Kohler k-5529-na Steam Shower Always Making a Knocking Noise
I am trying to figure out what to do about a steam shower generator I have had in my house for the past year. I had it professionally installed and when in use it works great. The problem I have is after I use it. For about 24 hrs after use the device (which is in a closet) sounds like it is constantly heating water and makes a knocking noise (literally a knock every 5 seconds). Then after the 24 hrs, the knocking/popping noise is reduced to every few minutes. Then if not used for days I hear a couple knocks about every 5 minutes. I wouldn't really care too much about this but I can hear the knocking in the wall and ceiling in the den that is below the generator which is reallllllllllly annoying when working.
I don't really like that they put so many 90-degree bends in the outlet pipe. Which would be at least 4 since the shower is the left of the generator not directly behind it but at least there are no steam traps. I was told by Kohler to put a PRV valve in to help but I have no idea where it should go, assuming the pipe on the top going to the water shutoff.
Video of the sound that occurs every 5 minutes and lasts for 30 seconds: https://youtu.be/q_1TC2bkzi4
Comments (15)
joseph_kiesel
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5 months agolast modified: 5 months agoFINALLY A SOLUTION TO THAT BANGING SOUND!!!!!!!!!
Had to use caps as I am damn proud to share a solution to this constant banging sound from my steam unit. Over a year of continual banging and it is all over....
The fix is super easy and takes only about 2 minutes to complete.
The banging issue stems from the sub heater that keeps the unit always ready to make steam at a moments notice. If you disable the 'instant on' feature the banging stops entirely. The only downside, which to me is not a downside considering the banging is gone, is that by disabling the sub heater the unit will take 3 to 5 minutes to generate steam. I can wait a couple of minutes to have steam vs banging all day and night. Be sure to wrap tape over the connector to ensure it does not come in contact with any other objects which could create a short.
I took a picture and added the steps to the image. The steps are also below in text:
Steps to stop that knocking noise:
1 - Turn off circuit breaker
2 - On back of unit, remove 4 screws
3 - Remove control cable (Phone like cable)
4 - Pull control panel/back panel out, wiggle it out
5 - Locate white wire labeled “SUB HEATER” (circled in image)
6 - Use pliers to pull connector out of control panel
7 - Use electrical tape and tape over blue connector on end of wire
to avoid it coming in contact with anything else inside unit
8 - Tuck wire inside unit
9 - Push control panel back in place, insert 4 screws and tighten
10 - Plug back in control wire (phone like cable)
11- Turn back on circuit breaker
12 - Never hear that banging sound again. Cheers to quiet.
(this disables instant on steam - will take 3 to 5 minutes for steam)
This works 100% to stop the noise.
joseph_kieselOriginal Author