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joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 02:37 PM
Hi All,

I recently installed a new tub as well as the entire faucet component to a shower. My spout drips while the shower head is running... does anyone know why the spout continues to drip after the diverter tap is pulled?

I called Kohler and they send me a new component... I cut out the older one and sweated the new one in but the result is the same! Tried lubricating the o rings from w/in the components... it helped a little at the first turn on but soon after it dripped again! Can anyone help me? Please! Is it the water pressure? I live in a condo complex if that helps with the detective work. Thanks everyone for reading. :(

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 03:24 PM
Diverters dripping actually happens very often, no big deal though. I could tell you more if you tell me the Kohlor model number for that valve. Is you diverter in the tub spout or on the valve on the wall?

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 03:33 PM
The diverter is in the tub spout. The model # is R11552-4S-BN Bellhaven

The model # for the component is K-304

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 03:38 PM
That spout is a slip fit so whatwas it that you had to cut out earlier? Does the drip come out of the spout or from the trim ring near the tub?

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 03:46 PM
The water is coming out from the spout in a almost constant leaking... not a drip, drip, drip way.

I had to cut out the entire body and replaced it with a new body + a new pressure balancing unit and a new cap assembly.

mygirlsdad77
Jul 14, 2009, 03:50 PM
Best bet is to try another spout. What kind of pressure do you have in you house?

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 03:54 PM
That was the first thing Kohler send me... a new spout. I replaced it but still leaks water while the shower is running.

I am trying to find out the water pressure in my condo complex. What pressure should be adequate?

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 04:35 PM
45 psi is about the norm.

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 05:26 PM
Do you have any more suggestions or ideas about why and how to correct the situation? I ask Kohler and they said the pressure should be 60psi so I guess 45 - 60 is good.

KISS
Jul 14, 2009, 05:46 PM
Do you have any horizontal pieces of pipe where water will lay?

I know I screwed up when installing a diverter. I have a horizontal section of pipe heading to the shower head. That explains the drip when turned off.

I don't have one for the drip when on except bad diverter.

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 05:55 PM
No horizontal pipe(s). The diverter is the spout and that is the only horizontal piece.

KISS
Jul 14, 2009, 06:02 PM
No, not that section. The section going to the shower head.

I had to plumb using an odd fitting of sorts from the tub spout/diverter to the shower head. I used right angle bends, so I have about an 8" horizontal section of pipe. I should have used 45's.

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 06:10 PM
No horizontal pieces going to the shower heads

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 06:22 PM
And what is your pressure?

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 06:26 PM
I will have to find that out tomorrow with the condo association. Would it cause this problem if the water pressure is said to be over 60psi?

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 06:28 PM
You can screw on a pressure gauge right within your own unit.

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 06:34 PM
How so? Where do I screw one on? What kind of gauge... I may have to buy one tomorrow.

KISS
Jul 14, 2009, 06:47 PM
A hose bib water pressure gauge such as this one:

Hose Bib Quick Home Water Pressure Test Gauge 0-160 PSI (http://www.bigbrandwater.com/pressuregauge5.html)

Screw it on a an outdoor faucet, a laundry sink or a washer connection.

joarby
Jul 14, 2009, 06:49 PM
Is there a way to lower the water pressure if it should be over 60 psi?

ballengerb1
Jul 14, 2009, 07:04 PM
Yes, you can instll a pressure reducing valve .

joarby
Jul 15, 2009, 09:42 AM
Does any of you experience the same with your spout dripping water while the shower head is running?

My water pressure in this area is fine! I got people saying that it is normal to have water dripping and some said that you would have to buy some very high end product if you don't want any dripping.

ballengerb1
Jul 15, 2009, 10:10 AM
What did your pressure test out at? A few drips is no big deal for most folks but a steady stream would bother me. "would have to buy some very high end product if you don't want any dripping" nonsense. Under the right circumstances most all diverters are fine, They do drip when crud gets caught in their seals or after wearing.

joarby
Jul 15, 2009, 10:32 AM
I agree with you and it does bother me a lot. My pressure checks out at 53psi and my local hardware guy said the same regarding the area water pressure not being high at all and that it is not the cause. He claims it is a bad product since I bought them at Lowe's. I don't know what else to do... don't want to give up but looks like I am running out of options!

ballengerb1
Jul 15, 2009, 10:40 AM
"He claims it is a bad product since I bought them at Lowes. " Chances are he just doesn't sell that line and wants your business, I don't know. Lowe's is not know for selling anything worse than ACE or True Value. If he tells you Kohlor is a bad product you need to shop elsewhere. I'd keep talking to the Kohlor folks.

joarby
Jul 15, 2009, 10:50 AM
I will talk to Kohler again later today. Thanks for all your help.

speedball1
Jul 15, 2009, 11:39 AM
Please answer Bobs question.
Does the drip come out of the spout or from the trim ring near the tub? In sone diverter spouts a little leakage from the spout end's normal.
What disturbs you about it? Regards, Tom

joarby
Jul 15, 2009, 11:52 AM
I have never had a dripping spout while showering b/f and none of my brothers and sisters has this problem in their homes. I paid for a brand new kohler and I don't think it should drip... it's brand new!

So, you are in the camp that even the new ones will drip. My question is why do they drip and what can I do about it. I just worry that if and when my unit is up for sale, the Buyers and their home Inspectors will have a problem with it and I would have to take down the tiles/wall to do the job all over again!

ballengerb1
Jul 15, 2009, 12:34 PM
They should not drip but any specs of crud, sometimes created during installation, can cause a drip. Keep after Kohler, they do not want dissatisfied customers.

speedball1
Jul 15, 2009, 12:40 PM
Three times you were asked. Does the drip come out of the spout or from the trim ring near the tub? And we have yet to get a answer.

joarby
Jul 15, 2009, 12:47 PM
Three times you were asked. Does the drip come out of the spout or from the trim ring near the tub? And we have yet to get a answer.
__________________
Of cause I have... several times! Sorry you missed the first several post. It is coming out of the spout.