Kohler K-2972 Assembly instructions

Installation and Care Guide
Thermostatic Mixing 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-2972, K-2975 K-2973, K-2976
1205551-2-C

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND SAVE FOR THE
CONSUMER
WARNING: Risk of scalding or other severe injury.
CAUTION: Risk of scalding hazard. This device has been
calibrated at the factory to ensure a safe maximum water
temperature. Any variance in settings or water inlet
conditions from those used during factory calibration may
raise the discharge temperature above the safe limit, and may
present a scalding hazard.
•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.
The installer is responsible for adjusting the maximum water
temperature of this 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 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: Please fill in the blanks on the valve label and
below, in the NOTICE TO HOMEOWNERS box. Retain this guide for
future reference.
•The valve is calibrated to 104°F (40°C) at the first stop position,
and the maximum temperature limit stop is positioned so the
outlet water temperature does not exceed 120°F (49°C).
•Factory calibrated inlet conditions are:
Hot and cold water pressure = 43.5 psi (300 kPa)
Hot water supply temperature = 149°F (65°C)
Cold water supply temperature = 59°F (15°C)
•If inlet conditions differ from those used during factory
calibration, it may be necessary to re-calibrate the valve after
installation. The installer must check the mixed flow
temperature after installation, and adjust the valve as needed
according to the instructions.
1205551-2-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
WARNING: Risk of scalding. High water temperature can
cause severe burns. Set the water temperature at or below
120°F (49°C) following the adjustment procedure.
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.
CAUTION: Risk of personal injury. If the water
temperature is set too high, scalding will occur. The water
temperature should never be set above 120°F (49°C).
CAUTION: Risk of scalding. This device has been calibrated
at the factory to ensure a safe maximum water temperature.
Any variance in settings or water inlet conditions from those
used during factory calibration may raise the discharge
Thermometer
Solder
Hacksaw or
Tubing Cutter
10 mm
Hex Wrench
Propane
Torch
Adjustable
Wrench
Thread
Sealant
Assorted
Screwdrivers
Strap Wrench
Wrench and
1/2" (13 mm)
Hex Socket
Pipe
Wrench
Kohler Co. 3 1205551-2-C

Before You Begin (cont.)
temperature above the safe limit, and may present a scalding
hazard. Responsibility for installation and adjustment of this
device in accordance with these instructions lies with the
installer.
NOTICE: Risk of product damage. This valve contains plastic and
rubber components. Do not sweat or braze directly to the valve
body. Do not apply excessive heat to the valve body when you
make solder connections. Do not apply flux or acids directly to the
valve, as damage to the seals, plastic components, and trim finish
may result.
NOTICE: Risk of product damage. Do not apply petroleum-based
lubricants to the valve components, as damage may result.
NOTICE: Risk of product damage. Inlet and outlet threaded joint
connections should be made with plumbers PTFE tape or liquid
sealant. Oil-based, non-setting compounds should not be used.
NOTICE: Do not force the handle in any direction. Forcing the
handle will damage the valve.
Observe all local plumbing and building codes.
Shut off the water supply.
Inspect the supply piping for damage. Replace as necessary.
The bottom port of the thermostatic mixing valve is intended for
use as a bath filler only. If a bath spout is not used with this
product, cap the bottom port.
The K-2972 and K-2975 thermostatic mixing valves do not contain
an integral volume control/shut-off valve. You must install a
separate volume control/shut-off valve (K-2974 or K-2977)
downstream of any used valve outlet.
The K-2973 and K-2976 thermostatic mixing valves contain a
single volume control/shut-off valve for controlling the water
flow through the shower outlet. When plumbing to the valve’s
bath outlet, you must install a separate volume control shut-off
valve (K-2974 or K-2977) downstream from the bath outlet.
1205551-2-C 4 Kohler Co.

Before You Begin (cont.)
The thermostatic mixing valves do 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.
Determine the correct drain size and capacity for your
installation. If two thermostatic mixing valves are used together,
water volumes between 18 and 30 gal/min (60 and 114 l/min) or
more are possible, depending upon the water supply pressure.
Determine the correct water heater size and capacity for your
installation. A typical shower installation uses an approximate
mix of 75% hot water and 25% cold. A custom shower application
using three 2.5 gal/min (9.5 l/min) showerheads can use about 45
gallons (170 liters) of hot water in 8 minutes. Choose a water
heater large enough for your installation.
The valve is calibrated to 104°F (40°C) at the first stop position.
The maximum temperature limit stop is positioned so the outlet
water temperature does not exceed 120°F (49°C).
The factory calibrated pressure for hot and cold water inlets is
43.5 psi (300 kPa). The factory calibrated hot water supply
temperature is 149°F (65°C) and the cold water supply
temperature is 59°F (15°C).
If the inlet conditions differ from those used during factory
calibration, it may be necessary to re-calibrate the valve after
installation. The installer must check the mixed flow
temperature after installation and adjust the valve as needed
according to the instructions.
If possible, flush all piping thoroughly before installing the valves
to prevent early clogging of filter screens.
Kohler Co. 5 1205551-2-C

