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. :(

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?

The diverter is in the tub spout. The model # is R11552-4S-BN Bellhaven

The model # for the component is K-304

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?

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.

Best bet is to try another spout. What kind of pressure do you have in you house?

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?

45 psi is about the norm.

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.

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.

No horizontal pipe(s). The diverter is the spout and that is the only horizontal piece.

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.

No horizontal pieces going to the shower heads

And what is your pressure?

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?

You can screw on a pressure gauge right within your own unit.

How so? Where do I screw one on? What kind of gauge... I may have to buy one tomorrow.

A hose bib water pressure gauge such as this one:

Hose Bib Quick Home Water Pressure Test Gauge 0-160 PSI

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

Is there a way to lower the water pressure if it should be over 60 psi?

Yes, you can instll a pressure reducing valve .

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.

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.

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!

"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.

I will talk to Kohler again later today. Thanks for all your help.

Please answer Bobs question.

Quote:

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Does the drip come out of the spout or from the trim ring near the tub?

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In sone diverter spouts a little leakage from the spout end's normal.
What disturbs you about it? Regards, Tom

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!

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.

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.

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.
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Of cause I have... several times! Sorry you missed the first several post. It is coming out of the spout.