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COMMON FAUCET QUESTIONS
What are the advantages of Kohler's ceramic valving?
What type of warranty covers KOHLER faucets?
How do I stop water from leaking past the lavatory
or bathroom sink drain?
What lubricant would I use on O-rings and other
rubber-like sealing surfaces?
Why would the flow of water from the faucet be
decreasing?
Can I use vinegar to remove soap or scale build-up
from my faucet?
COMMON SINK QUESTIONS
How can I restore luster to my enameled sink or
lavatory?
How do I remove pot marks or other metal marks
on a sink or other enameled surface?
How do I care for KOHLER wood cutting boards?
COMMON
WHIRLPOOL QUESTIONS
What is the best way to clean the system of a
KOHLER whirlpool?
COMMON
BODYSPA QUESTIONS
What is a BodySpa?
How
does a toilet flush?
There are many toilet designs; however, most function
simply through the natural forces of gravity and a change in pressure.
Typically, a toilet will consist of a tank that acts as a storage
reservoir for water. Controlling the flow of water to and from
the tank is accomplished by using a fill valve and a flush valve.
The tank is either mounted to, or made an integral part of, the
toilet bowl. At the rear of the bowl there is an outlet which
leads to a large diameter curved pipe, or trapway, which carries
waste material to the sanitary drainpipe.
When the toilet is not in use, a small amount of water remains
in the toilet bowl because the pressure inside the bowl and the
pressure inside the trapway are equal. Depressing a trip lever
activates the flush cycle by opening the flush valve flapper and
allowing water to feed from the tank to the bowl. Water will travel
by force of gravity from the tank to the bowl through a variety
of specially engineered passages.
The surge of water to the bowl quickly fills the trapway and displaces
the air space within the trapway. The resulting change in pressure
causes a siphon to be formed. Water and waste material are drawn
through the trapway and out into the sanitary sewer line by the
force of the siphon. When enough water has left the tank, the
flush valve flapper closes and water flow to the bowl is suspended.
As air gradually reenters the trapway, the pressure equalizes
and the siphon is lost.
As soon as the water level in the tank begins to drop, a float
mounted on the fill valve begins to travel downward. This downward
travel activates the fill valve and initiates the refilling of
the tank and bowl with fresh water. As the tank refills, the float
begins to rise with the incoming water. The fill valve shuts off
when the tank water height reaches a predetermined level. Once
the tank has filled sufficiently, the system is ready for another
flush cycle.
This same process applies to pressure-assisted and pump toilet
designs, except that supply line water pressure or an electric
pump are used to supplement the force of gravity when delivering
water to the bowl. Many commercial toilets do not have tanks,
and use only supply line water pressure to feed water to the bowl.
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What
causes poor toilet flush?
While this can be caused from a variety of factors, the
first thing to check is the water level in the tank. KOHLER
toilets have a water level indicator label on the overflow tube
or tank wall. Check to make sure that the water supply shut-off
valve is fully open. You should also ensure that the trapway
is clear and the rim holes are not obstructed by any mineral
build-up. If the problem persists, check for obstructions in
the soil pipe, and vent pipe; these steps may require professional
assistance. Back
to Top
What
if the toilet won't flush at all?
First, remove the tank lid and ensure that the chain is
connected between the flush ball and the trip lever arm or flush
valve. Reconnect if necessary. Adjust the flush ball chain as
necessary to remove excessive slack. Back
to Top
How
can I tell if there's the right amount of water in the toilet
tank?
KOHLER toilets have a water level indicator located on the
overflow tube or tank wall. To adjust the water level height,
slide the float assembly up or down by squeezing the clip that
holds the float to the fill valve arm. On older toilets, the
water level may be controlled by an adjusting screw above the
fill valve. Back
to Top
What
causes toilet leaks?
Toilets run on because water is either leaking into or out
of the tank. To troubleshoot, remove the tank cover and check
that the trip lever arm is not binding. Determine if water is
spilling past the overflow tube or if water is leaking into
the bowl. If there is water spilling past the overflow, you
need to either adjust the water level or correct a problem with
the fill valve. If water is leaking out the opening at the bottom
of the tank, something is preventing the flapper ball from reseating.
If the object can't be identified, the flapper may need replacement.
If water is present near the nut where supply line enters the
toilet tank, the fill valve nut is improperly tightened or the
fill valve itself is damaged. Retighten or replace as required.
Back to
Top
How
can I tell if water is leaking into the toilet bowl?
