Jerome8283
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I have a 3 or 4yr old Kohler bathroom faucet. The hot water handle is hard to turn at times. It appears to happen once the hot water runs after a few minutes. Any thoughts?
Hot Water handle hard to turn
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hj
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It depends on WHICH Kohler faucet you have. Those with Valvet stems use a stem which transfers rotary motion into a linear direction, and they can become sticky when the lubrication is used up. Otherwise you probably have a bad stem and need to replace it since they are usually not repairable or servicable.
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Jerome8283
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hj
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That faucet has an added friction point, which is where your problem may be. The rotating handle and the stationary "cone" are a single unit, and if corrosion has occured where they meet, it will cause hard turning. Remove the handle/cone and and see if the tightness is in it. If so, soak it in something such as CLR or vinegar, and then spray a lubricant into the groove before putting it back on. If that does not eliminate the tightness, call 1-800-4KOHLER and have then send a new handle assembly. The stem is a ceramic seal version, so they seldom become tight, although a swollen "O" ring seal might do it, (your statement that it seems to happen after running the hot water implies this may be the case, howerver), in which case call Kohler and have them send you a new one. You will not know where the tightness is until you remove the handle so you can try the stem and handle separately.
Jerome8283
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I called Kohler and they sent me a new valve kit. I replaced it and all is well now. Thanks
miphelps
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Advice to loosen my Kohler bath faucet
Hello HJ, I have a 6-7 year old Kohler faucet very similar to the design of the first person with the stiff hot water handle, just a little more ornate design. The hot water handle is stiff at all times. I'm embarrassed to ask, but how do I take the handle apart to inspect and lubricate it? I don't see any allen screws or other ways to loosen it. I tried to loose the cone by unscrewing it with a large round-clawed vise-grip wrapped in a cloth, because my shower faucet came apart that way. Actually, I first tried unscrewing one of the cones that wasn't tight, but neither would budge. Any more pressure on the cone and I'm sure it will leave marks. Looking at the faucet from the top, I tried unscrewing counter-clockwise. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Hello HJ, I have a 6-7 year old Kohler faucet very similar to the design of the first person with the stiff hot water handle, just a little more ornate design. The hot water handle is stiff at all times. I'm embarrassed to ask, but how do I take the handle apart to inspect and lubricate it? I don't see any allen screws or other ways to loosen it. I tried to loose the cone by unscrewing it with a large round-clawed vise-grip wrapped in a cloth, because my shower faucet came apart that way. Actually, I first tried unscrewing one of the cones that wasn't tight, but neither would budge. Any more pressure on the cone and I'm sure it will leave marks. Looking at the faucet from the top, I tried unscrewing counter-clockwise. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
hj
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We would have to know the model of the faucet to tell you how to remove the handle. Some models have a screw, but they hide it.
joeboo2002
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I have a similar Kohler faucet handle question... anyone know how to remove this type of Kohler faucet handle? (see attached picture). The cold water handle is very hard to turn, so I want to access the valve for clean/lube, or replace. But I'll be darned if I can remove the handle to get at the valve. I've tried turning the collar under the handle with a strap wrench CW and CCW, and it won't budge.
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