Customer Reviews

Fluidmaster #502 RED Adjustable A Flush Flapper

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Our house has American Standard toilets. For some reason, many toilet flapper valves don't seal properly in these toilets. After trying a variety of models and brands of flapper valves, it seems that Fluidmaster products work the best for our cantankerous toilets. The material used in the flap part of the valve is soft, conforming, and durable.

We have a low capacity well, and water conservation is important. I like flapper valves that are adjustable, so I can control the volume of water per flush. The adjustable Fluidmaster model 5051 works fine, but it's time consuming to adjust the float up and down to get a water-saving but complete flush.

I really like the model 502 the best. You install it, then rotate the flap part of the valve to tweak the volume per flush. Easy. My only criticism of the 502 is that after 3-4 years of frequent use, the clip that holds the soft flap to the hard plastic frame had loosened slightly and would not hold the two parts together. Considering that most other flap valves have failed MUCH sooner than this one, I can't find it in my heart to down rate this product.

We live in the country some distance from large hardware stores, so a quick trip to buy a replacement was not an option. Instead, I removed the flap from the clip, used a heat gun to warm the hard plastic clip so it was flexible but not hot enough to melt, then gently pushed on the clip so it tightened its grip. When the plastic was cool, I popped the soft flap back into the clip. This fix seems to be working, but I plan to buy a replacement flapper to have on hand, just in case.

Update, August 2010: The fix to the clip is still working fine!

I tried the 502 in my American Standard 1.6 gpf and it drops immediately like a rock no matter what the setting. I tried it on every setting using a full tank. It closed immediately and did not allow the tank to empty. It just did not work. I tried two of them before I gave up.

I received the product in a timely manner. The price was good and it works well. I would buy future products from this company.

The flapper curled up and won't seal after less than 2 years. They say 5 year warranty, but check it out and see if you can actually return one under warranty. MADE IN MEXICO. Better go for a USA job like Korky. Best wishes.