How to replace a Kohler shower valve cartridge 

Wow! Thanks. I am a single mom, and I replaced my Kohler shower valve cartridge without calling a plumber! I can't believe I did it. Thank you so, so much!!!!

Outstanding! Gave me the courage to change a cartridge (hot water pressure was weak and wife was upset) and saved big money. Thank you BJ!

Good video . I've been a plumber for over 40 years and experience is accumulated , but also a " plumber's touch ". You illustrated that very well by not forcing anything and reinstalling things smoothly. After all things want to go back together smoothly . I like your saying of "slow is smooth and smooth is fast." . It reminds me of the Thomas Jefferson quote , " Take hold of your problems by the smooth handle .".

Just watched your video, purchased the correct replacement kit for $58, and now I've got a leak free shower. Thank you for saving me several hundred dollars!

This was perfect. Took out all the parts, ordered them, put old parts back in after cleaning and greasing all of them, no more leak!!!! I will still change out parts though, especially since it only takes 15 minutes to do. Thanks for the guidance.

BJ thanks for the video, helped me change out my shower cartridge due to a leak and it is now fixed!

Nice freaking job and instructions. I'm doing this tomorrow at my grandparents house so if I screw this up, I probably won't get inheritance.

Bro you kicked ass with this one, thanks for the knowledge brethren

Thank you for the video I’m replacing a Koehler cartridge I didn’t see any silicone Lubricant either cartridge so I went out and purchased some

Thanks for making this!! About to change my cartridge this morning.

Many thanks, BJ!!! I am out on the west coast so unable to use your Chicago services - but you were thorough and thoughtful. Thank you for your excellent teaching.

I watched 6 different videos but this one is really good.

Your instructions were great! Thank you!! I just fixed my shower! 💪💪

Great explanation! Just fixed my shower following you step by step! Thank you.

So clear and helpful! Saved me the need to call a plumber. THANKS!

Thank you for this video. It saved me a ton of time and made sure I got the correct part the first time.

Great video. For those of us replacing on a K-304 valve note that if the valve body has separated (section with spring loaded balancing valves) just buy a new one. This was a 20 year old shower so it makes sense.

Thank you.. this was very useful.

thank-you

Very good instructions. Replaced 2 of the Kohler units. But a question: the little red "hot water limiter" -- the replacement came with the limited screw head at the bottom. You place it just off center of the top. So what happens if you have the limited down at the bottom? More or less hot water? Again, thanks for the training video.

Do all the Kohler single handles have the same cartridge? A friend told me I needed the part # by unscrewing the 2 screws. My Kohler handle looks very similar to this one.

Subbed thank you so much

how does the temperature adjustment work. Instructions say See Instructions. Hot and cold are backwards -- knob full is cold. There's no way I had it backwards.

Embarrassed to say, I did this install. I’m pretty handy. Everything went together well but now I have no hot water. I understand about the micro adjustment but I don’t understand what I could’ve done wrong. It’s a simple push in O-ring and two screw replacement.

AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!

Thank you BJ for the great video! I changed valve, siliconed the 3 o-rings, as soon as I turned the main water on the shower head started flowing even with the valve in the off position. I couldn’t stop the water flow with the handle in any position. Could I have bought a faulty valve? I had to put back the old leaky valve back so I could turn the main water back on

I called Kohler warranty about a leak in my tub faucet and they are going to send me another Mixing Valve GP77759 (they sent one in 2016 after original failed after 6 yrs) but they said that they will not send a Pressure Balancer as they said that would not cause leaking? Just wanted your opinion Thanks,

I watched your video and it was a big help, only problem was when I turned it back on, hot and cold were opposite, do I need to reverse the regulator?

Im helping my friend with hers, Kohler cartridge is only 3 yrs old and need a new one already

Thank you for video! What were the white and brass adapter pieces you used?

Was your old PBU gp500520 and is new one gp800820? I’m asking this because I am trying to replace the old PBU to new one and I believe gp800820 has O-rings that are kind of oval and I’m afraid that it may not fit

Great video BJ, much appreciated! I have a minor situation though. My Kohler valve was originally from 1994. It was now time to replace it so I called Kohler and they sent me a new valve and balancing spool. After assembling everything just like you did, I turned the water on and for some reason the valve simply would not turn the water off … there was even a loud vibrating/whining sound going on. After much trial and error I put the OLD spool back in and it worked fine (i.e., the water turned off no problem). Is it possible that the new spool they sent me simply isn’t designed for the housing? It’s exactly the same as the one in your video and fits into the housing perfectly; the only thing is that the old spool o-ring holes in the back appear slightly larger and further apart. I’d hate to continue using my old balancing spool, so if you know of a way to make my unit “accept” the new spool and allow me to turn off the water that would be great! Many thanks in advance! 👍🏼

mine has an ever so slight constant leak / running after new cartridge install. Any ideas?

