How To Repair Kohler Shower Handle That Is Leaking

Kohler is a very undecayed brand well worth using. But when information technology comes to shower valves, a popular brand name will not salve them from inevitable leaks.

When a Kohler shower valve begins leaking, the problem usually lies with the mixing cartridge. A less likely, but nonetheless possible crusade is the valve itself is faulty. These shower valves are not also difficult to fix when using authentic replacement parts.

While replacing a Kohler mixing cartridge is not too complicated, it can misfile those who have never replaced i before.

You shouldn't let a leak fester as information technology volition lead to other problems, so you should ready your leaking shower valve as shortly every bit possible.

Why Is My Kohler Shower Valve Leaking?

Mixing Cartridge

Kohler shower valves rely on mixing cartridges to give y'all the proper combination of hot and cold water.

A cartridge great, giving out, improperly installed, or otherwise failing is the nigh widely seen reason why a Kohler valve leaks.

A leaky showerhead that continues to drip for many hours afterward you lot cease using it usually means your mixing cartridge was not sealed properly.

Mixing cartridges normally demand to be replaced when they cause leaks. But sometimes, just removing the cartridge and putting information technology back in properly tin solve the problem.

Faulty, Damaged, or Worn Out Parts

Though information technology is very rare, y'all may have received a faulty shower valve from the manufacturer. Just by and large, your shower valve cracked, was damaged, or merely wore out with fourth dimension.

Shower valves generally last between 20 to 30 years, and then information technology may need to be replaced if yours is very old.

A malfunctioning shower valve can crusade leaks and wreak havoc with your water temperature and water pressure.

It'southward Of import to note that sometimes a shower valve leak will occur behind your wall. Unfortunately, these leaks are tough to spot until it is too late and usually issue in mold or water impairment.

Replacing a worn-out shower valve requires some serious plumbing work and is usually all-time left to professionals.

How to Finish a Kohler Shower Valve from Leaking

Tools & Products You Will Need

Screwdriver
Allen Wrench
Plumbers Wrench
Pliers
Utility Knife
Cloth or Rag
Kohler Cartridge Removal Tool (if needed)
Replacement Kohler Cartridge

Solutions

Replacing a Bad Mixing Cartridge

Turn Off Your Water Supply

You volition have to turn off your water supply as attempting this chore while the water is on will leave you soaking wet.

Your h2o close-off valve will be located in unlike places from home to dwelling house. You can usually detect it outside near the h2o meter or in the basement. If y'all live in a mobile home, it's usually underneath the unit.

Your shower may take its own shut-off valve, allowing the rest of your home to take running water while you piece of work.

Before removing anything, it's e'er best to put a cloth or rag over your bleed to forestall annihilation from falling down there.

Remove the Handle

Turn your shower'south handle to ensure your h2o is turned off.

To remove the handle, you will need to find the screw that affixes information technology to the comprehend plate and cartridge assembly. In virtually Kohler units, the screw is underneath the handle and requires an Allen wrench to remove.

Once the screw is removed, you can then pull back on the handle to remove information technology.

Some units have no screws at all and require you to turn the housing between the handle and plate counter-clockwise, which will remove the handle and plate, allowing you lot to skip ahead to step 4.

Remove the Cover Plate

The cover plate volition have Phillips screws on the face of the plate that you tin can remove with a screwdriver. And so using a flathead screwdriver, you should exist able to pry the plate off your wall.

If the plate does not easily come off your wall, information technology'south likely because somebody heedlessly used caulking on the inside of the embrace plate.

If that's the case, you can utilise a utility knife to remove the caulking forth with the cover plate.

Remove the Cartridge

With the handle and embrace plate removed, you now have access to your mixing cartridge.

In that location will be a few more screws to remove that hold the handle bracket in place. With the bracket removed, you lot tin can remove the cartridge with pliers or normally by manus.

If you are having trouble with a stuck cartridge, you may need to contact Kohler with your cartridge model number to become a cartridge removal tool. But in most cases, that is not necessary.

Install and Test Your New Cartridge

After installing your new cartridge and replacing the cover plate and handle, plow back on your water supply, run your shower and come across if the leak went away.

If your leaking valve persists after changing the cartridge, you should contact a professional plumber to inspect and perchance replace your valve.

FAQ

How practice I place my Kohler shower valve?

Behind your embrace plate, there should be the stamp of the letter M. Coverplates trim and handles but piece of work with certain shower valves. There should be a K and a dash on the valve itself, followed past a combination of letters and numbers that indicate your valve's series and style.

How long is the warranty on Kohler shower valves?

Kohler warranties are applied differently to some of their products. Only in most cases, Kholer warranties are for 3 or 5 years, depending on how the production is used.