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Message |
    
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 562
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 11:11 am: | 
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OK, I know this may sound a bit silly, but...
Our faucet started dripping so I ordered and received a new valve cartridge from Kohler. Installation is supposed to be pretty simple. Remove the faucet handle, unscrew the old valve and screw in the new one. I got the handle off easily, but the valve simply refuses to budge. I've tried a vinegar and water solution to try to dislodge whatever crud might have built up, but so far no dice. IT WILL NOT MOVE. My wife and I have both tried. I confirmed with Kohler that we're doing it the right way.
I hate the idea of having to call (and pay) a plumber to do something I could do myself, but I may have to resort to that unless someone can offer a suggestion. The faucet is around five years old. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 895
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 4:42 pm: |
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plumbing stuff gets hard to undo pretty quickly.
your choices
1) (my recommendation) use a larger wrench/screw driver/hammer (your choice) to get the valve out (slightly risky, but...in case you break the faucet, see #2)
2) buy complete new faucet (cheaper than plumber, but lots of aggravation)
or
3) call plumber -- much less aggravation, it'll be done right, but cost more
good luck
/p |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 157
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 4:55 pm: |
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If you're up for "don't force it - get a bigger hammer", you can put a piece of pipe or tubing on the end of your wrench for more leverage, if the geometry allows. |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 563
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 10:58 pm: |
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Tried peteglider's option 1; it didn't help, so we're going with option 3. Thanks all.
 |
themp
Citizen
Username: Themp
Post Number: 1378
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 6:32 pm: |
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Doesn't heat help sometimes? Like a propane torch? |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 305
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 8:25 pm: |
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You'll melt the washers and gaskets and discolor the finish with a torch.
Gateway Plumbing & Heating |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 572
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 4:19 pm: |
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Well the plumber says the fact that we couldn't get the cartridge out wasn't our needing Wheaties -- he says the faucet (a Kohler) is poorly made; he couldn't get the thing out either. He recommended we replace the faucet (he'll have to break this one to get it out). We were advised that there are two basic kinds, those that are "top-mount" (all the wrench work is done on the top of the sink) and "bottom-mount," which is what we have now. He can't get to the underside of it and told us that the plumber who installed it originally (not him) did the best he could but that it was never really in correctly.
He says that if we got another bottom-mount faucet, the installation would be very expensive and messy. We were hoping to go to Lowe's this weekend but with the snow coming, it may have to wait until next week. Lowe's seemed to have some nice Moen faucets for a lot less money than Home Depot. We actually saw one at Expo for something like $700. Probably suited for the same people who would buy their $12,000 stove.
Since the Kohler is under lifetime warranty and the problem is at least partly due to the poor construction of the faucet, I plan to write to them about it. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 903
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 8:47 pm: |
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My plumber won't install new Kohler. Says too many problems.
But my house, when I moved in, had all Kohler faucets (some 30 years old, others 1 year old).
Good thing is I've been able to get parts, even for the older ones. And with a little muscle, been able to get them fixed.
Bad thing is, even the new Kohler faucet in the kitchen developed a leak. From your description its a "bottom mount," too. But honestly, I was able to get it apart, get the new part (not at all expensive) -- and all is fine now.
Sorry to ask -- but did you ask your plumber if he works on Kohler at all? I just don't think many do, for whatever reason.
There is a great plumbing place on Valley -- on the left just over the SO border -- that sells mostly (all?) Kohler. I'm sure they could recommend a plumber who is familiar with the brand.
And they have every Kohler part you could imagine. Also, very helpful -- cause I couldn't get 2 things apart (not sure which direction). Told me how, I got home, and it came apart just fine.
Pete |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 575
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 10:42 pm: |
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I know the plumbing place you mean. I was at work when our plumber (from Gelman Plumbing) was at the house. From what my wife told me, I got the impression that he didn't think much of Kohler faucets but I don't know whether he said anything about how much experience he has with them.
Since the coming snowstorm will prevent us from doing anything this weekend, we'll have some time to weigh our options. |
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