Kohler K-2971 Assembly instructions

Installation and Care Guide
Pressure-Balancing Valve
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″
K-2971
1205550-2-C

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND SAVE FOR THE
CONSUMER
WARNING: Risk of scalding or other severe injury.
•Before completing installation, the installer must set the
maximum water temperature setting of this valve to minimize the
risks associated with scalding hazards according to ASTM F 444.
•Do not install a shut-off device on either outlet of this valve. The
installation of any such device may create a cross-flow condition
at the valve and affect the water temperature.
•Factors that change the temperature of the water supplied to the
valve, such as seasonal water temperature changes, and water
heater replacement or servicing, will change the maximum water
temperature supplied by the valve and may create a scalding
hazard. The pressure-balanced valve will not compensate for
changes in the water supply temperature; adjust the maximum
water temperature setting of this pressure-balanced valve when
such changes occur.
•Pressure-balanced valves may not provide protection against
scalding if there is a failure of other temperature-limiting devices
elsewhere in the plumbing system.
NOTICE: Only apply silicone based lubricants to these valves. Do
not use petroleum based lubricants. Petroleum based lubricants will
harm the O-rings, seals, and plastic components.
The installer is responsible for installing the valve and adjusting the
maximum water temperature of this pressure-balanced valve
according to instructions.
This valve meets or exceeds ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and ASSE
1016/ASME A112.18.1016/CSA B125.16.
If you do not understand any of the installation or temperature
adjustment instructions in this document, in the United States please
contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-4KOHLER. Outside the
U.S., please contact your distributor.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INSTALLERS! Please fill in the blanks in
the adjacent box and on the valve label. Then insert these instructions
into the plastic bag included with the valve package, and attach the
plastic bag to the valve handle for the homeowner’s reference.
1205550-2-C 2 Kohler Co.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)
NOTICE TO HOMEOWNERS! This device has been preset by
_______________________ of _______________________________ to
ensure a safe maximum temperature. Any change in the setting may
raise the discharge temperature above the limit considered safe, and
lead to scalds.
Date: ______________
Tools and Materials
Before You Begin
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. When using this valve in a
fiberglass or acrylic installation, use the thin wall installation kit
(88526).
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. This valve contains plastic
and rubber components. Do not apply excessive heat to the valve
body when soldering.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not apply flux or acids
directly to the valve, as damage may result.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not apply
petroleum-based lubricants to the valve components, as damage
may result.
IMPORTANT! The installer is responsible for installing the valve
and adjusting the maximum water temperature of this valve
according to instructions.
Strap
Wrench
Solder
Hex
Wrench
Thread
Sealant
Plumbers
Putty Thermometer
Kohler Co. 3 1205550-2-C

Before You Begin (cont.)
NOTE: For service parts information, visit your product page at
www.kohler.com/serviceparts.
Observe all local plumbing and building codes.
This valve requires a minimum operating pressure of 15 psi (103.4
kPa).
The valve shuts off by water pressure. Do not force the handle in
any direction. To turn the valve off, gently turn it to the ″Off″
position.
Flush all pipes thoroughly after installing the valve body.
If inlet conditions differ from those used during factory
calibration, it may be necessary to re-calibrate the valve after
installation.
Do not use plastic piping between the valve and the spout.
Kohler Co. recommends the use of 3/4″copper tube. Iron pipe is
not recommended.
This valve does not have an integral aspirator. For installations
that use a bath diverter spout, you must install a twin ell (K-9663)
with integral aspirator between the valve and the bath spout. If
these thermostatic mixing valves are installed without an
aspirator it will cause water to flow from the shower and bath
spout at the same time.
1. Prepare the Site
IMPORTANT! If the bath has been installed, cover it to prevent
damage to the bath surface.
Rough Plumbing
Shut off the water supply.
Install or relocate the supplies as necessary.
Support Framing
Determine the location of the valve, and install the support
framing.
1205550-2-C 4 Kohler Co.

