Fix that leaky Kohler faucet shower in under an hour.
The faucet in your shower has a hot and a cold water line attached to it. The water flows through the two chambers of a cartridge that is attached behind the valve assembly. As you turn the handle on your single-handle Kohler faucet, the valve assembly regulates water flow through the cartridge and sets the temperature of your shower water. Overtime the O-rings on the cartridge become worn, causing the faucet to leak. To fix a shower leak from a Kohler faucet takes a screwdriver, Allen wrench, replacement parts and about an hour.
Instructions
1. Locate the main water shutoff valve located either outside next to the water meter or inside near the water heater. Shut off the water, and open the shower faucet tap to allow water to drain from the lines and to relieve the water pressure.
2. Remove the handle from the faucet. For faucets with acrylic handles, use a small screwdriver to pry off the button on the handle. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the handle, and pull it off the faucet. For faucets with no button, locate the screw on the underside of the faucet handle and use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw enough to pull the handle off. Slide off the sleeve, remove the insert or handle adaptor and washers if present.
3. Remove the escutcheon (decorative round metal trim behind the handle). Older model escutcheons will have at least 2 screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, and pull the escutcheon off the wall. Newer model escutcheons have a threaded sleeve you remove by hand and a wall plate that lifts off once the sleeve is removed.
4. Behind the handle is the valve assembly held in place by a metal flange secured with 4 screws. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the metal flange. Pull the valve assembly out. Behind the valve assembly is the cartridge which just pulls out by hand. Remove the cartridge.
5. Insert the cartridge replacement in the exact position as the old cartridge. Insert the valve assembly in with the top mark on top. Position the metal flange lining up the screw holes. Insert the screws and use a screwdriver to tighten. Reinstall the escutcheon on the wall. Install the handle and button (depending on your model faucet). Open the tap on the faucet, and turn on the main water to push the air out of the shower water lines.
Tips Warnings
Check the manufacturer's instruction installation details specific to your model. Expect a small gush of water when you remove the valve. Keep a towel nearby.
Cover the drain in the shower to keep parts from being lost down the drain. Remember the position of each when you remove it so you can replace the part correctly.
