Kohler K-45209 User manual

Installation Guide
Shower Column
Mproduct numbers are for Mexico (i.e., K-12345M)
Los números de productos seguidos de
Mcorresponden a México (Ej.
K-12345M)
Français, page “Français-1”
Español, página“ Español-1”
1381580-2-A

Tools and Materials
Before You Begin
NOTE: This guide includes the installation sequence for the shower
column only. Install the mixing valve, mixing valve trim, and spout
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTICE: Risk of product damage. Do not apply excessive weight
or downward force to the shower column.
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Water leakage may
occur if supply piping allows movement. Verify that the
supply piping and 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting are securely
fastened to braces in the stud framing.
NOTE: The showerhead, hose, and handshower are purchased
separately.
Please read all instructions before you begin.
Observe all local plumbing and building codes.
Shut OFF the water supply.
Inspect the existing supply piping and wall materials. Replace if
necessary.
Sealant Tape
3/8"
100% Silicone Sealant
1/2"
1381580-2-A 2 Kohler Co.

Before You Begin (cont.)
The shower column is supplied with toggle anchor fasteners for
installation onto a finished wall surface. The finished wall
thickness must be a minimum of 5/8″(16 mm) and must be
adequate in strength. Two toggle anchor fasteners are required
per mounting collar.
IMPORTANT! If the supplied toggle anchor fasteners are not used
to install the shower column:
Verify that adequate strength wall backing materials and stud
bracing are properly positioned behind the finished wall.
Obtain proper fasteners (not provided) taking into account the
type of stud bracing material and thickness of the mounting
collar, finished wall, wall backing, and stud bracing.
Fasteners must be corrosion-resistant and capable of 300 lbs (136
kg) load bearing per fastener.
A minimum of two fasteners are required per mounting collar.
Fasteners must be securely anchored into the stud bracing to
adequately support the product.
IMPORTANT! For retrofit/remodel installations: Check the existing
shower enclosure for adequate clearances before proceeding with the
shower column installation. Refer to the Specification Sheet for the
shower column and showerhead.
Verify the distances between:
•The ceiling and the center of the existing shower arm at the
finished wall surface.
•The shower floor and the center of the existing shower arm at the
finished wall surface. Verify sufficient clearance under the
showerhead.
•The center of the existing shower arm and the center of the
mixing valve trim.
Kohler Co. 3 1381580-2-A

Roughing-In - Upper Supply Connection
Measure the distance between the 1/2″-14 NPT elbow and the
finished wall surface. The distance must be between 1-3/8″(35
mm) and 2-7/8″(73 mm).
IMPORTANT! The shower column connection will not seal
properly if the distance exceeds 2-7/8″(73 mm); see below for the
required deep roughing-in kit.
If the distance is between 2-7/8″(73 mm) and 4″(102 mm):
Order the 1194630 Deep Roughing-in Kit.
If the distance is less than 1-3/8″(35 mm): Order the 1187917
Shallow Roughing-in Kit.
1" (25 mm) Max
Wall Surface Offset
1/2"-14 NPT Elbow
1-3/8" (35 mm) Min
2-7/8" (73 mm) Max
1-3/4" (44 mm) Min
Escutcheon Clearance
Finished Wall Surface
1381580-2-A 4 Kohler Co.

Roughing-In
3-3/4"
(95 mm)
27"
(686 mm)
18-5/8" (473 mm)
18-5/8" (473 mm)
9-1/2"
(241 mm)
27"
(686 mm)
K-45210 (Less Showerhead, Handshower, and Hose)
K-45209 (Less Showerhead, Handshower, and Hose)
Backing
Material
Backing
Material
6" (152 mm)
Min
6" (152 mm)
Min
75" (1905 mm)
Recommended
72" (1829 mm)
Min
80" (2032 mm)
Recommended
75" (1905 mm)
Min
Kohler Co. 5 1381580-2-A

Roughing-In
18"
(457 mm)
18-5/8" (473 mm)
18"
(457 mm)
9-1/2"
(241 mm)
18-5/8" (473 mm)
3-3/4"
(95 mm)
K-45212 (Less Showerhead, Handshower, and Hose)
K-45211 (Less Showerhead, Handshower, and Hose)
Backing
Material
78" (1681 mm)
Recommended
75" (1905 mm)
Min
75" (1905 mm)
Recommended
72" (1829 mm)
Min
6" (152 mm)
Min
6" (152 mm)
Min
Backing
Material
1381580-2-A 6 Kohler Co.

