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Biz2001 · Sep 28, 2006, 08:17 PM

I just bought a 1972 house and in both bathroom the shower and faucet run at full force when the shower is turned on. There is a handle in the center that requires about 2 turns to turn on the shower. The shower is off when turned off, but when turned on the faucet doesen't turn off. My fixture is a KOhLER.

What's the fix..

letmetellu · Sep 28, 2006, 08:51 PM

The center handle needs some new parts on it, it may be possible to find these new parts a one of the Discount stores, if not look for a plumber that had a shop that stocks repair parts. The brand of your faucet might be a Price Pfister, and no that is not a spelling error.

speedball1 · Sep 29, 2006, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Biz2001

I just bought a 1972 house and in both bathroom the shower and faucet run at full force when the shower is turned on. There is a handel in the center that requires about 2 turns to turn on the shower. The shower is off when turned off, but when turned on the faucet doesen't turn off.

Whats the fix...?

Is this what you have? (see image)

Biz2001 · Sep 29, 2006, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Biz2001

I just bought a 1972 house and in both bathroom the shower and faucet run at full force when the shower is turned on. There is a handel in the center that requires about 2 turns to turn on the shower. The shower is off when turned off, but when turned on the faucet doesen't turn off.
Whats the fix...?

My fixture is a Kohler

iamgrowler · Sep 30, 2006, 08:38 AM

Are you sure it isn't a 'Kohler' faucet?

Regardless, the other posters are correct, there is something wrong with the center stem, which is the tub/shower diverter.

Your best bet would be to call a service plumber who can conclusively identify the fixture in question and install the correct diverter stem.

Just my two pence.

Biz2001 · Sep 30, 2006, 04:38 PM

Thanks, With my glasses on I can see it's clearly a Kohler.

speedball1 · Oct 1, 2006, 05:50 AM

My shower hardware is: KOWLER. Thanks for the answer,however my computer is
Broke also. I can not open PDF files. I have downloaded a new Adobie Reader but
My computer just freezes when I try to open a file.

If you can send me an exploded fiew by anouther method it will help, but just a
Description would be great. Thanks

OK, Biz, Look in your E-Mail for a attachment. Most all three handle tub/shower valves are the same so note that this exploded view is a Price-Phister and not a Kholer Good luck, Tom

Biz2001 · Oct 30, 2006, 09:34 PM

[QUOTE=Biz2001]I just bought a 1972 house and in both bathroom the shower and faucet run at full force when the shower is turned on. There is a handle in the center that requires about 2 turns to turn on the shower. The shower is off when turned off, but when turned on the faucet doesen't turn off. My fixture is a KOhLER.

What's the fix.. [
OK , I got it fixed.. I have a Kohler fixture, Vintage 1973, 3 handel tub and shower unit.

This valve stem has 2 washers The front one is the common type like any valve washer, But the second one is one with a flange on it. It seals the tub spout when the shower is turned on. I got it from a plumbing supply. Other places did not have the set.

Start by removing the handle, Flange, Then the crome covering, it unscrews to the left. You will then see that there is two hex head pieces to remove. The first is the stem packing nut, I would remove it first while the valve body is still in place. It's easer that way. The valve stem still will not come out at that point. Next get a deep socket and wrench that fits the large hex head. That's the valve body. A little WD-40 on the threads would help at this point. Turning to the LEFT to loosen, You might use a breaker bar (short piece of pipe) to extend the wrench handle, While holding the wrench straight with the right hand, give a tap with the left hand and the valve body should come loose , If at first you don't succed hit it a little harder till it comes loose. Once loose you should be able to turn it out by hand and remove.
Turn the valve stem to the right and unscrew it out the front of the valve body. Replace the front washer as usual, then take the larger washer with the flange and put it on from the handle side so that the washer part goes into the seat.reinsert the stem back into the valve body. One importaint thing to check. Make sure the front washer does not extend out the front more than 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. This is very important, /8 will not work.
Put some teflon tape on the valve body threads and turn it back in and tighten. (To the right.)Back off the stem. (to the left) before you tighten to make shur you don't tighten the front washer to the valve seat. Check it to see that's it loose while tightening. Replace packing nut and do not overtighten, just enough to stop leaks.replace the crome cover and flange. And handle. Turn on water and check shower and tub flow. You should be done. If you have no water, Your front washer is to thick and should be thinner as described above. Good luck.