Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kits with Service Stops

How to decide which Kohler valve body and which trim kit? Many choices! KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kits with Service Stops. Other reviewers have already covered the quality of the part and the ease of installation (well, easy by plumbing standards - you still need plumbing skills). And we generally agree with them. But choosing WHICH valve body and a trim kit to go with it can be daunting given the wide variety and somewhat confusing model numbers. First the valve body - Our recommendation is to pay slightly more for one like this that includes the “service stops”, which allow you to shut off the water at the shower. Otherwise you have to turn off water to the house should you ever need to replace the cartridge - Cartridges should last a long time, but when they fail you’ll thank yourself for choosing this feature. “The “S” in the model number (K-8304-KS-NA) indicates the Stops. Model K-8304-K-NA (without the S) means there are NO “stops”. The next decision with regard to the valve body is to determine which type of plumbing connection you have or intend to use: The “K” models have 1/2" Universal NPT & direct sweat inlets & outlets. The “P” models indicate “PEX” and have 1/2" PEX Crimp (F1807 style) inlets and 1/2" Universal NPT & direct sweat outlets. The “U” models are a different “PEX” fitting and have 1/2" PEX Expansion (F1960 style) inlets and 1/2" Universal NPT & direct sweat outlets. Now for the trim kit. The good news is that Home Depot offers lots of great Kohler choices. And *most* of the Rite-Temp trim kits fit this valve body. Just don’t choose a trim kit with a built-in diverter, such as the “Artifacts Swing Lever 1-Handle Rite-Temp Pressure Balancing Valve Trim Kit”, model K-T72768-9M. Trim kits that have a built-in diverter require a K-11748 series valve body which specifically accepts the diverter. After you’ve chosen the style of trim kit you want, choose the finish. The choice of finish varies by trim kit, so if you have your heart set on a particular finish, you may need to be flexible in the choosing a style. Finally, determine whether you need a trim kit to control only a shower head OR control a combined shower and tub. Still not sure? Call Kohler customer service since their website can be a bit confusing.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am in the process of a bathroom remodeling and this Kohler temp. Valve Kit came I. Very handy. I am impressed with the wide range of faucets I can pair it with once I am ready to upgrade. I am always pleased with the brand. It has proven to be reliable and versatile. I have a few more projects to complete and will infact be purchasing more kits like this for future projects.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was really in need of this. Now I have less worry that my two year old is going to burn herself. The product looked nice and well made. Installation was easy. My husband did it for me. Fit like a charm and works like a charm.

Very nice valve, easy to install and works like a champ.

Great quality and easy installation.

Difficult to remove the o-ring to solder copper on. If you plan to solder to the valve buy a different one.

Excellent product for my shower