this category, which is not surprising considering they are considered to be the most reliable and adjustable type of fill valve.

Floatless Fill Valve

This newer type of fill valve uses a pressure sensing mechanism rather than a float device. They are made for low-profile toilets that have smaller tanks. They tend to be less reliable than other types of fill valves, which is why they often need to be replaced multiple times over the lifespan of a toilet.

Photo credit: thespruce.com

Toilet Fill Valve vs Flush Valve – What’s the Difference?

A fill valve controls the amount of water that will flow into your toilet tank after you have flushed, or after the water has drained below a certain level due to leaks. On the other hand, the flush valve is located in the middle of the toilet tank and controls where the water will flow from when the toilet is flushed. It helps control the movement of the toilet flapper, which is the rubber or plastic piece that covers the drain where water flows from on its way to the toilet bowl.

A broken flush valve will prevent your toilet tank from holding a seal, which will cause it to leak water into the bowl. A broken fill valve will prevent the flow of new water into the tank after you flush the toilet. While they are fairly similar mechanisms, they control different aspects of the flushing process, which is why it is important to know what needs to be replaced when your toilet is not functioning correctly. 

If both your toilet fill valve and your flush valve are broken, or you find that your toilet is making way too much noise while it is filling and flushing, you can usually buy the two pieces together in a replacement kit. In most cases, these kits will also include a new toilet flapper.

Top Brands in the Toilet Fill Valve Space

Now that we have reviewed what we consider to be some of the best toilet fill valves on the market today, we will highlight some of the top brands in the industry:

Korky Toilet Repair

Korky Toilet Repair has a reputation for making high-quality toilet replacement parts. What really sets the brand apart is their commitment to designing and manufacturing all of their products in the United States. Their domestically-made toilet fill valves tend to have a universal fit. The Korky Toilet Repair brand got its start in 1954, which was the same time they released their first toilet flapper, which completely revolutionized the plumbing industry.

Fluidmaster

Fluidmaster is one of the leading toilet repair brands in the world. Their simple, yet effective products are the top choice amongst plumbers everywhere. The brand is known for its innovative designs. They got their start in 1957 when their founder created a new type of valve that helped reduce the amount of water toilets used per flush. Today, they continue to create revolutionary products that are known for their reliability. Their toilet fill valves are quiet, effective, and fairly easy to install.

TOTO

TOTO is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of luxury toilets. They also make high-quality replacement parts for all of their toilets, including innovative and reliable toilet fill valves. If you have a TOTO toilet, you should consider buying your replacement toilet flapper directly from TOTO, as the quality is second to none.

Conclusion 

While buying a new fill valve for your toilet might not be the most exciting purchase, a broken or faulty fill valve can be an incredibly annoying thing to deal with. If you suspect that your fill valve should be replaced, we highly recommend choosing one of the options we reviewed above. Just make sure that your preferred fill valve is compatible with your specific toilet.

People Also Ask

Let’s answer a few more questions to set you on the right track.

Are Toilet Fill Valves Universal?

Unfortunately, toilet fill valves are not universal. Most are designed to work with specific toilets, so it is important to check compatibility before you buy one. While there are some toilet fill valves that claim to be universal, this typically just means that they are not designed to work with just one specific toilet brand.

Is It Easy to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve?

Yes, most toilet fill valves are designed to be easy to install and remove, so you can usually replace a toilet fill valve on your own. Some even have a tool-free design, so you can install them using just your hands! If you are unsure how to replace a toilet fill valve, check for an instruction manual when you buy a new fill valve. Most manufacturers even have detailed installation instructions on their company website!

How Long Do Toilets Fill Valves Last?

While the length of time that your toilet fill valve will last will depend on a number of factors, including how often the toilet is flushed, they tend to last somewhere in the range of four to six years. With that being said, the high-quality fill valves can last for up to a decade!

How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Toilet Fill Valve?

Replacing a toilet fill valve is not very expensive. In most cases, all you need to do is buy a replacement fill valve kit, which should cost under $30. Once you have a replacement filling valve, you can usually just switch it out yourself, which means you do not have to pay an expensive fee for it to be professionally installed by a plumber.

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.