Remove the tank lid. Flush the toilet. After the flapper
ball returns to the down position, add about 10 to 12 drops
of food coloring to the tank water before the flush cycle completes.
Wait about half an hour, then check for any trace of color in
the bowl. Note that this procedure cannot be used for toilets
with a pressurized water reservoir. Back
to Top
Why
does the toilet fill valve turn on and off by itself without
the toilet being flushed?
The problem could be in either the flush valve or the fill
valve.
First,
adjust the flush ball chain for proper slack so the flush ball
isn't held off the flush valve seat. Clean the flush ball if
it is dirty. Replace the flush ball if it is worn or out of
alignment with the flush valve seat. If the flush valve seat
is damaged or corroded, replace either the seat or the entire
flush valve. If the valve gasket is leaking, remove the tank
and tighten the flush valve nut. If leakage continues, replace
the gasket.
Check
the tank water level and lower the setting on the fill valve
if it's set too high. Replace the fill valve if the float sinks.
If the problem persists, clean the fill valve seat/seat washer
of debris, or replace the piston/seat washer assembly. Older
toilets also had a longer refill tube which could be pushed
too far down into the overflow pipe; they should be attached
to the overflow tube above the water line. Back
to Top
Why
would the flush seem to be too long?
Check that the water supply shut-off valve is not partially
closed off. If this doesn't help, check for and remove any foreign
material or obstructions in the supply line, the fill valve
inlet, or fill valve head. Flush the line. Check the toilet
performance after any of the above operations. Back
to Top
Why
would the flush seem to be too short?
The water level in the tank may be too low. Adjust fill
valve float position until the waterline level matches the waterline
indicator inside the toilet tank. Back
to Top
What
if water is leaking past the flapper or flush ball into the
bowl?
First, adjust the flush ball chain for proper slack so it
isn't held off the flush valve seat. Clean the flush ball if
it is dirty. Replace the flush ball if it is worn or out of
alignment with the flush valve seat. If the flush valve seat
is damaged or corroded, replace either the seat or the entire
flush valve. If the valve gasket is leaking, remove the tank
and tighten the flush valve nut. If leakage continues, replace
the gasket. Back
to Top
What
causes a noisy tank fill cycle?
The inlet water pressure to the toilet may be too high.
Partially close the water supply shut-off valve. If this doesn't
help, check for and remove any dirt or obstructions in the fill
valve head, then flush the line. Check the toilet performance
after any of the above operations. Back
to Top
What
are anti-microbial toilet seats?
KOHLER anti-microbial solid plastic toilet seats include
an anti-microbial agent which is formed into the plastic. The
germ-fighting properties of the agent continue to rise to the
surface over time and inhibit bacteria and germ growth on the
seat. KOHLER anti-microbial solid plastic toilet seats offer
these superior features:
· Inhibit mold, mildew, stains
& odors
· Inhibit growth of bacteria
for over 5 years
· Germ-fighting agents do
not rub off or dissolve with water or cleaners
Back to
Top
FAUCETS
What are the advantages of Kohler's ceramic
valving?
Ceramic valving is the most reliable type of valve in the
industry. Its performance has been proven through testing of
over one million cycles. It's maintenance-free, and provides
a comfortable and smooth 1/4-turn maximum handle rotation. Ceramic
valves can withstand high temperatures, constant wear, hard
water, and any unexpected debris in the line. Back
to Top
What
type of warranty covers KOHLER faucets?
Kohler Co. offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty that guarantees
its faucets to be leak- and drip-free during normal residential
use for as long as the original purchaser owns his/her home.
All other aspects of the faucet are also warranted to be free
of defects in material and workmanship.
Exceptions to the Lifetime Limited Warranty include Trend®
faucets, MasterShower™ Tower, gold finish, accessories, fixture-related
items, faucets used in commercial settings, and faucets purchased
before February 3, 1997. These products continue to be covered
by Kohler's one-year limited warranty. Back
to Top
How
do I stop water from leaking past the lavatory or bathroom sink
drain?
It is likely that the pop-up or stopper is either not seating
far enough into the drain body or that the sealing surface is
dirty or damaged. The pop-up or stopper uses an O-ring or gasket
to provide a water seal and keep water in the basin. The gasket
and the surface it seats against must be clean and smooth. Replace
the gasket if necessary. If the stopper is not seating far enough
into the drain body, adjust the travel of the ball lever arm.
