Kohler installation expert kneeling in a bathroom with his toolkit.

Before You Begin:
What You’ll Need

The first step to prepping your space is to gather the necessary tools for your shower valve installation. Most often, you’ll need:
 

  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Allen wrench set
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Plumber’s tape
  • New KOHLER® shower valve
  • Valve trim kit (ensure compatibility with valve)
  • Plumber’s putty or silicone
  • Pipe cutter or reciprocating saw (for copper/PEX/CPVC lines)
  • Soldering tools or push-fit connectors (depending on pipe type)
  • Drywall saw or oscillating tool
  • Safety gloves and goggles
  • Bucket and towels

Consult the product manual that comes with your shower valve to see if any other additional tools are required or search KOHLER service parts to find a specific part.

Step-by-Step:
How to Install or Replace a Shower

Types of Shower Valves

KOHLER shower valves are essential for building sophisticated showering systems. From mechanical designs to smart showering technology with digital controls, KOHLER offers solutions that support a personalized experience across a range of bathroom styles.

Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve.

Rite-Temp® Pressure-Balancing

Maintains consistent temperature, even with pressure changes.

MasterShower Temperature and Volume Control Shower Valve.

MasterShower® Temperature and Volume Control

Lets you control flow for each spray outlet individually.

Diverter shower valve in gold.

Diverter

Adds flexibility by switching between multiple spray components.

Vibrant French Gold finish.

Vibrant French Gold (AF)

Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass finish.

Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass (2MB)

Vibrant Brushed Bronze finish.

Vibrant Brushed Bronze (BV)

Matte Black finish.

Matte Black (BL)

Vibrant Polished Nickel finish.

Vibrant Polished Nickel (SN)

Vibrant Brushed Nickel finish.

Vibrant Brushed Nickel (BN)

Polished Chrome finish.

Pollished Chrome (CP)

Vibrant Titanium finish.

Vibrant Titanium (TT)

Compatibility Tips

Grey tiled open shower with gold-toned shower valve and trim.

Match Trim to Shower Valve

KOHLER trims, the visible parts of the shower or bath faucet, are designed to work exclusively with KOHLER shower valves.

Pipes on the inside of a wall.

Check Pipe Type

Before starting your shower valve replacement, confirm your pipe type—copper, PEX, or CPVC—and make sure you’re using the right fitting method.

Thermostatic valve control in gold.

Future-Proof Your Shower Setup

For flexibility down the road, choose a universal shower valve that lets you update your trim without replacing the valve.