This will be a fix for my only hot water shower ?

💯🔥

Good video, even us long time service and repair plumbers need a brush up once in a while when you haven't done one in a long time. In fact, the last one I did I had to take apart and put back together 3 times, lol. Because I think I didn't pay attention to the cold label and put it in upside down, and I am used to most valves turn counter clockwise from the bottom so I was positioning the handle wrong. Third time's a charm as they say and I have been plumbing for 50 years. Lol

What was the kit part number?

My balancing spool won’t come out

I just did mine cartridge now it doesn't turn off ha ha

Great video. The best one on You Tube for this particular topic. Kohler's written instructions that come with the parts tend to be vague and hard to follow. Being able to watch the parts replacement with detailed explanation was a big help and avoided mistakes. Thank you!

Kohler has a lifetime warranty, so call them and let them know you need the part, they’ll send them free

I really appreciated your video-I changed the regulator and cartridge with no trouble in my master bathroom shower thanks to your guidance. A tip for a do-it-yourselfer like me…I took pictures of everything as I disassembled. When I ran across something I wasn’t sure about or didn’t remember exactly, I had pictures to fall back on. Thanks again!

so make sure you put the tab facing up.. I spent 2 hours flipping the internal valve around before I figured out I was putting the mixing valve on upside down... would have been done in 20 minutes if I realized it. Kohler.. maybe put an arrow on this thing....

That was a great demo, perfect in every way. Followed it step by step and replaced a Kohler cartridge with zero issues. Thanks BJ...you're a talented teacher!

great video, (eventhough i havent watched it all yet) but couldn't help to point out that you are only the second person i have ever heard say, "unloosen"(1:39) bwahaha that means tighten. hehe. we want to 'loosen' this. okay on to watching the rest of it...

I can't put into words how amazingly helpful this video was for me!! Thank you thank you x a million for walking me through this!!!

I got hot/cold backwards: hottest is when nudging handle from 6 o'clock toward 9 o'clock. I belive I had cold oriented RIGHT. My plumbing was DIY from previous owner, and I guess he got it wrong. Wish I had checked? Not really, this way you know you're not goveroring hot. Also, the bit about flushing out for 10 seconds is put-on, right? In an enclosed plexi shower, it would likely blow out a panel. Mine sprayed so severely the towels I used to sop the water were too heavy to pick up without extensive wringing. The good new is my bathroom floor has never been so clean. Thanks!

Excellent video!! I do a lot of my own repairs but plumbing and I haven't always been a good match and I was a little intimidated when I first looked for information of changing the cartridge in a Kohler faucet and one response said it could be a little tricky and it might be good to call a professional. But then I found this video which was excellent and made the job very easy. Thank you!

I’ll take the cover for my 2022 SD, thanks for all that you do

Awesome instructional video! Just completed my repair and took me longer to actually go to the plumbing supply and come back than it did to replace the valve…had to drop a comment immediately…thank you!!

its been a while since the last time i replaced my cartridge and I needed a refresher and boy, this video is the most detailed every step there is...thank you, sir!!!

I replace these cartridges almost at least 1 a day at work. Just want to point out that the valve body should have shut offs that takes a large slotted screwdriver on each side of the valve, so you can shut it off locally. Good video

Anyone replace the cartridge and the part behind it….and still have it leaking…..? Water seems to have eroded the brass body….

Thank you for making this video! Like most have said this is the best instructional video on RU-vid for this install. 👍

Hi. Great video. I replaced my valve cartridge as you did in the video. It worked fine for a day but now having issues with getting hot water. The pressure seems to drop when I turn to hot water and it just stays cold. Any idea how to fix this issue? I adjusted the part to allow the knob to be turned to hot so I know it’s not that. Briefly had hot water but now it stays cold. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

So, at the very beginning, there is the removal of the white plastic "shroud" after removing 2 screws. We cannot get this piece off. Help!

I have kohler cartridge but diff one. No hot or cold but very similar unit. How do i know? Installed and its opposite

BJ , nice descriptive Everyday Man Instructions!! Is it the same with the Faucet with a Mixer valve to a overhead shower?

Hello can u please help me where I can find kohler retainer model 116995-6? Thanks

BJ thanks for the video, helped me change out my shower cartridge due to a leak and it is now fixed!

I can't for the life of me open the damn faucet as easily as you. I swear the installed used some rubber cement to make me need to call a plumber! Any ideas for getting a tight fit opened?

Just want to thank you for your awesome video. I’m not great at home repairs but have been getting more confident in trying to do my own. This video helped me tremendously fix my tub faucet which has been leaking for years. So thank you.

Many thanks for this thorough video. My first attempt at this was a success because of this!

Good explanation until you got to the hot water adjustment part. You said what the issue is but did not show how to adjust for hotter vs colder

This was an excellent video. It made it very easy for an amateur plumber to do the job. Thanks!

