Whether you want to install a new shower handle in your bathroom or you want to fix your old Kohler shower handle, you should know how to remove Kohler shower handle step-by-step.
But, removing the shower handle depends on the brand and model of the product. If we notice, there are mainly three shower control valves available: single, double, and triple handle. Each type has a different installation process.
No matter what type of model you have installed in your bathroom, using standard plumbing tools, you can easily remove kohler shower handle.
In this post, we are going to talk about how to remove Kohler shower handle with and without screws. We will be covering each type of shower handle that you may have installed in your bathroom.
To easily understand the steps, I am attaching the video as well.
Here’re the things that you are going to learn in this blog post:
- How to remove Kohler shower handle with screws?
- How to remover Kohler shower handle without screws?
- What tools do you need for the Kohler shower handle replacement?
- What the different models available in Kohler shower handle?
So, keep reading and let us know in the comment section if you found this blog post handy 🙂
Note: In one of the posts, I talked about How to remove moen bathroom faucet handle. So, if you own a Moen faucet handle, feel free to check that article.
Parts Of Kohler Shower Handle
Before we actually dig into the topic, “how to remove Kohler shower handle”, there are a few things that you should know about. The very first thing is the different parts of the Kohler shower handle.
The Kohler shower handle works as a controller to supply water to the shower head. This shower handle could be single, double, or triple, depending on the attachment type.
When trying to remove the shower controller, you should have an idea of the different parts of the Kohler shower handle and what you actually need to remove from the attachment.
Water valve
The Kohler shower handle connects to a water valve. This unit controls the water flow and temperature in pipes. By rotating the shower knob, the water valve opens or closes the supply.
This unit is installed to ensure a constant volume of water flow. You should rotate the shower handle anticlockwise to remove it from the water valve.
Diverter
This unit also works to deliver water to the shower head. Indeed, this optional valve diverts the water flow in different shower heads. A diverter valve is installed to the attachment depending on the Kohler shower handle model.
This unit is located behind the shower handle and is screwed with screws.
Trim
This is a visible and decorative part of the shower. Trim works with a shower valve to ensure the shower system. This unit refers to the handle, knob, and shower valve.
The shower trim is installed over the water valve and connects through screws or a plug button. Depending on the model type, you should remove the shower trim.
How to remove the Kohler shower handle?
The Kohler shower handle connects to the water hose, diverter or water valve, and shower trim. To remove the shower turner, you should follow the step-by-step process.
Please follow the below steps to remove Kohler shower handle step-by-step:
Step 1: Arrange the tools
The Kohler shower handle comes in different model types. So you’ll have to remove them accordingly. It’s recommended to bring your manual guide to simplify your work process.
But first, you should collect all the tools required to remove the Kohler shower handle. The followings are:
- plumber’s tape or Teflon tape
- Pliers
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat blade screwdriver
- 3/32 inch hex wrench
- 1/16 inch hex wrench
Step 2: Shut off the water valve
In any plumbing work, closing the water supply is the first step.
Just rotate the main water supply valve anti-clockwise to close the water supply. It will ensure that the water doesn’t leak out from the shower handle.
Now, most of the shower handles have dedicated shut-off valves to close the water supply specifically for the shower handle. However, in case you bathroom doesn’t have any dedicated shut-off water valve, turn off the main water supply.
All you have to confirm is: “There shouldn’t be any water coming out from the shower handle”.
Now, once you’ve turned off the water valve, turn on the shower handle for a minute or two so that the excess water inside the handle can be drained out.
Tip: You can also use a tape to cover the drain so that you don’t lose any important parts of the Kohler shower handle.
Step 3: Remove the diverter button
A diverter button is part of Kohler shower handle or shower valve that controls the direction of water flow. In simple terms, the diverter changes the direction of water towards the shower head or bathtub.
After shutting off the water supply valve, it’s time to remove the diverter button. Please note that this is an optional unit for many shower handles. If that’s the case with your handle as well, you may skip this step.
Still, most Kohler shower handles connect diverters and are configured differently depending on the model type. So below are the steps to remove different diverter buttons according to the different models of Kohler shower handles:
Knob diverter button
To remove the Knob style diverter button in Kohler shower handles, first, arrange a flat screwdriver. Your Kohler shower handle must have a knob on the diverter. Unthread this diverter button by holding the diverter stem using a flat screwdriver. Finally, unthread the diverter sleeve as well.
Here’s a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Arrange a flat screwdriver to hold the diverter stem.
Step 2: Unthread the knob on the diverter button.
Step 3: Hold the diverter stem firmly using a flathead screwdriver and keep unthreading the knob.
Step 4: Finally, unthread the diverter sleeve and remove it.