K-2972 - 1/2″Valve Roughing-In
1/2" NPT
Shower Outlet
1/2" NPT
Hot Inlet
1-1/8"
(29 mm)
1-7/16"
(37 mm)
2-1/16"
(52 mm) 3-7/8"
(98 mm)
3-3/4" (95 mm)
2-7/16"
(62 mm)
Min
Finished Wall
Max
Finished Wall
1-3/16" (30 mm) 4-5/8" (117 mm)
1/2"
(13 mm)
1/2" NPT
Cold Inlet
Stop
2-5/16"
(59 mm)
4-5/8" (117 mm)
3-1/2" (89 mm)
2-1/16"
(52 mm)
1205551-2-C 6 Kohler Co.

K-2973 - 1/2″Valve Roughing-In
Min
Finished Wall
Max
Finished Wall
2-7/16"
(62 mm) 3-3/4" (95 mm)
3-1/2" (89 mm)
1/2"
(13 mm)
4-5/8" (117 mm)
4-5/8" (117 mm)
1-3/16" (30 mm)
6-3/8"
(162 mm) 3-1/8"
(79 mm) 1-7/16"
(37 mm)
1/2" NPT
Cold Inlet
1/2" NPT
Hot Inlet
1/2" NPT
Shower Outlet
Stop
1-3/16" (30 mm)
2-5/16"
(59 mm)
2-1/16"
(52 mm)
Kohler Co. 7 1205551-2-C

K-2975 - 3/4″Valve Roughing-In
1/2"
(13 mm)
3-1/2" (89 mm)
4-5/8" (117 mm)
1-3/16" (30 mm)
Max
Finished Wall
Min
Finished Wall
2-7/16"
(62 mm)
3-3/4" (95 mm)
3/4" NPT
Bath Outlet Stop
3/4" NPT
Cold Inlet
4-7/16"
(113 mm)
2-1/16"
(52 mm) 1-7/16"
(37 mm)
1-1/8"
(29 mm)
3/4" NPT
Hot Inlet
3/4" NPT
Shower Outlet 2-1/16"
(52 mm)
2-3/8" (60 mm)
4-13/16" (122 mm)
1205551-2-C 8 Kohler Co.

K-2976 - 3/4″Valve Roughing-In
1-3/16" (30 mm) 4-5/8" (117 mm)
1/2"
(13 mm)
3-1/2" (89 mm)
3-3/4" (95 mm)
2-7/16" (62 mm)
Min
Finished Wall
Max
Finished Wall
2-3/8"
(60 mm)
1-3/4"
(44 mm) Stop
3/4" NPT
Shower Outlet
3/4" NPT
Hot Inlet
3/4" NPT
Cold Inlet
3/4" NPT
Bath Outlet
1-7/16"
(37 mm)
3-3/16"
(81 mm)
6-15/16"
(176 mm)
2-1/16"
(52 mm)
4-13/16" (122 mm)
Kohler Co. 9 1205551-2-C

1. Install the Support Framing
IMPORTANT! Make sure the valve is mounted at the correct depth
so it will be properly positioned when the finished wall is installed.
NOTE: Shower only configuration is shown. Adjust the support as
needed for other configurations.
NOTE: Install a backer board behind the valve for installations on
2x6 studding only.
NOTE: A backer board may not fit behind the valve for installations
on 2x4 studding. Support the pipes directly above and/or below the
valve. This will also provide support for the valve.
NOTE: When installing the K-2972 or K-2973 valve, use 1/2″
nominal copper tubing and fittings throughout this installation.
Smaller diameter piping upstream or downstream of the valve will
reduce performance of the valve.
2x4
4-1/4" (108 mm) Max2-15/16" (75 mm) Min
Plaster Guard
Thick WallThin Wall
2x6
Finished
Wall Finished Wall
2-7/16"
(62 mm)
3-3/4" (95 mm)
1205551-2-C 10 Kohler Co.