I have a bathroom with a shower and tub that are back to back.

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I have a bathroom with a shower and tub that are back to back.

The hot and cold water...

I have a bathroom with a shower and tub that are back to back. The hot and cold water feed both the shower and the tub. The single handle shower works as is should, the handle swings from the cold water to the hot water. The tub is a different story. Since the hot and cold feeds are on the wrong side for the tub, the single handle tub goes from hot to cold. And since the mix is set to blend cold water to hot water which is the normal process, the tub water is usually cool to not quite warm. Is there a way to adjust the single handle fixture so that it works from cold to hot?

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Customer reply replied 9 years ago

My tub fixture is made by Kohler. I can't find a model number on it. Does a Kohler fixture have a cartridge that I can turn upside down?

Customer reply replied 9 years ago

The pipes for this bathroom come down from above. The pipes come down a common wall, Shower on the left, tub on the right. The pipes first come to the shower fixture. The shower is piped correctly; move the handle up to the left and the cool water start and then the hot is mixed in. The more you move the handle up the warmer the water becomes. The pipes continue down the wall to the tub fixture. The pipes are now on the wrong side for the fixture. Move the handle up and the water gets colder. It seems to start with warm water and then mix in the cold. The very first water that starts as the handle is moved up is not warm enough to take a bath. The little disc that sets the hot water mix seems to be as low as it can be. Your suggestion to turn the cartridge upside down would be a good idea if my Kohler fixture has the ability to change the cartridge. So, is there a solution to my problem?

Customer reply replied 9 years ago

How do I find out if this Kohler is a pressure balanced type or not.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago

If I have answered your question you can accept my answer if not please let me know and I can help more.thanks, mike

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Plumber: chamberlains, Building Inspector replied 9 years ago · Answer 1

chamberlains : Hi do you have just a standard mixer tap on you bath?

Customer:

It is a single handle fixture. It is make by Kohler. The handle points down and swings from the Off position at the bottom of the fixture up to the left to the hot marking near the top of the fixture. As the handle moves up the amount of water increases. Because the pipes in the wall are lined up for the shower and then go straight down to the tub, as the handle goes up to the hot mark, the higher volumn of water increases and getes colder. I don't know if this is standard or not, but it is the same kind of fixture that is in the shower. However, as the shower handle goes up, as the volumn increases the water gets hotter.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 2

your problem may have a very easy fix. if the tub is a moen then if you remove the cartridge and turn it upside down it will correct the problem. also most single handle showers and tubs have a scald protecting feature. this allows the handle to stop early before it moves too far and makes the water completely hot. this can be adjusted by removing the handle and adjusting a disc on the stem. single handle faucets do not have a volume control. they simply mix the water. if you do not have a brand that will allow you to invert the stem to get the hot on the correct side then adjusting the temperature control disc will allow you to get the water to adjust to a comfortable setting. if the water is cold when you start to move the handle and gets warmer as you move it counter clockwise then the stem is in the correct position and all you have to do is adjust the temperature control disc. if you are unclear on what to do or what brand you have send me a picture and i cal help more. if you are satisfied with my answer please accept and remember me for future plumbing questions. thanks! mike.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 3

is there anything else that i can help with? if my answer satisfied you please accept the answer and please keep me in mind when you have another question. i am pretty good with tvs too! thanks, mike.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 4

Is the shower piped backwards or when you turn it all the way to the counter clockwise position it doesn't get hot enough? There is a disc if you remove the handle that you can adjust to a hotter position.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 5

If it is the pressure balanced type kohler valve you turn the water off, remove the handle, take the two screws you see and turn the whole thing around & that will fix the problem. If it is the standard non pressure balanced type the only way to fix it is repipe it. Thanks, mike

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 6

If you can send me a picture of it I can tell you. When you remove the face plate you will see a silver plate with 4 or two screws. That is the part you have to invert.

Plumber: Mike R., Plumber replied 9 years ago · Answer 7

If it doesn't have the plate to invert then it is the type you don't want it to be. If you send me a picture I can confirm for you.thanks, mike

I have a bathroom with a shower and tub that are back to back.

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