1. Retrofit/Remodel Installation
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Water leakage may
occur if supply piping allows movement. Verify that the
supply piping and 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting are securely
fastened to braces in the stud framing.
IMPORTANT! Check the existing shower enclosure for adequate
clearances as described in the ″Before You Begin″section.
Remove the existing showerhead and shower arm escutcheon.
Carefully push the existing shower arm toward the finished wall
surface.
Check for inward movement of the supply piping.
If inward movement is possible, securely fasten the supply piping
to braces in the stud framing before beginning the shower column
installation.
Remove the existing shower arm.
Measure the existing shower arm hole. Verify that the finished
wall material has an upper supply connection hole diameter
between 1″(25 mm) minimum and 1-1/4″(32 mm) maximum,
and the hole is centered on the outlet of the 1/2″-14 NPT elbow
fitting. Repair the wall surfaces if the existing shower arm hole is
not centered or exceeds the recommended dimensions.
Supply Piping
1/2"-14 NPT Elbow
Kohler Co. 7 1381580-2-A

2. Install the Supply Adapter
For New Construction Installations
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Water leakage may
occur if supply piping allows movement. Verify that the
supply piping and 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting are securely
fastened to braces in the stud framing.
IMPORTANT! This guide includes the installation sequence for the
shower column only. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of the mixing valve, mixing valve trim, and spout.
Rough-in the mixing valve, supply piping, and bath spout
connection appropriate for your installation.
Refer to the ″Roughing-in″section in this guide for proper
location of the 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting inside the wall.
Verify that the supply piping and 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting are
securely fastened to the stud framing.
1/2"-14 NPT Elbow
1/2"-14 NPT Elbow
Supply Piping
1" (25 mm) Min
1-1/4" (32 mm) Max
Supply
Adapter
3/8" Hex
Wrench
1381580-2-A 8 Kohler Co.

Install the Supply Adapter (cont.)
Verify that the finished wall material has an upper supply
connection hole diameter between 1″(25 mm) minimum and
1-1/4″(32 mm) maximum, and the hole is centered on the outlet
of the 1/2″-14 NPT elbow fitting.
If your supply connection hole diameter is between 1-1/4″(32
mm) and 2-1/4″(57 mm): Order the 1194302 Large
Escutcheon/Mounting Collar Kit.
Install the finished wall material.
Install the mixing valve trim and bath spout according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
For New Construction and Retrofit Installations
Apply sealant tape to the supply adapter thread.
The supply adapter has an internal 3/8″hex socket. Thread the
supply adapter into the 1/2″-14 NPT elbow using a 3/8″hex
wrench.
Kohler Co. 9 1381580-2-A

3. Mark the Mounting Hole Locations
NOTE: The upper mounting collar must be centered on the supply
adapter. The distance between the upper and lower mounting collar
centers should be 18″(457 mm) or 27″(686 mm) depending on the
length of your shower column.
Center the mounting collar on the supply adapter. Mark the left
and right mounting holes.
For K-45209/K-45210 only: From the center of the supply adapter,
measure down 27″(686 mm) and mark the horizontal
measurement with a pencil.
For K-45211/K-45212 only: From the center of the supply adapter,
measure down 18″(457 mm) and mark the horizontal
measurement with a pencil.
Center the mounting collar on the horizontal line. Measure and
mark the left and right mounting holes. Verify the upper and
lower mounting-hole locations are level and plumb to one
another.
Do not drill the mounting holes until instructed to do so.
K-45209,K-45210,
27" (686 mm)
K-45211,K-45212,
18" (457 mm)
Supply Adapter
Mounting
Collar
Mounting Collar
2" (51 mm)
1381580-2-A 10 Kohler Co.

4. Dry Fit the Shower Column
Snap a trim sleeve onto each mounting collar.
Verify that an O-ring is installed in each escutcheon.
Carefully slide an escutcheon onto the upper connection
assembly.
Thread a mounting collar onto the upper connection assembly.
Repeat steps for the lower mounting collar and escutcheon.
Carefully slide the shower column onto the supply adapter.
Verify that the lower mounting collar is tight against the finished
wall.
Proceed to the ″Plumb the Shower Column″section.
Escutcheon
Supply
Adapter
Shower
Column
Mounting
Collar
Trim
Sleeve
Kohler Co. 11 1381580-2-A

5. Plumb the Shower Column
Using a level, check the position of the shower column to verify it
is plumb.
The upper mounting collar is adjustable to account for plumb and
wall surface offset. Turn the mounting collar until the shower
column is plumb.
Verify that the mounting collar slots align with the pencil marks
on the finished wall. Make any adjustments as needed.
Remove the shower column from the supply adapter.
Verify mounting
holes align with
wall anchors.
Adjust
forplumb.
1381580-2-A 12 Kohler Co.

