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HELP CENTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Installation
Q1: Is my Huntington Brass Shower valve able to be installed in a back to back (B2B) application?
A1: If you are using a Huntington Brass HB5940RI or 04120-00 ceramic disc pressure balanced shower valves, both of these rough-in valves are able to be used in back to back applications. All other HB shower valve models are not compatible with B2B applications.
To configure the valve to work properly on the reversed side you will have to remove the cartridge stems and rotate them 180 degrees and reinstall them into the valve body. For further details and assistance please contact HB technical support at 1-800-888-6604.
Q2: What tools will I need to install my Huntington Brass faucet?
A2: The tools required to install your Huntington Brass product would differ depending on the actual product that you are installing. Different products require different tools for installation. For example a wide spread lavatory faucet will require different tools than a single handle tub and shower faucet. However, basically you will need an adjustable wrench, philips and/or flat head screw driver, allen key set, silicone caulking, and a soft cloth. Some additional tools may be required and some tools may not be needed depending on the specific installation. On you HB product’s installation guide it will tell you exactly which tools are required to begin installation.
Q3: Who do I call if I need technical assistance with my HB product?
A3: You can call our main office for technical assistance anytime during normal business hour and our customer service representatives will happily transfer you to our technical assistance personnel. Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time. Our toll free number is 1-800-888-6604.
Q4: How do I properly flush my new faucet when installation is complete? How often should I flush the lines after installation is completed?
A4: Your plumber should flush the lines before allowing normal use of the faucet. The reason for this is that during installation all kinds of debris can get inside the supply lines and my get caught inside the faucet causing problems such as decrease water flow, inconsistent stream of water, etc. To properly flush the system after a faucet has been installed you will need to remove the aerator and turn on both the hot and cold valves. Allow the water to run for 1-3 minutes, then shut off the water and replace the aerator. Make sure that aerator screens are free from debris when replacing. Since debris can be stuck inside the line for some time after installation it is recommended that for the first 2-3 weeks of use that you check the aerator screens for dislodged debris and flush 1-2 more times if a significant amount of debris is found.
Q5: I have installed a Huntington Brass HB8220 and/or HB8225 faucet and the sprayer is not working, what is the problem?
A5: The older models of the HB8220/HB8225 did not have any indication of which supply line was for the spout connection and which is for the spray connection. IF you have the faucet installed and the water is coming out of the spout fine, but the sprayer is not working this means that the installation of the lines underneath has been reversed. Al you need to do is go under the sink and locate the spout supply line and the sprayer supply line and then switch the two the problem will be fixed.
Q6: I have a single handle single hole mounted kitchen faucet and the faucet keeps coming loose on the deck, what can I do to fix this?
A6: The faucet keeps coming loose because the installation was done improperly. If the faucet is installed properly then the faucet will come loose on its own. Underneath the faucet has mounting hardware that consists of a washer, a flange, and a mounting nut. These piece must be installed in this order such that the washer is pressed against the under side of the counter/sink surface. If these are not installed in the sequence and the mounting nut is not tighten down enough then when you continuously swivel the spout back and forth the body of the faucet will begin to loosen. Make sure that these steps are followed carefully for a proper secure installation.
Q7: My wide spread lavatory, kitchen or roman tub filler faucet’s handles are turning the wrong direction. What do I do?
A7: If your faucets handle are moving backwards to turn on the water this means that the valves have been installed reversed. Hot side valves should open turning counter clockwise, and cold side valve should open turning clockwise. If this is not accurate with your faucet then the hot and cold valves need to be switched. In the event that both side handles are turning on the water by moving in the same direction then that means that you have two of the same side valves and the incorrect side valve’s cartridge needs to be switch out for the proper one. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding this type of issue you can reach HB’s technical support dept. at 1-800-888-6604.
Q8: On my wide spread or roman tub filler faucet there is an excessive gap between the handle tip and the escutcheon or flange. How do I fix this?
A8: The reason for the excessive gap between the handle tip and the escutcheon is because the height of the valve stem was not adjusted properly during installation. The same goes for the instance where the handle and the escutcheon are hitting one another. Each valve stem must be adjusted to fit the specific handle trim of you HB product. This is easily done during installation when the valve stem is being installed the trim piece can be installed on to the valve above the sink surface. This will allow the installer to easily adjust the height of the valve stem to properly fit the desired handle trim.
To adjust the valve stem that has been improperly installed loosen the lock nut from underneath the sink surface. Then loosen the escutcheon on top until in the desired position. Once the escutcheon or flange is in the desired position retighten the lock nut from underneath such that the valve is secure once more. To increase the gap between the handle tip and escutcheon perform the above procedure but reversed. Instead of loosening the escutcheon you will need to push the valve stem through and tighten the escutcheon until reaching the desired position.
