Replacing washers

[gerald becker]

I have Kohler bathroom fixtures (about 20 years old). The handles are square with white plastic covers. I would like to replace the washers. Do I have to remove the decorative covers to get to the valve as they appear to be puttied on and at least in the shower I don't see how to get them off without damaging the tile.

gablaw@earthlink.net

[Wgoodrich]

The handle should have a small cap on the handle that hides a screw. The cap should pop off then unscrew the screw and remove the handle. Then under the handle should be a finish cone. Many cones are screwed on. Some slide on. Try unscrwing that finish cone. Then you should find a nut. Take all water pressure off that valve and unscrew that nut. Then you will need a tool that fits the type seat you have within that valve to remove the seat. The seat will unscrew out of the inside of that valve. Remove the seat and take both the seat and the valve stem to you local plumbing supplier. They should be able to guide you in getting the replacement parts. Many plumbers supply carry a wide variety of these stems and seats. Reverse the steps to reassemble.

Good Luck

Wg