Are you not getting the water temperature you desire from your Kohler shower? The good news is you can conduct a Kohler shower valve temperature adjustment. However, you must know how to do so to ensure you do it right and achieve the desired outcome.
You’ll need to adjust the temperature limit stop to lower or raise your shower’s water temperature. Turn the temperature limit stop counterclockwise to increase the water temperature and clockwise to reduce it. However, you must find and access it first.
This post provides the step-by-step procedure for adjusting a Kohler shower valve temperature. It also tackles other related topics.
Detailed Steps For Kohler Shower Valve Temperature Adjustment
Improper water temperature is among the Kohler Shower Valve Problems you may encounter. Fortunately, adjusting the temperature on a Kohler shower valve is manageable and typically involves making changes to the valve’s temperature limit stop.
1. Locate The Temperature Limit Stop
A temperature limit stop refers to a screw or lever located on the shower valve behind the handle or trim plate. However, the location may depend on the Kohler shower valve’s model.
If your shower valve has a handle, remove it by locating the set screw or decorative cap, then loosening and removing it using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. After that, pull the handle off the valve stem.
If your shower valve has a trim plate, look for any visible screws securing it to the wall. Use a screwdriver to undo these screws, then take out the trim plate.
You should access the valve assembly once the handle or trim plate is removed. From there, look for the temperature limit stop- it can be a round or rectangular mechanism behind the handle or trim plate or a small adjustable lever or a screw.
Take note of the current position of the temperature limit stop because this will help you gauge how much you need to adjust it.
2. Adjust the Temperature Limit Stop
After locating the temperature limit stop behind the handle or trim plate, determine whether it is a lever or a screw-type adjustment. A lever-type temperature limit stop has a small handle or tab that you can move up or down.
On the other hand, a screw-type temperature limit stop requires a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to adjust.
Adjusting Lever-Type Temperature Limit Stops
- Move the lever upward to increase the maximum temperature. This lets the handle rotate further towards the hot side.
- Move the lever downward to decrease the maximum temperature. This restricts the handle’s range of motion towards the hot side.
Adjusting Screw-Type Temperature Limit Stops
- To increase the maximum temperature, turn the screw counterclockwise (left) using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
- To decrease the maximum temperature, turn the screw clockwise (right).
Make small adjustments to the temperature limit stop, and then reassemble the handle or trim plate. After that, turn on the shower and test the water temperature by gradually moving the handle toward the hot side while noting the temperature changes.
Continue adjusting the temperature limit stop as needed until you achieve the desired temperature range. Make tiny adjustments while testing the temperature each time- keep changing until you get the optimal setting.
3. Reassemble The Trim Plate
Once you are satisfied with the temperature adjustment, securely fasten the handle or trim plate to the shower valve.
Align the screw holes on the trim plate with the screw holes on the valve body, making sure the trim plate is flush against the wall. After that, insert the screws you removed earlier through the screw holes on the trim plate, then tighten them carefully so you don’t damage the trim plate or the valve.
Gently tug on the trim plate to ensure it is firmly attached and doesn’t move or wobble, then inspect the trim plate’s edges to ensure there are no noticeable gaps or misalignment. Adjust the trim plate if necessary to achieve a neat and even appearance.
How Does A Kohler Shower Valve Work?
Like many other shower valves, a Kohler shower valve controls your shower’s water flow and temperature. However, the model and type of valve may dictate its specific operation.
i) Handle Or Control
A Kohler shower valve usually consists of a handle or lever that you turn or rotate to adjust the water temperature. Depending on the model, this can be a single lever, separate knobs for hot and cold water, or a digital interface.
ii) Water Supply
The shower valve is connected to your water supply lines, which bring water from your plumbing system. The shower valve has two inlets (one for hot water and one for cold water) connected to the hot and cold water supply lines, respectively.
iii) Mixing Mechanism
A mixing mechanism inside the valve combines hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature. Depending on the specific model, the mixing mechanism may consist of a cartridge, a thermostatic valve, or a pressure-balancing valve.
- Cartridge: Cartridge-based valves use a cylindrical cartridge that moves back and forth or rotates to control the flow and temperature. It contains seals and mixing chambers that regulate the water.
- Thermostatic valve: Thermostatic valves have a thermostatic element that reacts to temperature changes through contraction and expansion.It maintains a constant temperature by adjusting the cold and hot water flow accordingly.
