Kohler K-498 Assembly instructions

Homeowners Guide
Wall-Mount Showering Tower
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-498
1000706-5-D

Table of Contents
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company .............................................. 2
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................... 3
Features – Shower Customization .................................................... 4
Features – Controls ............................................................... 5
Operation – Controls and Shower Arms ................................................ 6
Operation – Sidesprays and Handshower ............................................... 7
Optional Temperature Limiting Adjustment ............................................... 8
Correcting Reduced Water Flow – Showerheads .......................................... 9
Correcting Reduced Water Flow – Sprayheads .......................................... 11
Correcting Reduced Water Flow – Handshower ......................................... 12
Care and Cleaning Instructions – Shower Components .................................... 13
Warranty Information ............................................................. 13
Limited One-Year Warranty ......................................................... 13
Lifetime Limited Warranty .......................................................... 13
One-Year Warranty .............................................................. 14
Troubleshooting Procedures ........................................................ 15
Service Parts ................................................................... 17
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company
Thank you for choosing Kohler Company. Your Kohler Company product reflects the true passion for design,
craftsmanship, artistry, and innovation Kohler Company stands for. We are confident its dependability and
beauty will surpass your highest expectations, satisfying you for years to come.
All information in this guide is based upon the latest product information available at the time of
publication. At Kohler Company, we strive to fulfill our mission of improving the level of gracious living for
each person who is touched by our products and services. We reserve the right to make changes in product
characteristics, packaging, or availability at any time without notice.
Please take a few minutes to review this guide. Pay special attention to the care and cleaning instructions.
1000706-5-D 2 Kohler Co.

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 ANSI A112.18.1 and ASSE 1016.
If you do not understand any of the installation or temperature adjustment instructions in this document, in
the United States please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-4-KOHLER. 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.
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: ______________
Kohler Co. 3 1000706-5-D

Features – Shower Customization
Your shower destination combines the industry’s latest cutting-edge technology with our commitment to
unsurpassed quality and innovation. With your new shower, you and your family can instantly customize
each showering adventure to suit your mood and needs. In essence, you can enjoy a totally different
experience every time you step inside.
Telescopic Shower Arms
These two overhead shower arms are designed so you can adjust their height and orientation with a little
more than a touch. A counterweight system inside the tower keeps the telescopic shower arms in place until
you move them.
The telescopic shower arms are matched with Kohler’s 3-way relaxing showerheads to wash your stress
away.
•Use the Wide-Soft spray to relax your mind and body.
•Enjoy a gentle hydro-massage from the Slow-Pulse spray.
•Calm yourself in the warmth of the Soft-Aerated spray.
Sidesprays
A total of four sidesprays are height adjustable for your comfort and convenience. Position the sidesprays at
any height and setting to individualize your shower experience.
Rotate the grip rings on the sidespray to change the flow to Pulse, Spray, or to turn the sidesprays off.
Personal Handshower
The 3-way invigorating handshower will revive your senses with three deep massaging spray patterns.
•Enjoy a deep massage to key areas of your body with the Wide-Strong spray.
•Use the Concentrated-Pulse spray for an all-body hydro-massage.
•Energize yourself with the exhilarating effects of the Wide-Pulse spray.
Wide-Soft
Slow-Pulse
Soft-Aerated
Telescopic Shower Arms Personal Handshower
Sidespray
Pulse
Spray
Wide-Strong
Concentrated-Pulse
Wide-Pulse
1000706-5-D 4 Kohler Co.

Features – Controls
Shower Valve — Water and Temperature Control
Your shower uses a pressure balancing valve to turn on the water for temperature adjustment.
The valve offers a number of special features, including:
•sensitivity to water pressure fluctuations.
•one handle to adjust both temperature and turn the valve on/off.
•resistance to hard water freeze-up.
•efficient design to supply the water needs of your shower.
You can adjust the high temperature setting if the temperature is either too hot or too cold. Refer to the
″Optional Temperature Limiting Adjustment″section to change the maximum allowable temperature.
Spray Options
The Spray Option Control (transfer valve) allows you to choose from six spray combinations to create the
showering effect you desire. Use these spray options in coordination with the four sidesprays to further
customize your experience.
NOTE: The sidesprays are controlled individually and are not selected by the control dial.
The spray options, as shown in the illustration, include:
•both telescopic shower arms.
•the right telescopic shower arm alone.
•the left telescopic shower arm alone.
•the right telescopic shower arm and the personal handshower.
•the left telescopic shower arm and the personal handshower.
•the handshower alone.
Spray Option Control
Water and Temperature Control
Kohler Co. 5 1000706-5-D

