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fivalg · Nov 21, 2008, 01:45 PM

Hi Folks,

I turned the valves off under my kitchen sink to insert a part for a water filter. The part didn't fit so I simply screwed the compression tubes/pipes back together and turned the valves back on and now there is very little water coming out. I also notice that the cold water valve no longer turns the cold water off if I try to turn it off again. This would make me think it's the valve on the cold water pipe but the pressure for the hot water is exactly the same as the cold water (almost nothing) so it seems like that would mean there's something else to it.

One last clue: In the meantime I got the right adapters and installed the water filter and the water pressure from the little water filter spigot seems normal. I guess since that spigot is much narrower so it could be the same amount of water but it seems like more - don't know. The line for that spigot is coming right off the cold water line.

Help?! :)

Thanks!

massplumber2008 · Nov 21, 2008, 04:47 PM

Hey Fivalg...

Remove the aerator from the end of the spout... clean it, run water without it in place and then replace the aerator. That should fix this with any luck. Most likely, a washer disintegrated and clogged up the works here! You may also want to replace the washer to the shutoff... but start here first.

The aerator unscrews CLOCKWISE! See picture below...

Let me know how you do...

MARK

fivalg · Nov 22, 2008, 07:13 AM

Hi Mark,

Thanks for answering. Unfotunately that didn't do it. What's next? :)

massplumber2008 · Nov 22, 2008, 08:07 AM

Hi Fivalg...

Next is to shut water supply off to faucet (or entire house) and remove the cartridge (assuming a single handle here since cold and hot water involved)... once the cartridge is removed plan on PULSING the water supply on/off from where it got shut off to clear the lines of debris (most likely the crumbled washer from the old shutoff). Cover the valve with a rag when doing this (will need two people). Clean the cartridge and then replace...

Hopefully that gets you up and running.

If not sure how to access the cartridge can always try to find a specification sheet at the website of the faucet manufacturer... or post a pic. Here... may be we can help.

MARK

fivalg · Nov 22, 2008, 07:28 PM

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your help. Since you clued me in to the fact that the prob was in the faucet and not the stop valves I decided to just get a new one since the old one was old and nasty. So, the water pressure fine now but the brand new $219 Kohler drips!

massplumber2008 · Nov 22, 2008, 08:32 PM

Unfortunately, this happens once inawhile.

Before installing the new faucet I would have had you PURGE the water lines of all debris before connecting the lines to the faucet, but at this point you will most likely need to remove the cartridge and clean the cartridge, pulse the water on/off to clear lines and re-install cartridge!

Worst case you will need to get a new cartridge shipped from the manufacturer... call toll free number supplied with faucet for replacement parts and just tell them that the faucet drips... they should send part no charge... ;) I do not think this will be necessary, by the way!

What a bummer... but at least you will have a new faucet at the end of this.

Let me know if need more.

fivalg · Nov 23, 2008, 08:28 AM

Thanks Mark. I actually did run the hot and cold each for a minute before connecting the base to the faucet (it was in the instructions) but maybe that wasn't enough because I didn't pulse on & off? I'll check out the cartridge. Thanks again. Yeah, I'm actually thrilled to have a new faucet as a result of this, not to mention my wife!

fivalg · Nov 23, 2008, 08:36 AM

Hi Mark,
I'm looking at the manual which shows all the parts in the faucet and base and it doesn't say cartridge anywhere! Is there another name? Would it be in the faucet or base? (They are separate.) It's a Kohler R648-VS, Simplice model.

Thanks!

fivalg · Nov 23, 2008, 09:39 AM

Hi again. I took the base apart and took out the plastic valve which I'm guessing is the cartridge. It was clean as a whistle.?

massplumber2008 · Nov 23, 2008, 03:19 PM

Check out this link:

Kohler Plumbing

This should be your faucet. This particular faucet has a CERAMIC VALVE (PART # 1017426 at the link... which I think you already removed). I think your best bet will be to call kohler and have them send you a new ceramic valve. It may also be a good idea to have them send you part # 1060800 (washer cups/seal kit). Did you try cleaning the washer cups/seals UNDER the ceramic valve???

Most likely something got into the ceramic cartridge and there is nothing you can do about this... except get it replaced! Tell Kohler you followed the instructions to the letter and still have this issue. If they don't cooperate then just tell them you are taking it out and RETURNING IT from where you got it. They won't like that... ;)

Let me know what you do...

MARK