- Pressure-balancing valve: Pressure-balancing valves maintain consistent water pressure, particularly when there are fluctuations in the water supply. They balance the hot and cold water pressure to inhibit abrupt temperature changes.
iv) Temperature Adjustment
You can adjust the temperature of the water by turning the handle or control mechanism. The mixing mechanism responds to your adjustments and regulates the water flow ( hot and cold).
The mixing chamber contains a mixing cartridge or a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) assembly. This component is responsible for blending the hot and cold water in the desired proportions to achieve the desired temperature.
The cartridge or TMV assembly may include temperature-sensitive components, such as wax elements or a thermostatic element, that react to changes in water temperature. When you adjust the handle or lever on the Kohler shower valve, it controls the position of the cartridge or TMV assembly.
You can change the ratio of hot and cold water flowing through the valve by moving the cartridge or adjusting the position of the thermostatic element. This adjustment determines the mixed water temperature that ultimately comes out of the showerhead.
As you turn the handle or lever, the valve mechanism inside the Kohler shower valve adjusts the flow of hot and cold water accordingly, allowing you to fine-tune the water temperature to your preference.
It’s worth noting that a Kohler Mixing Shower Valve can develop problems like the water being too cold or too hot. The upside is you can troubleshoot and address these issues yourself.
v) Flow Control
In addition to temperature adjustment, the handle or control mechanism also allows you to control the flow rate of water. By turning it further, you can increase or decrease the water flow.
Note
It’s worth noting that Kohler offers various shower valve models with different features, functionalities, and technologies. Therefore, while the basic principles remain similar, the specific mechanisms and controls can vary between models.
How Do I Adjust My Kohler Shower Faucet To Make It Hotter?
How you make the water temperature hotter in your Kohler shower faucet depends on the handle type. Kohler shower faucets come in different kinds of handles, such as a single lever or separate handles for hot and cold water.
a) Single Lever Handle
If you have a single lever handle, it likely has a rotational motion. Therefore, moving the handle to the left increases the temperature, while moving it to the right decreases the temperature.
b) Separate Hot And Cold Handles
If you have separate handles, it has a hot and cold water handle. Turn the left handle (hot water) counterclockwise and the right handle (cold water) clockwise to make the water hotter. Adjust both handles until you get your choice temperature.
Test The Water Temperature
Once you adjust the handle(s), turn on the shower and allow the water to run briefly to check the water temperature and make further adjustments if necessary. Remember to be cautious while testing the temperature to avoid scalding.
What Is The Maximum Water Temperature For Kohler?
In general, Kohler shower faucets provide water temperatures within the range of 100 °F to 120 °F (38 °C to 49 °C) but can vary depending on faucet type and model. Most users find this temperature range comfortable and safe.
In addition, some Kohler shower faucets have built-in safety features, such as scald guards or temperature limiters, to prevent the water from becoming too hot and reduce the risk of scalding. These safety features maintain the water temperature within a safe range, even if you turn the handle to the maximum setting.
What Is Kohler Rite Temp?
Kohler Rite-Temp is a pressure-balancing valve system used in shower and bath fixtures. It keeps the water temperature constant, regardless of water pressure fluctuations, to ensure a comfortable and consistent showering experience.
The Rite-Temp valve has a piston or diaphragm that reacts to pressure changes. If a drop in hot or cold water pressure drops, the valve automatically adjusts to balance the flow and maintain the desired temperature.
This feature is handy in households or buildings where there may be variations in water pressure due to flushing toilets, running appliances, or other factors. The Rite-Temp system provides enhanced safety by helping to prevent scalding from sudden temperature changes.
To adjust the water temperature on your Kohler Rite-Temp, first, turn on the water to ensure the Rite-Temp valve is actively regulating the water temperature. Next, gradually turn the temperature control handle or lever clockwise for hotter and counterclockwise for colder.
As for adjusting the water temperature on a Kohler Rite-Temp valve, remove the faceplate, handle, and the O-ring to access the collar(usually red) and stem. After that, turn the collar counterclockwise to raise the maximum temperature.
Summary of Kohler Shower Valve Temperature Adjustment
There’s no need to keep showering at a water temperature you don’t enjoy when you can easily adjust your Kohler shower valve’s temperature limit stop. However, proceed cautiously so that you don’t damage any parts.