I have the Kohler model in the title... the 12172. Today, the metal-braided supply hose on the hot water side started leaking badly. It's definitely leaking at the top where it meets the faucet, and seems to be leaking a little at the bottom where it meets the water supply.

Here's the faucet I'm referring to:

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/1004617_2.pdf


I live in a NYC apartment building. My wife was the one home when this happened, and she called the Super to turn off the water valves. He seems to think that the entire faucet needs to be replaced, which doesn't make sense to me. Kohler sells a replacement supply hose --part 78123 (see here: Kohler 78123 Media Gallery (http://www.faucetdirect.com/index.cfm/page/product:mediaGallery/uniqueId/102398))

I guess he's under the impression that the hose is built into the faucet, vs. being screwed on. Anyway, am I correct in assuming that this should be a fairly easy thing to repair?

Other questions:

Do water supply hoses that are metal-braided like this break down suddenly? Do I need the official Kohler part, or can I use some off-the-shelf model? The part itself is about 20" of hosing. I'm guessing it's pretty standard where it meets the water supply, of course, but I don't know if there's anything special about the hose where it meets the faucet itself, insofar as its connector is concerned.

I'd really like to get a hose tomorrow so I can put this thing back in service, but no one seems to carry it at brick and mortar stores. It's barely in stock online anywhere, so an off-the-shelf replacement would be great if it would fit the faucet.

I've already done some maintenance on this faucet before, having replaced a diverter valve and body gaskets, so I'm not worried about getting into it. I just want to know if I'm throwing good money after bad with the hose (cheap as it is) or if this might be indicative of some greater problem.

Thanks for any advice.

It is most likely O-ring at the end of this hose that threads into the faucet. Get new water supply and replace it.
Advice: the upper end that fits into the faucet can be hand tight. The positive seal is made by O-ring not by threads.

I agree with Milo 100 % it is the O ring you can replace the O ring or change the supply hose it doesn't cost that much don't tight it too much other wise it will leak again, good luck.

John

It is most likely O-ring at the end of this hose that threads into the faucet. Get new water supply and replace it.
Advice: the upper end that fits into the faucet can be hand tight. The positive seal is made by O-ring not by threads.


I appreciate the response(s). When you said "Get new water supply and replace it", you're talking about the whole hose assembly, right? And do you think this is a strictly a proprietary Kohler part or will other hoses do that can reach the water supply connector?

In other words, can I go to a plumbing supply store and ask for a sufficiently-lengthed water supply hose for a faucet or does this thing need its own special hose?

Thanks again for the help.

Most hoses are standard take the hose with to a plumbing supply and they will find you the correct length to work for you, thanks.

John

Yes, this Kohler water supply has one end with their configuration. You will have to look for this type of water supply at store that carries Kohler products. I never seen this type of supply line in various lengths. But I may be wrong on this one...