Large Scale Central

Any plumbers among us?

General Discussion
#1

We had the bathroom remodelled last summer. Went from two faucets in the tub to one large Kohler handle. Off, to full blast and all the way hot in one half turn or so.

The problem is, it’s just not hot enough. In the summer, when the ground’s hot, and the incoming cold water is probably above 70 degrees, it’s tolerable. Now that it’s finally winter here, and the input water is colder, it’s impossible to get a shower that’s better than moderately lukewarm.

The sinks all have similar valves, and make plenty of very hot water. There’s no valve down in the basement, just two pipes coming up through the floor, and there’s no visible adjustment on the fixture itself.

So, before I go taking things apart for exploratory surgery, anyone know how you turn one of these things up a bit?

Matthew (OV)

#2

The only way I know of is to turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. Not knowing how your pipes run, if they run any distance on an outside wall in an un-heated area, that may cause the problem. However they do sell small auxillary heaters that will re-heat the water. They’re usually small enough to fit under a sink or in a closet.

A cheaper method would be to install insulation around the pipes.

P.S. I’m not a plumber but have owned a house long enough to figure out the quirks in most of the construction that went on…:wink:

P.P.S. After some thought, I have a question. How was the water temp BEFORE the new faucet was installed?
If it was okay, then I’d say the new one needs some adjustment as it’s not going fully over to HOT. As too how you do this…I have no idea…:wink:

#3

I’m not a plumber, but I have seen plumbing commercials. And, I am a user of plumbing, myself.

I would think it strange that there is no valve to either pipe - I would really think that it is CODE that there is one per pipe. I suspect they should be somewhere…

If not, is there a manual with the faucet? Or does the Kohler website have some FAQs? Or a support section? I’d try that after I find out why there’s no valves…

#4

Your contractor might have installed an “Anti-scald” valve. Like they use in nursing homes. Check with him.
jb

#5

Matthew (OV)

The Law requires that an anti-scald valves be installed for that type of installation. I am not sure of the location of the adjuster on the Kohler valve. I do know that on a Moen single handle tub and shower valve you have to remove the handle and trimplate and there you will find the adjuster. Hope this will point you in the right direction.
Good Luck,
Ron