Lifesaver. Got to last step, brass fitting screw is MIA. got spec?

Does Kholer supply the replacement cartridge for FREE if you are the original homeowner?

How about a similar video showing the Kohler "shower only" type of valve. This would be Kohler part # K-8304-KS or similar. They are quite different from the shower/tub valves. Keep up the good work.

Would I need the spool if it’s just my hot water that doesn’t work??

Great video I have a project like this at my moms house this weekend Are most of the valves standard size?

I wonder if simply replacing the gaskets would fix the leak. Do you really need to replace the balancing valve? It doesn’t look to me like there’s any wearable parts inside the balancing assembly.

Great Video. I replaced mine, and it no longer drips. The white plastic handle adapter didn't just slip off. I took the whole mixer and adapter off, the popped the valve out by rapping the stem with a hammer. And for the life of me, I can't figure out how the mixer/valve assembly works.

Very helpful!!!! Thanks

Thanks for this tutorial, straight to the point and easy to follow. Saved me some money, appreciate it!

That's a dang expensive part. Is it likely replacing washers or reseating might fix it? Worth a shot, or just spend the money?

Well after watching this, I have broken something in my shower handle that wasn't broke before. Just trying to unscrew the handle as instructed snapped something and then it won't turn off.

Thanks so much for your very informative video! Each detail was spot-on throughout the entire process. Couldn't have done it without you! Thanks again!!

Great video ! I have the same style Kohler and am having a problem with the sprout - any chance would you know if it has a set screw holding it on or do you have the model number ? Thank you

Thank you!

Really well explained. ❤

Great job, but should I be concerned that your faucet was dripping at end? Also, replacing the old crystal style faucet handle - do you know if there is a good new brass handle that fits these valves?

Thanks man. Your tutorial really helped me figure out how to fix my shower hot water issue.

Great video!

Thank you for a very simple detailed video! Thought I was going to have to call a plumber and new shower hardware, so you saved me a couple hundred dollars!

Thanks, got mine done in under an hour. Easy! Now it seems strange to be in the bathroom and not hear that drip every 2 seconds haha.

Awesome video, thank you!

The previous homeowner (fellow DIYer) had done the bathroom remodel themselves and tiled over the faceplate on the mixer valve. A simple fix became a bit more complicated when I had to start cutting tile. I removed just enough tile to wiggle the old plate out and then opted to use the new one that came with the new part. Smaller and easier to install with less fuss. I spent $100 on parts because my local Ace hardware was the only store with both components in stock that was open on a Sunday. Looks like it would have been closer to $75 at Lowes, Home depot, or Amazon but all of those options would have taken a few days. Nothing like a same day fix thank you for the clear and straight forward video!

Thankyou for your help on this from Calgary Alberta, Canada! 🇨🇦 Really appreciate you making this video!

My house was built in 2005. The water leaks from the shower head. Does that mean it will also leak inside the wall? I have the kohler brand but I am not able to find the model number - I am not the original owner. It has the same trim shape like yours but outside the handle there's an oval shape where you pry it out to see the screw so you can take it out. I guess the kohler model that was there was discontinued. If I buy another newer kohler value/cartridge, do I have to change the plumbing inside the wall? Thanks for your video.

Great video Mr. Poznecki. My problem is the front piece is just jammed probably due to hard water. And I don't want to break anything. So how do I take the top piece out with some pressure?

Lol what did you call the adapter?

Thanks for posting this video. I didn't entirely follow your comments regarding the O-ring. When you were discussing that topic, were you showing us the old cartridge or the new one? Are you saying that the replacement cartridge kits do not come with the required O-rings and that we need to re-use the old ones?

Great video I fellowed it step by step. I would add to make sure you do the two rubber gaskets inside the brass housing. My first try I didn't and it leaked. Took it apart saw the two gaskets inside the unit and replaced them and now no problems. Thanks again for the video.

Great Video... gave me the confidence to do it... easy as pie...

Great video BJ. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am going to give this a try tomorrow. I do wonder if there are different versions of the kohler cartridge.

Is there a way to decrease the amount of water coming out of the shower head?

Thank you, your video saved me a plumber's charge. It seems like my leak could have been corrected with new "O" rings for 50 cents instead of a $52 cartridge. Do they sell O-ring replacements?

How do can I tell what shower valve cartridge to get ? Is it a one size fit all?

I was apprehensive about doing the cartridge replacement. The Kohler kit I got had the metal mounting ring, which threw me off...until I watched your video. And, like you, I found a missing O ring and tiny container of silicone grease inside the housing. Thanks for pointing that out. I've finished, tested, and everything works without the old leak. Thank you so much!

So Kohler sells are cheap parts and to replace is 60 bucks 🤔 most shower parts need just a little adjustment but Kohler have to replace the whole thing🤦‍♀️