Kohler Mixer Valve replacement trouble(s)

Users who are viewing this thread

CtotheP

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Illinois
All,

I've been having an issue of either freezing cold water or scalding hot water in my shower for about a month, with no in-between. I've checked the water heater, etc, and that's fine, along w/ the other showers in the house. I've decided to at least try and replace the mixer valve since it's 10 years old. Once I removed everything, I can NOT pull the valve out. If you look where I've circled on the picture, it appears as if whoever installed it, put screws in the top/bottom slots from behind the wall!!! (meaning there's now way to get to them).

Does anyone have any thoughts on how to get this valve removed?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,041
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
That plastic part was designed to be fastened to the front of the valve and be a "throw away" after the tile was cut around it, which the tile person did not do. The first thing to do is cut the plastic out of the wall. Then maybe you can access the screws with an offset or stubby screwdriver. You might also be able to open the hole in the tile to the size of the plastic ring for better access. In other words, you got a "blue light special" installation, cheap but not correct by people, i.e. both the plumber and tile person, who did not know what they were doing Once you remove the plastic, you might find you have "integral stops" on the water lines.
 

CtotheP

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Illinois
Thanks a ton for the response! We were the first house to be built in our development, so it doesn't surprise me that I got a "Blue-light" special install. I've got a licensed/certified plumber who is highly recommended coming over today, hopefully we will get it squared away. The good news is that I have the parts already, so it's just swapping out the valve (and maybe a little plastics work)
 

CtotheP

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Illinois
Just a quick update. The items that look like "screws" from the backside are actually the broken pieces of screws that held one of the pieces in-place. They corroded and broke. There is no way to get them off, so now I'm paying a local Plumber $900 to cut through my Master drywall, and install a new Moen valve and trim.

If anyone thinks that this is too high, please let me know! I'm in Schaumburg (suburb NW of Chicago).

Thanks in advance!
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks