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Tub-hot! Shower-not!

2306 Views 17 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  jagans
The water temp from the tub spigot accurately corresponds to the temp control on the handle. Turn it to hot, water comes out hot. But when I pull the spigot stopper up to engage the shower the water never comes out of the showerhead as warm as it did the tub spigot. Not even close...it's barely warm enough to shower when it's cold in the house.

It's a new Kohler fixture. I've opened it and adjusted the stop screw to allow hotter temps, water heater is fine, sink is in line with the tub and it's fine.

What is going on with the shower temp?
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Does the spigot stopper turn? If it does turn it to the left to get hot water, a picture of your unit would be nice.
Here is a link to the exact same tub fixture set:
http://m.us.kohler.com/mt/www.us.ko...il+only)/productDetail/Non-Catalog/428492.htm

I suspect the problem is the Rite Temp valve won't allow the right temp. How ironic if it's true.
K if you take the cover plate off you will find a adjustment screw behind it.
As I said in my original post I've already adjusted the screw to allow hotter water through the valve. It did nothing to change the shower temp. No affect at all.
The only thing I can think of that could be causing this issue is if perhaps the spring on the hot side of the PBU was busted and the pressure build up in the valve when the tub spout was blocked was enough to restrict flow to the incoming hot water.
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/catalog/partProductDetails.jsp?partNumber=500520

Pressure Balancing Unit

It's a protective device inside the Rite-Temp valve which protects the user from a sudden drop in presssure. If, for example, you were having a shower and I shut off your hot water, instead of getting a burst of only cold water, the PBU would let NO water through.

I've had to take them apart a few times when sand, dirt and other small particles get stuck in the small openings.
That is a likely culprit. I have another recent post about a contractor hooking his compressor up to my house bib to pressure test the new water lines he installed. Debris could have become lodged as a result.

I'm pretty handy mechanically but I've never done any torching. Can a noob get this part out and back in?
Could or Should?

Could you? Of course.
Should you? Probably not.

If you do decide to attempt this, make sure your shower valves integral shut offs are OFF, and I'd also make sure your primary water is off as well just in case the integrals don't completely shut off due to some rocks or sand, and you end up with water pouring out and down inside your wall.

If you take a look at the explosion diagram of the valve on kohlers website, or if you still have it with you, it should be pretty straight forward getting it apart. Just be careful not to lose any of the o-rings when you are pulling the pieces out.
Does the spigot stopper turn? If it does turn it to the left to get hot water, a picture of your unit would be nice.
:huh: :laughing::laughing:
remove the Shower head and check the water coming out of the open shower arm see what happens.
remove the Shower head and check the water coming out of the open shower arm see what happens.
The shower head has nothing to do with the water temperature. And even though I think this is perfectly obvious I swapped heads to be sure and I was right, no change at all.
Could or Should?

Could you? Of course.
Should you? Probably not.

If you do decide to attempt this, make sure your shower valves integral shut offs are OFF, and I'd also make sure your primary water is off as well just in case the integrals don't completely shut off due to some rocks or sand, and you end up with water pouring out and down inside your wall.

If you take a look at the explosion diagram of the valve on kohlers website, or if you still have it with you, it should be pretty straight forward getting it apart. Just be careful not to lose any of the o-rings when you are pulling the pieces out.
I see no exploded diagram at the link you sent in the previous message. And that part has been replaced with another one. It also has no exploded diagram.

I've searched the Kohler website--it's terribly designed from a homeowner's perspective--and found nothing helpful at all. Can you link a diagram or youtube video of the process from start to finish?

A lot to ask, I know. I'm not expecting anything but it is worth asking just in case. :)
Md,
have you tried calling Kohler's customer service? I know Moen's is pretty helpful. If the shower control is fairly new, they would probably send you the PBU to swap out if they figure that's the problem.
Mike Hawkins
Md,
have you tried calling Kohler's customer service? I know Moen's is pretty helpful. If the shower control is fairly new, they would probably send you the PBU to swap out if they figure that's the problem.
Mike Hawkins
I have tried several times but I'm always outside of their business hours. I've also sent emails to their customer service but no reply.
What ever happened to the good ole days when there were no lawyers to tell fixture makers that people cant scald themselves if they want to? Some things are better the old way. Oh well, I wont be around to see the toilet paper dispenser of 2040.
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