When your toilet refuses to refill after flushing, it’s more than just an inconvenience. A Fluidmaster fill valve that doesn’t turn on means water isn’t flowing into the tank — and your toilet stays unusable. The good news is that this is a common issue, and you don’t always need a plumber. In most cases, it’s either a small part failure or a quick replacement job you can do yourself.
In this article, we’ll cover why your Fluidmaster valve may not be working, quick troubleshooting steps, and the best replacement fill valves and repair kits you can buy today. If your valve has reached the end of its lifespan, upgrading to a premium replacement is the smartest long-term fix.
Quick Picks: Best Fluidmaster Fill Valve Replacements
- Best Overall: Fluidmaster 400AH PerforMAX High-Performance Fill Valve – Quiet, fast, and universally compatible.
- Best Budget: Fluidmaster 400A Universal Toilet Fill Valve – Affordable and dependable for standard toilets.
- Best Premium: Fluidmaster 400CRP14 Universal Fill Valve & Flapper Repair Kit – Complete kit that replaces both valve and flapper for a full refresh.
Why a Fluidmaster Fill Valve Doesn’t Turn On
If your valve doesn’t activate after flushing, here are the most common causes:
- Water supply closed: The shut-off valve at the wall might be partially or fully closed.
- Clogged inlet screen: Sediment buildup can block water flow inside the valve.
- Float stuck or set too low: If the float cup isn’t rising, the valve won’t trigger.
- Worn-out seal: The internal seal eventually hardens and prevents the valve from opening.
- Valve at end of life: Most fill valves last about 5–7 years before needing replacement.
Quick Troubleshooting Before Replacement
- Make sure the shut-off valve is fully open.
- Lift the float manually. If water starts flowing, the float was stuck.
- Turn off water, remove the top cap of the fill valve, and rinse the seal + inlet screen.
- If cleaning doesn’t help, replace the seal (cheap, quick fix).
- If it still won’t turn on, it’s time to install a new fill valve.
Detailed Product Reviews: Best Fluidmaster Replacements
1. Fluidmaster 400AH PerforMAX High-Performance Fill Valve
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want a quiet, powerful, and long-lasting universal replacement.
- Key Benefits: Adjustable height, fast tank refill, quiet operation.
- Pros: Fits most toilets, reduces water usage, easy installation.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than basic models.
Final Verdict: The go-to choice for anyone replacing a broken Fluidmaster valve.
Check Latest Price on Amazon
2. Fluidmaster 400A Universal Toilet Fill Valve
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious DIYers who need a simple, reliable replacement.
- Key Benefits: Universal fit, proven reliability, affordable.
- Pros: Trusted by plumbers, inexpensive, easy to adjust.
- Cons: Lacks water-saving features of premium models.
Final Verdict: Perfect for quick fixes when you need your toilet running again today.
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3. Fluidmaster 400CRP14 Universal Fill Valve and Flapper Repair Kit
Who it’s for: Anyone whose toilet needs both a fill valve and flapper replacement.
- Key Benefits: Complete kit (valve + flapper), prevents leaks and overflows.
- Pros: Comprehensive repair, great value, widely compatible.
- Cons: More work than swapping just the valve.
Final Verdict: Best choice if your toilet is older and needs more than one part replaced.
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4. Fluidmaster PRO45 Quiet Fill Valve
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want whisper-quiet operation.
- Key Benefits: Professional-grade, quietest Fluidmaster model.
- Pros: Premium materials, reduced noise, adjustable water flow.
- Cons: Slightly higher price point.
Final Verdict: A premium upgrade for quiet bathrooms.
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5. Fluidmaster 400H-002 Performax Universal Fill Valve
Who it’s for: Households with high water bills who want water-saving features.
- Key Benefits: Dual adjustment for performance + water savings.
- Pros: Strong refill, customizable water level, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Setup takes a little longer.
Final Verdict: Great if you want efficiency and control over water use.
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6. Fluidmaster 402CARHRKP10 PerforMAX Toilet Repair Kit
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want a complete refresh of their toilet tank parts.
- Key Benefits: Includes fill valve, flapper, and tank-to-bowl gasket.
- Pros: Full repair in one kit, stops multiple leaks, improves efficiency.
- Cons: More expensive than single valves.
Final Verdict: The best all-in-one solution for long-term reliability.
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Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluidmaster 400AH | Universal, quiet, high performance | 9–14 inch adjustable height | View Price |
| Fluidmaster 400A | Universal, budget-friendly | Standard universal fit | View Price |
| Fluidmaster 400CRP14 Kit | Valve + flapper combo | Universal kit | View Price |
| Fluidmaster PRO45 | Professional-grade, quiet | Universal, noise-reducing | View Price |
| Fluidmaster 400H-002 | Water-saving, customizable | Adjustable dual control | View Price |
| Fluidmaster 402CARHRKP10 Kit | Complete toilet repair kit | Universal multi-part kit | View Price |
FAQ Section
Why won’t my Fluidmaster fill valve turn on?
The most common reasons are a closed water supply, clogged inlet screen, stuck float, or a worn-out seal inside the valve.
Can I repair the valve instead of replacing it?
Yes — sometimes cleaning the valve or replacing the rubber seal fixes the problem. However, if it’s old, replacement is usually better.
How long does a Fluidmaster fill valve last?
Most last 5–7 years, but hard water can shorten their lifespan.
Is it easy to replace a fill valve myself?
Yes. Fluidmaster valves are designed for DIY installation with just basic tools. Most jobs take 15–30 minutes.
Should I buy a kit or just a valve?
If only the valve is faulty, you can replace just that. If your flapper or gasket is also leaking, a full kit is more cost-effective.
Conclusion
If your Fluidmaster fill valve does not turn on, don’t panic. First, check the basics: water supply, float, and screen. If cleaning doesn’t work, replacing the valve is simple, affordable, and something you can do yourself in minutes.
For most people, the Fluidmaster 400AH PerforMAX is the best overall replacement. Budget-conscious buyers can go with the classic Fluidmaster 400A, while those wanting a full upgrade should choose the 400CRP14 kit. Each will restore your toilet’s performance and stop the hassle of a non-working valve.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens — grab your replacement valve today and get your toilet running smoothly again.