6. Install with Anchors
IMPORTANT! If the supplied toggle anchor fasteners are not used,
refer to ″Before You Begin″for fastener requirements.
NOTE: Anchor installation requires 1-7/8″(48 mm) minimum
clearance behind the wall. The finished wall thickness must be a
minimum of 5/8″(16 mm) and must be adequate in strength.
Install the Anchors
Drill two 1/2″(13 mm) diameter holes for each mounting collar
at the pencil marks on the finished wall.
Hold the metal channel of the anchor flat alongside the plastic
straps and slide the channel through the drilled holes.
Realign the handles of the straps to straighten the channel behind
the wall.
With one hand, pull the finger grips straight out (do not pull at
an angle) so that the metal channel rests flush behind the wall.
Slide the clip along the straps with your other hand until the
flange of the clip is flush with the wall.
Drill 1/2" (13 mm) holes.
1-7/8"
(48 mm)
Kohler Co. 13 1381580-2-A

Install with Anchors (cont.)
Place your thumb between the plastic straps. Wiggle the straps up
and down until they snap off at the wall.
Align the mounting collar with the anchor clips.
Insert the bolt through the mounting collar and tighten until it is
flush with the wall.
1381580-2-A 14 Kohler Co.

7. Secure the Shower Column
Reinstall the shower column to the supply adapters.
Secure the shower column with the four fasteners.
Apply a bead of 100% silicone sealant to the back edge of each
escutcheon.
Slide the escutcheons over the mounting collars and press the
escutcheons tight against the finished wall.
Wipe away any excess sealant from the escutcheons and finished
wall.
Kohler Co. 15 1381580-2-A

8. Install the Showerhead
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Product damage could occur
if the shower column overhang is not carefully supported during the
showerhead installation. Do not apply excessive weight or force to
the shower column overhang.
Apply sealant tape to the shower column overhang outlet.
Carefully thread the showerhead onto the shower column
overhang outlet.
Apply sealant tape.
Shower Column Overhang
1381580-2-A 16 Kohler Co.

9. Install the Handshower
NOTE: Elbow installation is optional and allows the hose to drape
around the mixing valve trim. The shower hose can also be installed
directly onto the shower column if desired.
With the gasket installed, thread the elbow onto the bottom of the
shower column.
With the gasket installed, thread the check valve end of the
shower hose to the elbow.
Position the handshower holder and the elbow opposite each
other. This allows the hose to drape around the mixing valve
trim.
Thread the hose through the holder.
With the screen washer installed, thread the hose to the
handshower.
Place the handshower into the holder.
Turn on the water.
NOTE: If water does not flow through the handshower or shower
hose, the shower hose was incorrectly installed. To correct, reinstall
Mixing
Valve Trim
Handshower
Holder
Elbow (Optional)
Hose
Kohler Co. 17 1381580-2-A

Install the Handshower (cont.)
the shower hose ensuring the end of the hose containing the check
valve is attached to the elbow or shower column.
Check for leaks.
1381580-2-A 18 Kohler Co.

10. Using Your Shower Column
NOTE: If water does not flow through the handshower or shower
hose, the shower hose was incorrectly installed. To correct, reinstall
the shower hose ensuring the end of the hose containing the check
valve is attached to the elbow or shower column.
To use the showerhead, turn the handle to the upward position.
To use the handshower, turn the handle to the downward
position.
Care and Cleaning
For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your
KOHLER product:
•Use a mild detergent such as liquid dishwashing soap and warm
water for cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners that may scratch
or dull the surface.
•Carefully read the cleaner product label to ensure the cleaner is
safe for use on the material.
•Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area
before applying to the entire surface.
•Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak on the surface.
Handle
Handle
Flow to
Showerhead
Flow to
Handshower
Kohler Co. 19 1381580-2-A

Care and Cleaning (cont.)
•Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately
after cleaner application. Rinse and dry any overspray that lands
on nearby surfaces.
•Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive
material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
For detailed cleaning information and products to consider, visit
www.kohler.com/clean. To order Care & Cleaning information, call
1-800-456-4537.
1381580-2-A 20 Kohler Co.