Threaded diverter button
To remove the threaded diverter button, start by unthreading the diverter sleeve to access the valve trim. Once you can see the valve trim, you can remove the diverter button.
Step 1: Arrange a flathead screwdriver.
Step 2: Remove the diverter sleeve to access the valve trim.
Step 3: Now, you should be able to see the diverter button. Use the screwdriver or your hands to unthread it.
Diverter button with set screws:
First, start by removing the diverter sleeve to access the valve trim. Now, keep removing the valve trim to see the setscrews. Finally, use a hex wrench to get the set screws out and remove the diverter button.
Step 1: Arrange a hex wrench.
Step 2: First, remove the diverter sleeve to access the valve trim.
Step 3: Now, unthread the valve trim to access the set screws.
Step 4: Now, use hex wrench to remove the screws and finally, remove the diverter button.
Step 4: Remove The Trim
After you’ve removed the diverter button on Kohler shower handles, it’s time to get the trim out. The shower trim is attached 40-50 inches above the shower floor.
Depending on the model type, there are different types of trim available in Kohler shower handles. Below are the steps to remove each type of shower trim.
Trim With Exposed Screws
Trim with exposed screws are models of Kohler shower handle where the screws are properly visible. To remove a Kohler shower handle of this type, you just have to keep removing the screws of the handle, bonnet, and sleeve. Once that’s done, remove the faceplate as well using the same screwdriver.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Get a screwdriver.
Step 2: Use a screwdriver to get the screws out of the handle, bonnet, sleeve, and faceplate.
Step 3: Finally, remove the trim.
Trim With A Plug Button
You might have a Kohler shower handle with a plug button. This plug button is mostly available in Kohler Finial and Kohler Revival models.
Generally, there are two ways to take off the trim with a plug button.
The first method is to gently pry the plug button from the valve trim using a flathead screwdriver. Then, use a screwdriver to unthread the screws to remove the handle and the adaptor.
In some other cases, you may have to remove the faceplate screws and remove the faceplate using a flat-blade screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the faceplate, remove the pins from the adaptor and then, remove the adaptor using the same screwdriver.
As per the second method, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the plug button from the valve stem. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws to remove the adapter and the handle from the valve stem.
Then, use a 3/32-inch hex wrench to remove the bonnet off the valve and remove the sleeve by turning it counterclockwise. Finally, remove the collar, faceplate, and unthread the seal plate using a Philips screwdriver.
Trim With Setscrews
If your Kohler shower handle has trim with setscrews, it should be very easy to remove the trim. All you have to do is keep removing the screws one-by-one using a relevant screwdriver. Sometime, you’ll have to use an Allen wrench and a few times flat-head screwdrivers.
Just keep unthreading the screw sets and remove the adapter, faceplate, and collar. Finally, remove the seal plate.
Trim With Threaded Bonnets
Trim with threaded bonnets are also relatively easy to remove. All you need to do is rotate the handle counterclockwise to remove the handle and bonnet.
Once the handle and bonnet have been removed, use a screwdriver to get the faceplate off. Finally, remove the seal plate.
Trim With Center Cap
This type of Kohler shower handle can be a little complex to remove.
First, unthread the end cap and remove the washer, short sleeve, and end cap. Then, remove the center cap and use a hex wrench to unscrew the bonnet.
Finally, remove the faceplate using a Philip screwdriver.
Step 5: Replace the shower handle
Once you remove the Kohler shower handle attachment, prepare for repair or replacement. You can do what you want to do with the shower valve or shower handle. Either replace it with the new one or fix it.
Once, the Kohler shower handle has been fixed, just reverse engineer the whole process to install it back.
FAQs on how to remove Kohler shower handle?
How do you take the Kohler shower handle off?
In the first step, you should turn off the water supply valve. Next, remove the diverter by using a screwdriver or any other plumbing took. Locate the shower trim and pull out the attachment by using Philips screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
How do you remove a Kohler single-handle cartridge?
First, rotate the handle anticlockwise to remove it. Take a wrench to remove the inside valve following the same rotation process.
What tool do you use to remove a shower handle?
Teflon tape, Pliers, screwdriver, Flat blade screwdriver, and wrench are the standard plumbing tools to remove a shower handle.
Conclusion
So above is the detailed guide about how to remove Kohler shower handle.
To remove a Kohler shower handle, you should start by disconnecting the water supply and then removing the diverter that ensures water flow. In the next step, remove the trim, faceplate, and sleeve from the wall. Always collect the tools required to remove the shower handle.
Additionally, you should follow the product manual because different models have different attachment systems.
Also, I’ve written other posts as well that you may like: How to remove shower handle without screws?