2. Install the Valve - Single Showerhead Only
Install the valve on the support framing so the ″UP″mark on the
valve is facing upward.
Connect the water supplies to the valve body using elbows, 3/4″
copper tubing or pipe, and adapters (if needed). Use thread
sealant on all threaded connections.
IMPORTANT! Secure the pipes to the framing.
Temporarily install a 1/2″nipple to the shower elbow so it
extends at least 2″(51 mm) beyond the finished wall.
72" (1829 mm) - 78" (1981 mm)
To Floor (Typical)
3/4" Adapter or
Solder Direct
3/4"
Copper
or Pipe
3/4"
Elbow
48" (1220 mm)
to Floor Hot Supply
Cold Supply
Temporary
Nipple
Kohler Co. 5 1205550-2-C

3. Install the Valve - Bath/Shower Application
NOTE: For installations that use a bath diverter spout and a
showerhead, install a twin ell (K-9663) between the valve and the
spout.
Install the valve on the support framing so the ″UP″mark on the
valve is facing downward.
If the hot water supply is connected to the cold inlet, the cap
assembly must be rotated 180° to ensure proper orientation; see
the enlarged view showing the cap rotated 180°.
Install elbows and adapters (if needed) to 3/4″copper tubing of
the proper length. Apply thread sealant, and connect the pipes to
the bath and shower outlets of the valve.
Cold Inlet
To
Showerhead
Hot
Inlet
Hot
Supply
Twin
Ell
Cold
Supply
10"
(254 mm)
To Spout
This feature faces downward
for bath/shower installation.
1205550-2-C 6 Kohler Co.

4. Back-to-Back Valve Installation
Install both valves following the valve installation instructions.
The supplies to one of the valves will be reversed.
Remove the plaster guard, cap, cap assembly, and collar from the
valve with the reversed supply connections.
Rotate the cap assembly and collar 180° (tab on bottom).
Reassemble and securely tighten the screws on the cap assembly.
Reinstall the plaster guard.
Hot Supply
1" Copper Tube
Plaster Guard
Screws
Cap
Assembly
Cold Supply
1" Copper Tube
This feature faces downward
for back-to-back installation.
180˚
Kohler Co. 7 1205550-2-C

5. Multi-Showerhead Layout
F
E
A
D
C
B
1/2" Supply
1/2" Supply
1/2"
Supply
3/4" Supply
3/4" Supply
3/4" Supply
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
K-2971 Valve
Fixed Showerhead or
Handshower
Vacuum Breaker
(for use with Handshower)
Pressure Loop with Bodysprays
3-way Transfer Valve
and Trim
Showerhead
1205550-2-C 8 Kohler Co.

6. Flush the Pipes
Disassemble the valve as shown to remove the internal
components.
Slowly open the water supplies to run water through the supply
pipes and valve body to remove any debris.
Inspect the two inlet seals of the pressure balancing unit (PBU). If
the seals are damaged, replace them with the provided extra inlet
seals. Lubricate the seals using the capsule provided.
To reinstall the PBU, push it into the valve in the initial
installation position with the nuts on the PBU toward the hot
inlet. Make sure the PBU seals do not come in contact with the
inlet/outlet holes during initial installation because their rough
edges may damage the seals.
Rotate the PBU counterclockwise while applying downward
pressure until it is seated in the seating indents on the bottom of
the valve. The PBU should not rotate when it is properly seated.
Reassemble the remaining valve components as shown.
Pressure
Balancing Unit
Valve Cap
Screw
Stop
Cover
Valve
Stop
Valve Assembly
Initial
Installation
Position
Water
Outlet Hole
PBU
Valve
Final Install
Position
PBU Installation
Screw
Kohler Co. 9 1205550-2-C

7. Installation Checkout
Install caps to the temporary bath and shower nipples.
Turn on the hot and cold water supplies, and check the new
installation for leaks.
Remove the caps from the temporary nipples.
Remove the plaster guard.
Turn the valve stem to the ″On″position, and cycle the control
through its operating range. Check for leaks.
For bath and shower installations, check the diverter system from
spout to showerhead.
Turn the valve off.
If the valve has stops, rotate both stop adjustments fully
clockwise.
Turn the valve on and verify that water does not run.
Turn the valve off and rotate both stop adjustments fully
counterclockwise.
Reinstall the plaster guard.
Rotate stops 1/4 turn.
1205550-2-C 10 Kohler Co.