Kohler How to repair a leaking shower faucet, Hunker Kohler shower valve leaking and how to fix it
Sometimes Kohler shower valves need service.Identifying the valve in your home is the first step in fixing a dripping or leaking valve.There is assistance in the "Identify a Single Control Bath/Shower Valve" article.Only single-control valves are presented in this document.
The following information can be used to identify and repair the most common sources of valve malfunction.To locate the most appropriate description of the problem, please move through the document.
There is a difference between a leak and a drip.A leak is a continuous flow of water.A raindrop is a collection of individual drips.During a leak, there is no space between the drips.
The proper Mixer Cap and Pressure Balancing Unit kit should be replaced if only a showerhead is installed.The shower arm should be removed if a tub spout is installed.
The installation instructions have "Important Information" notes.Only a small amount of copper pipe can be used to connect the valve and tub spout.Water will flow from the tub spout and the showerhead at the same time if materials other than recommended are used.This is called shower rise.Foreign matter lodged in the outlet ports can contribute to this type of problem.
The mixer cap on the Kohler Rite-Temp valves is designed to allow hot and cold water to come in from the right and left.The brass valve body has a word on it's hot side.Please follow these instructions if the inlets are reversed.
The pressure of the water should be checked.A pressure balancing unit responds to the pressure it has been given.fluctuations in water temperature can be caused by a pressure differential greater than 5 psi.A plumbing professional can measure the water pressure with a gauge.
To connect the valve and tub spout, you have to use a 1/2 inch copper pipe.A delayed flow of water may occur if PEX is installed.The thermal expansion of the PEX will cause a slight delay in the flow of water to the tub spout.When the valve is turned off, the PEX cools and contracts, causing the column of water to see the path of least resistance.
The hot and cold sides have different water pressure.Pressure regulators can be installed on each side of the valve.Pressure regulating valves may be required if there is a large differential.
A high-pitched noise may be heard if the nozzles are not working.The shower head needs to be removed and cleaned with a solution of white vinegar and water.
There is a variety of o-rings in the repair kit.The o-rings must be in perfect condition.When installing the repair kit, make sure that the metal collar is in front of the mixer cap, not between it and the pbu.The cap will leak if the metal collar is placed between the pbu and the cap.The correct placement of the metal collar is shown in the picture below.2.