KohlerK-8304-KS-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kit with Service Stops, Black

This shower mixing valve updates the Kohler K-304-K-NA valve that I have had for over seven trouble-free years in my second floor shower. This one is going in the 3rd floor bath addition. I would have given it 5 stars if the installation instructions weren’t so poorly written and disorganized. Probably the worst omission was there was no mention of removing the check valves before sweating on the supply pipes save for a sticker placed on the valve body itself that could easily be overlooked (see pic). Second worse omission was when you put the check valves back, you have to point the tabs IN towards the center or no water will reach the valve. You’re going to need a snap ring pliers to get the check valves out.

Don't buy this.When buying a long-term part like this I tend to pay more for the higher end model. So I got this one that includes the service stops after seeing some comments that it can be handy to not have to shut off the water main.First, I've since learned that scenario will almost never happen in a home, service stops are only useful for a multi-unit apartment.Second, the split rings that hold the service stops in were incredibly frustrating to work with. Our initial tool to pinch them together was a bit cheap and we ended up losing 6 rings (after having to go buy more) in the wall before we bought a better one.Third, the service stop parts were defective. It took a lot of trial and error to finally get to that, including calling kohler and getting a replacement cartridge, and then again to get replacement service stops. I was pleasantly surprised when that fixed the issue as I was ready to take a drill to the service parts so water could flow freely through them (if you look at it from the side, water flows through some kind of nozzle system to get in one end and out the other).Overall a ton of time wasted by myself and our plumber. Kohler customer service was great, sent us the two replacement parts w/ no questions asked.

The water doesn’t get as hot as the old valveeven if you remove the safety ring completely. Nor does it get as cold. They sent me a new valve but same issue. The pressure balance system they use is too balanced for my taste. If you like your showers hot then pass on this. Very disappointed I would have to cut Into my wall to replace this valve body with a different brand luckily it’s a hallway bathroom. I will not be installing this junk in the rest of the house.

Not my first purchase of this same valve. Works great, love the threaded connections. Easy cartridge replacement when the time comes. Built in shut-off valves. What's not to love.

We bought this valve for a major bathroom remodel. It came with a faulty cartridge. Our plumber called Kohler and sent a replacement for the cartridge- the wrong one. We are now waiting on another new cartridge. In talking with our plumber he recommended Moen. I called Kohler to ask for a refund and because it was purchased on Amazon they would not provide any compensation for the valve. I have now incurred extra plumber charges for the extra trips they have made to our house because of Kohlers mistakes. I do not recommend this valve.