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check valve to stop shower leak?

14 years ago

We have a completely new walk in shower with a fixed shower head and a separate hand shower spray. The rough valve inside the wall is a Kohler thermostatic valve (separate controls to turn on each shower and we never need to adjust the temperature on the main control) if I understand the terminology correctly. This shower has never been used but the fixed shower head drips constantly and the hand spray drips only occasionally. Since the fixed head is first in line from the main control the plumber says he believes the hand spray only drips when the overflow of water dripping out the fixed shower backs up.

In any event when I asked him to fix the drip he said he would need to rip out my newly installed tile to fix the rough in valve and that he preferred to put a "check valve" on the fixed shower head to avoid messing up the tile. I have 2 questions about this. 1). Why would it be necessary to rip up my tile to fix the rough in valve? Couldn't he just remove the trim and fix the valve? 2). If he is correct that he would have to remove tile to fix the rough in valve what is a check valve? Would it be visible on the fixed shower head? Would it look like a lazy/ugly fix to a problem? This worries me b/c I think a new shower should look spiffy for at least a little while. We spent a lot of money for a new shower and now I'm afraid it's either not going to work right or look right. The plumber is due at 9 tomorrow morning so any help or insight you can give will be greatly appreciated.

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Comments (5)

brickeyee
14 years ago
You should be able to replace the cartridge in the valve without tearing anything out (if it was installed correctly) and that should be the first thing attempted.

The valve body itself is usually large enough it will not fit through the opening behind the trim.
Access from the back of the valve is often needed to remove and replace the valve body.
flseadog
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, brickeyee. Does a cartridge have to be special ordered to fix this? Do you think the plumbing guy is just trying to do a cheap fix rather than doing this right? We do have a wall on the other side of the shower that could be opened up to get at a defective valve and now I'm starting to think that the contractor just wants to cross this off the punch list without doing the right thing. Am I being too suspicious?
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tim45z10
14 years ago
Most cartridges are readily available, especially if it is brand new. How do you install a check valve? I would research more on the net for your confidence. In the mean time I would postpone the appt. Maybe even call someone for a second opinion.
flseadog
Original Author
14 years ago
I just spoke with the plumber and he is going to order and install a new cartridge. He seemed surprised that I knew enough to suggest this. All of you here are so wonderful b/c you let the ordinary person have information that is so helpful when talking to the "experts". Thanks.
alphonse
14 years ago
A contrary view. I get the impression your Kohler valve is new or relatively so. There should be no leakage early in its' life.
There will be water trapped in the downstream runs that will drip out after flow stops. An imperfect air lock condition can make the drip seem constant. If you have a tub spout, opening would allow drainage.

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