Kohler Shower Fixture Leaks

The Valve

• The valve you need to replace when you have a leaking Kohler shower fixture is called the cartridge. It is a sealed component that slides inside of the faucet body valve. It's designed to be easily replaced when leaks occur. The main function of the valve is controlling the water flow into the faucet. The valve has two discs that open and close inlets to allow water through.

The Cartridge

• The cartridge is the only component between the incoming water and the spout. When it breaks, water will seep into the faucet spout even when the handle is closed and the valve inlets are supposed to be shut. Replacing the cartridge is the only way to stop the leak because you can't go inside the cartridge and repair the inlets or seals. When you replace the cartridge, you replace the damaged inlets.

How to Replace the Cartridge

• Replacing the cartridge is fairly simple. All you need to do is remove the old cartridge and insert a new one. To remove the old one, take off the handle by unscrewing the handle screw and pulling it off. Then, remove the adapters and cartridge collar--the part that holds the cartridge in the body valve. When you replace the cartridge, you will replace both the cartridge valve and collar, screwing it back onto the shower valve with a screwdriver.

Problems Replacing the Cartridge

• A few problems may crop up when cartridges are removed and replaced. Sometimes the collar and cartridge stick inside of the shower because sediments seal it to the valve. If this happens, you must pry the cartridge out with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Before you take the cartridge out, you should always turn the shower's water off. If it is left on, water will shoot out of the shower when the cartridge is taken off. Shut off the water by closing the home's main water line, which normally is located near the water heater.