I have an "old style" single handle Koehler shower valve that is not the cartridge style. I had replaced the packing that I purchased at a local plumbing supply approx. 6 years ago. The valve is now allowing leak by which requires you to tighten down on the handle after every use to stop dripping at shower head. I believe this "tightening" is causing the packing material to "crush", which is worsening the dripping. I need to replace this packing material, and the plumbing supply house now needs a model # of the shower valve in order to help me. I was wondering if anyone knows where I could purchase this packing material, as I am trying to repair this instead if tearing out the old valve and replacing with new. The shower is tiled and would be impossible to replace tiles if broken (pre 1960 tiles). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

the only old kohler valve that i know of is the kohler niedecken.
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1) if you could post a few pictures that would be helpful.(2) you can go from threw the wall behind the shower valve (Perfected by most Plumbers) to replace the valve.

Nidecken is probably right. You should be able to get a kit that includes the packing, special H&C washers and fiber seal. There are two versions that use different fibers, but you can normally get by without changing it. If the stem is so worn that need to change it then you need to buy a special tool to remove the bushing under the packing washer.

Leaking "from the shower head" is NOT caused by the packing. You need new washers and maybe seats inside the valve body.

I had replaced the packing and I believe the washers the last time I did this and it solved the dripping from the shower head problem. I figured it was the packing, but the washers do sound more likely. I think I will try to get the complete kit at local plumbing supply and replace the washers and packing.

Thanks for the name, I looked at the pictures, and yes that is the one.



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