Operation – Controls and Shower Arms
Adjust the Water Flow and Temperature
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not force the handle in any direction. The shower valve
shuts off by water pressure.
Rotate the shower valve handle clockwise to turn on the water and set the water temperature.
To turn the valve off, gently turn the handle counterclockwise to the OFF position.
Select Spray Options
Rotate the transfer valve handle to select one of the six available shower settings.
Adjust the Telescopic Shower Arms
Adjust the height of the shower arms by gripping the shower arms and sliding them up or down.
The shower arms can also swing from side-to-side.
Rotate the easy-grip rings on the showerhead to change the spray pattern.
Counterclockwise
Close
Shower Valve
Transfer Valve
OFF Position
Clockwise Open
Telescopic Shower Arms
Easy-Grip Rings
1000706-5-D 6 Kohler Co.

Operation – Sidesprays and Handshower
Adjust the Sidesprays
Adjust the position of the sidesprays by gently pulling out and sliding them up or down.
Rotate the easy-grip rings on the sidespray to change the spray pattern.
Adjust the Personal Handshower
Rotate the easy-grip rings on the showerhead to change the spray pattern.
Easy-Grip Rings
Pull out, then slide
up or down.
Sidespray
Easy-Grip Rings
Personal Handshower
Kohler Co. 7 1000706-5-D

Optional Temperature Limiting Adjustment
CAUTION: Risk of personal injury. The water temperature should never be set above 120°F
(49°C).
NOTE: Do not remove the O-ring and collar at this time. Removing the O-ring and collar will change the
factory setting for the maximum water temperature.
Remove the shower valve trim.
Minor Water Temperature Adjustment
Turn the setscrew.
Major Water Temperature Adjustment
Remove the O-ring and collar from the valve stem.
Slowly rotate the valve stem until the water temperature is 120°F (49°C) or less.
Reinstall the collar onto the valve stem so the setscrew is against the side of the tab as shown in the
illustration.
Reinstall the O-ring to the valve stem.
Turn the valve stem counterclockwise to turn the water off.
Verify New Temperature Setting
Turn the water on to full hot and recheck the water temperature to verify that the temperature is
still acceptable. Make adjustments as needed.
Reinstall the shower valve trim.
Tab
Collar
O-Ring
Setscrew
Valve Stem
1000706-5-D 8 Kohler Co.

Correcting Reduced Water Flow – Showerheads
If your showerheads begin to show reduced flow or performance, follow these steps. If performance does not
improve, contact your local service representative.
Clean the Showerhead Spray Holes
With the water running, firmly rub the holes in the face of the showerhead to dislodge any mineral
build-up or debris. If this does not improve performance, follow the ″Clean the Aerator″steps
below.
Clean the Aerator
Turn off the water to the showerhead off.
Insert the showerhead tool (provided) into the holes in the face of the showerhead.
Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the aerator housing.
Carefully remove the aerator housing, aerator, gasket, and the aerator plate.
Clean both sides of the aerator.
Reinstall the aerator into the aerator plate.
Align the notches in the aerator plate with the raised ″keys″of the aerator housing.
Insert the aerator plate into the aerator housing.
Reinstall the rubber gasket into the aerator housing.
Carefully thread the aerator housing into the showerhead with the showerhead tool.
Clean the Showerhead Screen Washer
Using an adjustable wrench, carefully remove the collar and showerhead from the shower arm.
Gasket
Notches Aerator
Aerator Housing
Showerhead
Tool
Aerator Plate
Clean the Aerator
Shower Arm
Socket
Ball
Showerhead
Clean the Screen Washer
Collar
Screen Washer
Hose
Kohler Co. 9 1000706-5-D

Correcting Reduced Water Flow – Showerheads (cont.)
Firmly grasp the hose and turn the socket counterclockwise to loosen from the hose.
Remove the socket and screen washer from the hose.
NOTE: Do not attempt to remove the flow control.
Clean the screen washer.
Reinstall the screen washer, tapered end first, into the hose.
Securely hand tighten the socket to the hose.
Fit the collar over the ball.
Snap the ball into the socket.
Push the hose all the way into the shower arm.
Thread the collar to the shower arm. Carefully wrench tighten.
1000706-5-D 10 Kohler Co.