Jeff Handy
Pro Handyman, NOT A Pro Plumber
Hi gang!
So I was asked today to wade into fixing this dripping older Kohler tub/shower valve, by a neighbor of a looong time customer.
I am guessing about 30 year old valve.
I need to know current part numbers of the correct mixing cap and pressure balance unit.
And any tips if anything to watch out for during replacement.
They had hired a pro, who ordered parts twice, both times wrong, and then he gave up and quit.
I know Kohler changes parts, makes old parts obsolete, re-designs, etc. I hate most Kohler stuff, too much crazy variety and poor designs.
Pics are included of the valve body with the original pressure balance guts still installed.
Also a pic with the original mixing cap still installed.
There is a pic of the trim and handle, etc, if that narrows down the year or version of this valve.
Sorry it is already removed.
There were little springs and rubber boots between the mixing cap and pressure balance unit, similar to Delta junk, but longer springs.
I also show pics of the two parts he left, the cap “might” be right, but I think only if the pressure balance unit current upgrade part is now way different.
You can see on the back of the packages, one valve body pictured looks like the one here, with tabs on the sides, the other is round like a port hole.
I think this valve body feeds from the back, sorry the pics don’t show supplies very well, and I was only over there a short while today.
I have worked on some similar newer ornery Kohler valves that feed the sides of the valve body at 9 and 3, and the pressure balance unit has to be twisted in while trying not to carve up the seals. Like a meat slicer!
I hope this is not that type.
I did not remove the pressure balance guts today, once the parts on hand seemed mis-matched.
Because everything is old and dry, and would likely leak, after re-assembly.
Sorry for long-winded post, as usual!
So I was asked today to wade into fixing this dripping older Kohler tub/shower valve, by a neighbor of a looong time customer.
I am guessing about 30 year old valve.
I need to know current part numbers of the correct mixing cap and pressure balance unit.
And any tips if anything to watch out for during replacement.
They had hired a pro, who ordered parts twice, both times wrong, and then he gave up and quit.
I know Kohler changes parts, makes old parts obsolete, re-designs, etc. I hate most Kohler stuff, too much crazy variety and poor designs.
Pics are included of the valve body with the original pressure balance guts still installed.
Also a pic with the original mixing cap still installed.
There is a pic of the trim and handle, etc, if that narrows down the year or version of this valve.
Sorry it is already removed.
There were little springs and rubber boots between the mixing cap and pressure balance unit, similar to Delta junk, but longer springs.
I also show pics of the two parts he left, the cap “might” be right, but I think only if the pressure balance unit current upgrade part is now way different.
You can see on the back of the packages, one valve body pictured looks like the one here, with tabs on the sides, the other is round like a port hole.
I think this valve body feeds from the back, sorry the pics don’t show supplies very well, and I was only over there a short while today.
I have worked on some similar newer ornery Kohler valves that feed the sides of the valve body at 9 and 3, and the pressure balance unit has to be twisted in while trying not to carve up the seals. Like a meat slicer!
I hope this is not that type.
I did not remove the pressure balance guts today, once the parts on hand seemed mis-matched.
Because everything is old and dry, and would likely leak, after re-assembly.
Sorry for long-winded post, as usual!
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