Adjusting the Heat on a Kohler Shower Fixture

Shower faucets can be adjusted to prevent the water from getting too hot.

When installed direct from the factory, Kohler faucets may not give you the shower experience you prefer. Depending on your water heater settings, and water temperature preferences, you may get shower water that is uncomfortably hot or cold. Fortunately, you can adjust with faucets with some basic tools and plumbing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Thermometer
• Pressure balance valve

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Instructions

1. Locate the two mounting screws on the face plate of your Kohler faucet. The screws hold the face plate and handle mechanism onto the faucet valve, behind the shower wall. Use your screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws.

2. Slide the handle and face plate off of the faucet valve and set them aside. Turn the protruding valve stem to the right until it will not go any further. This will open the hot water valve completely. Grab the small metal ring around the base of the valve stem and pull it toward you about one inch. Grab the ridged metal ring around the base of the valve stem and do the same.

3. Turn the valve stem further clockwise until the hot water flows at a temperature of your liking. Grab the second ridged metal ring around the base of the valve stem and turn it until the tab which protrudes from its side touches the solid metal stop at the 12 o'clock position. This stop prevents the valve from turning further and governs the hot water flow.

4. Slide the first ridged metal ring and the small metal ring back into position against the second ridged metal ring. Shut the water by turning the valve stem back toward the left. Reinstall the face plate and handle using your screws and screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn the hot water completely on, then insert a thermometer into the flow to gauge the exact temperature. If you notice a change in the temperature of your shower water, use this test to determine the severity of the change. (Reference 3)

• Consider installing a pressure balance valve onto your shower faucet if you experience sudden drops and rises in water temperature. Often these variations are caused by outside demands placed on the water supply, such as a flushed toilet or a dishwasher cycle. Pressure balance valves help to regulate the flow of water so it never drops too low, or rises too high to become uncomfortable.

• Never take on a plumbing job that is beyond your capabilities. Broken pipes and fixtures can result in flooding and serious damage to your home.

References

• Kohler: Installation Guide: Coralais Rite-Temp Bath and Shower Faucet
• This Old House: Making Your Shower Safer
• Kohler: Neuville Bath and Shower Faucet Trim
• Asheville Plumber: Kohler Rite Temp Shower Valve Repair Guide