skip to main content

*$(#!!!!!! I ordered the wrong shower valve/trim - what to do?

16 years ago

I am installing a new thermostatic valve in my shower. I chose the Kohler K-679-KS valve with K-T16175-4A trim. Lovely! I thought this was all I needed, but then I checked the Kohler website and it told me that part K-681 (a volume control valve) was also required. So, I ordered that too.

I received all 3 parts today and low and behold, I need ANOTHER trim for the volume control valve. Of course! I was supposed to know that even though the Kohler website did not indicate that there was anything required or recommended to go along with the volume control valve. GRR!

Now, here's the question. I can of course just order the trim that goes with my valve - the simplest and cheapest solution. However, as you'll see in the sketch below, I didn't plan on having a lot of space to install multiple shower control trims (the knee wall is only supposed to extend 14" above the bathtub).

The two trims are of different sizes, so I fear that it would look a little strange to install them next to each other horizontally (as pictured in the sketch). However, I can't stack them without adding to the height of my knee wall (don't really want to) and figuring out a way to make one of their levers point up and the other point down (I'm sure this is doable, although they both point down in all of the photos I've seen).

The other option would be to return everything, pay the 25% restocking fee (OUCH) and order K-680-KS (thermostatic valve with INTEGRATED volume control!!!) and the trim that goes with it (K-T16176-4A). This combo is a bit cheaper than the 4 part combo I would otherwise need, but with shipping and restocking, I'll be out more than a few dollars.

Anyway, WWYD? Also, if anyone has any recommendations for particularly good INTEGRATED thermostatic valves, please let me know! I'd like to stay in the same price range as the Kohler. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

sharrongrant58
16 years ago
Where did you order from? I ordered one wrong part because of a mistake on the Kohler website, and Faucets4cheap.com didn't charge the restocking fee. You might want to try explaining and see if they will waive it.
biondanonima
Original Author
16 years ago
Sharron, it was faucets4cheap.com, oddly enough! I called them to report a problem with one part and talked to them about my trim options - they mentioned the restocking fee, although I might be able to wriggle my way out of it if I tried, I suppose. Their prices are so great that it's almost worth it to pay the restocking, though.

The other question I have (which I forgot to mention in the first post): do I even need a volume control valve? We always use the shower on full power, so I'm not worried about controlling the flow. However, from what I understand, the thermostatic valve can't stop the water from flowing so you have to have a volume control just to turn it on and off. Correct? Argh!
Related Discussions
Just replace the sink 'trim' or do I need a new valve?
Q
Comments (2)
Big box stores have spoiled people when it comes to plumbing shopping because they get the manufacturer to combine everything needed including the internal valves in one box. In most plumbing stores and special orders from big boxes, the guts of the roman tub faucet are sold separately from the pretty pretty parts, and the brands don't have interchangeability. In most lavatory faucets, the valves and trim are not sold separately. They are sold as a unitized structure, with maybe only the handles themselves being an optional choice. I'm not at work right now to look at the Moen catalog and see which category they fall under, but I suspect that you will need to purchase all new everything for your sinks, shower, and tub.
...See More
Shower trim/valve is driving me crazy; please help!
Q
Comments (2)
It appears that this particular trim is for a thermostatic valve and volume control in a single unit (the lever controls one function, the cross handle the other). The thermostatic valve regulates temperature and the volume control will turn the flow of water on and off. In addition to the trim (the decorative part on the outside of the wall), you also need the corresponding Thermobalance rough assembly (the mechanical part that's inside the wall). The specification sheet indicates which rough assemblies are appropriate to this trim. It appears there are four to choose from. Hansgrohe Customer Service or your plumbing supplier can probably tell you which one is right for your installation. Here is a link that might be useful: Tango C Trim Spec Sheet
...See More
Order of shower valves?
Q
Comments (19)
If you don't plan to use the hand-held wand, you'll never use the diverter dial. Once you set the temperature to a pleasing level, you'll never touch that dial. The dial which you will use every time you step in and out of the shower is the volume dial. Guess which frequently used dial should be on top and easily reached without conscious thought?
...See More
Who supplies these shower valve trims?
Q
Comments (9)
You probably better off finding something similar to that locally. When I was building my house in 2002, we imported all the vanities from Spain, they came as a complete package, vanity, tops, mirror, lights, sinks, and all the plumbing fixtures, my plumber said right from the get-go use faucets that you can get locally because if something is missing or need replacement down the road it will be a hassle getting them plus they use the metric system and so is AU... unless they import this brand of fixtures to the US and modify to our standards. I end up using all the fixtures made by Grohe manufacturer and I would never use anything else, 19-yrs in my house and not a single issue.
...See More
budge1
16 years ago
Personally, I'd eat the 25% and get the 2 in one. It sounds like this is what you want aesthetically and it would be practical too. Tune up your sweet talk and see if you can wiggle out of that 25%.
suero
16 years ago
Yes, you do need the volume control valve. Can you put it on the wall next to the tub spout?
biondanonima
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks all - I decided to suck it up and pay the 25% restocking fee. It actually ended up costing me about the same either way - the restocking fee was $90 but I would have had to buy another $70 part if I kept the original valves. Thank you so much for all of your suggestions and advice!
organic_donna
16 years ago
Are you guy's happy with faucets4cheap?
Donna
organic_donna
16 years ago
They better change their name fauctes4expensive. LOL My Hansgroghe faucet just went up about 15% on their website. They had a price increase in July. Why didn't anyone know about this?
Donna
biondanonima
Original Author
16 years ago
I found great prices on some things on their website, not such great prices on others. They have extremely fast shipping and good customer service though (although I wasn't able to wriggle out of the 25% restocking fee - wah!).

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Why Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom

By By Any Design Ltd.

You love its beauty and instant high-quality appeal, but bathroom marble has its drawbacks. Here's what to know before you buy

LIFE You Said It: ‘Every Room Should Have the Right Wrong Thing’ and More

By Becky Harris

This week on Houzz we were inspired to break out of catalog styling ruts and let our design freak flags fly

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Home Full of Boys Achieves Order and Inspiration

By Mina Brinkey

A 3-month overhaul produces an organized and inviting space fit for this Florida family of 9

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Tall-Order Design for a Lower-Level Lounge

By Becky Harris

High ceilings and other custom-tailored features in this new-build Wisconsin basement put the tall homeowners in a good headspace

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Fixtures-Shopping Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 2 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Determine your mechanical needs and buy quality fixtures

BATHROOM DESIGN Shower Curtain or Shower Door?

By Lara Sargent

Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Planning Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 1 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Get all the remodel details down on paper

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

SHOWERS Turn Your Shower Niche Into a Design Star

By Becky Harris

Clear glass surrounds have raised the design bar for details such as shampoo and soap shelves. Here are 4 standouts

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Bring Out Your Home’s Character With Trim

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Add moldings and baseboards to enhance architectural style and create visual interest

Sponsored

12 Reviews

Pittsburgh's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living

More Discussions

Slightly ridged tile on shower floor?

4

Medicine cabinet says "recessed mount." Can it be flush-mounted?

3

Need recommendations on paint color!

1

What are these countertop spots?

6

remodeling basement bathroom.

0