The Kohler Wellworth K-3997 is a two-piece, round-front, standard-height toilet. It uses 1.28 gallons per flush, fits a 12-inch rough-in and is WaterSense labeled. Its 27-3/4-inch projection makes it a candidate for a tight bathroom. If you want chair height or an elongated bowl, look at a different Wellworth model number. Kohler sells round and elongated Wellworths with different rough-ins and flush systems.
K-3997 specifications
From Kohler’s current specification sheet:
| Item | K-3997 |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Two-piece, round-front, standard height |
| Flush | 1.28 gpf, Class Five canister |
| Rough-in | 12 inches |
| Rim height | 14-1/2 inches |
| Front projection | 27-3/4 inches from the finished wall |
| Trapway | 2-1/8-inch, fully glazed, exposed |
| Components | Bowl K-4197 and tank K-4467 |
| Lever | Left-hand, polished chrome |
| Installation | Three-bolt quick-connect |
| Included | Bowl and tank. Seat and supply line sold separately |
A 14-1/2-inch rim is about two inches lower than Kohler’s chair-height bowls, which run about 16-1/2 inches. Some adults find the lower seat harder to stand up from. Weigh that against the space the shorter round bowl saves.
Measure before you buy
- Rough-in: measure from the finished wall, not the baseboard, to the closet-bolt centers. K-3997 needs 12 inches.
- Front clearance: compare 27-3/4 inches with the door swing, vanity and local clearance rules.
- Seat: buy a round-front seat. Elongated seats won’t fit.
- Back-to-back drains: Kohler requires a 45-degree double wye fitting where two toilets share a drain from opposite sides of a wall.
Installation and parts
Kohler lists a wax ring and hardware kit (1023457) and a 12-inch supply line (1265114) as separate items. Check the flange and floor when the old toilet is off, and don’t overtighten the porcelain. Record the bowl and tank numbers. Kohler’s parts lookup for K-3997 is the reliable way to match a canister seal, lever or lid.
This review is based on Kohler’s documents. No unit was installed or flush-tested.