This arm is usually below and behind the basin. It protrudes
from the drain body and connects to a lift rod with an adjustment
clip. Vandal-resistant drains will require that you remove the
ball lever arm from the drain body in order to remove the stopper
for cleaning or replacement. Back
to Top
What
lubricant would I use on O-rings and other rubber-like sealing
surfaces?
Do not use petroleum-based products, as they may attack
the seal material. Generally, a silicone-based lubricant is
recommended, however please check the sealant package or with
the manufacturer if in doubt. Back
to Top
Why
would the flow of water from the faucet be decreasing?
If the faucet has an aerator at the end of the spout, the
aerator may be blocked by debris or mineral build-up from the
supply line. With the sink or lavatory drain closed, remove
the aerator being careful that no gaskets or other small parts
dislodge from the aerator. Use a clean strap wrench to remove
the aerator since standard wrenches can damage plated surfaces.
Inspect the aerator assembly and try to rinse out any accumulated
debris. If necessary, replace the aerator and gasket. Vandal-resistant
aerators require a special key tool for removal. Back
to Top
Can
I use vinegar to remove soap or scale build-up from my faucet?
For chrome faucets only, white wine vinegar is an effective
cleaning trick. Just soak some toweling in it and leave the
toweling on the faucet part for a few minutes. Rinse away any
residue, then buff the exposed surfaces with clean toweling.
Back to
Top
SINKS
How can I restore luster to my enameled sink
or lavatory?
Enameled surfaces can lose their original luster with improper
care and cleaning. Abrasive cleaners are not recommended. To
restore the luster to the enamel, make sure that the surface
is clean. If necessary, clean the surface with Comet or a similar
cleanser. Then apply a coating of a mild automotive paste wax.
Buff with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Back
to Top
How
do I remove pot marks or other metal marks on a sink or other
enameled surface?
Pot marks are caused by metal objects striking the enameled
surface and are not a manufacturing defect. Most commonly, these
are marks from aluminum pots and pans that look like scratches.
However, they do not penetrate the enameled surface and can
be cleaned.
To remove pot marks, make a paste using Comet cleanser and water.
Apply to the affected areas and scrub using a cork. Using a
cork allows you to apply more pressure than if using a cloth
or sponge. Let stand 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Back
to Top
How
do I care for KOHLER wood cutting boards?
Do not clean a wood cutting board in an automatic dishwasher.
Do not soak a wood cutting board in dishwater.
Do not expose a wood cutting board to direct heat.
KOHLER cutting boards - made of maple, birch, or other hardwoods
- have been treated with an oil finish. Through repeated use,
the protective oils will be washed away or evaporate. To preserve
the lasting beauty and avoid "cracking", "splitting", and delamination,
apply a liberal amount of warm mineral oil or cutting board
dressing (available where cutting boards are sold) once a month
or when the finish begins to look dried out or dull. The oil
finish will restore the luster of the natural wood, and protect
the wood from moisture damage.
To prolong the finish, sponge clean with mild soap and water
after each use. Rinse quickly with cold water and dry immediately.
Back to
Top
WHIRLPOOLS
What is the best way to clean the system of
a KOHLER whirlpool?
Whirlpool bath systems should be cleaned at least twice
a month. Adjust the jets so there is no air induction. Fill
the tub with hot water to a level above the highest jets. (Caution:
don't start the whirlpool without making sure there is water
above the highest jets. Running a whirlpool without water will
damage the pump seals causing the pump to fail or leak.) Add
to the water two teaspoons of low-foaming dishwasher detergent
such as Calgonite or Cascade, and four ounces of household bleach,
such as Clorox. Run the unit for 10-15 minutes, and drain the
tub. Next, fill the tub with cold water to 2-3" above the highest
jets, run the unit another 5-10 minutes, then drain. Wipe dry
with a soft cloth. Back
to Top
BODYSPA
What is a BodySpa?
BodySpa is a personal hydro-massage system. The idea is
very simple. Take a series of whirlpool jets, arrange them vertically
in a shower-like enclosure, then instead of pushing water through
water (as in a whirlpool), propel it through the air.
Using less water than a 5' whirlpool, the BodySpa system heats,
propels and recirculates as little as 37 gallons of water about
two times per minute. The result: up to 80 gpm of supercharged
hydro-power; more than the combined delivery of 25 standard
showerheads. No other system delivers so much from so little.
The use of a personal shower is required before using a BodySpa.
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Top
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