Q9: Why does water flow from the tub spout and shower head simultaneously in my tub and shower faucet? What is the problem?
A9: The reason why water is flowing from the shower and tub spout simultaneously is because the water is not flow out of the tub spout fast enough, which is causing the water to back up inside the pipe and eventually backs up to the shower head and begins to flow from both ends. There are many reasons why this can occur.
- · The shower valve has been installed upside down.
- · The distance from the valve to the shower head is too close.
- · There is more than a 90 degree angle in the plumbing.
- · The shower valve was plumbed with something other than copper or galvanized pipe that has a smaller than normal inside diameter.
- · Or something could be obstructing the flow of the water inside the piping. This is the most common reason for this problem to occur. Many this such as debris, solder, small parts, etc. can get inside the plumbing lines during installation and can lodge themselves in small connection areas restricting the flow of water out of the tub spout which cause the water back up in the line. This is usually the result of not properly flushing the lines before completing the installation.
Q10: I am getting only either cold or hot water from my shower?
A10: When this problem occurs it is usually the case that the spool in the pressure balancing mechanism (the device inside you shower valve that prevents the water temperature from changing drastically during fluctuations in water pressure) is stuck. This can happen when debris gets lodge inside the pressure balance mechanism and does not allow the spool to move freely. This problem can be fixed by removing the cartridge and pressure balance spool and removing any debris that my be lodged inside. Sometimes solder, glue or adhesives can find there way into the pressure balancing spool causing it to jam. If this is the case we recommend soaking the unit in a 50/50 water vinegar solution over night to see if the debris can be dissolved. To test the pressure balancing unit for proper functionality once cleaned shake the unit in the direction along the axis of the pressure balancing spool and you will hear a rattling noise. This is the spool sliding back and forth. This means that the unit is functioning properly.
Q11: I have a 04120-00 tub and shower valve installed and when I turn on the water I get hot water first and cold water as I continue to turn the handle. Why is wrong?
A11: There are three possibilities that could be wrong when this problem occurs:
- The valve is install upside down causing the standard right side cold supply and the left side hot supply to be reversed in the valve.
- The plumber reversed the hot and cold supplies installing them on opposite sides.
- The cartridge inside the valve has been installed and the B2B (back to back) application position.
No matter what the cause of the problem it usually can be fixed by removing the cartridge from the valve body, rotating it 180 degrees from it original position and re-installing it. This will reverse the mixture of water inside the valve body correcting the initial problem.
Q12: How do I set the hot water limit stop on my tub and shower valve?
A12: Huntington Brass has two main types of pressure balancing tub and shower valves; 1 in the Professional line and 1 in the Platinum collection. All of them have a slightly different method of limiting hot water flowing from the valve.
- 1. 04120-00 (Professional Ceramic shower rough)
- a. The cartridge for this valve has a plastic red ring over the stem and can be adjusted by removing it rotating in a counter clockwise direction for more hot water and a clockwise direction for less hot water and re-installing it onto the cartridge stem
- 2. PL8900 / PL8910 (Platinum Ceramic rough)
- a. This Duel action volume control cartridge also has a plastic red ring on the cartridge stem and can adjust by removing the red ring, rotating it clockwise for more hot water and counter clockwise for less hot water. (note: opposite from the HB5490RI adjustment)
Q13: Can I buy the Wyndamere series faucets in the Platinum Collection with different handle options?
A13: No, there a few series in the Platinum Collection that do not come with various handle options. Wyndamere series in the Platinum Collection does not offer different handle options.
Q14: Why are some Platinum Collection faucets customizable and some are not?
A14: The reason for this is because of the unique design of some of the handle styles. The design of the faucet that are not customizable are such that those parts are made only to work with one another and can be mixed and match with any other parts.
Q15: I have a Platinum Pressure balanced tub and shower set with a cross handle and it seems like the hot and cold is reversed. What is wrong with my shower set?
A15: There is nothing wrong with you Platinum Collection tub and shower set. The reason why you may feel that the cross handle is functioning backwards from normal is because of the nature of the “Dual Action Control” design. The Platinum Collection “Dual Action Control” cartridge is designed to give the user more control in the shower. The up and down motion on the handle controls the volume of water, and the left to right motion controls the temperature.
When controlling the temperature with the left to right motion the bottom portion of the handle points in the direction of the desired temperature mixture. For example, hot is on the left, to turn the handle to receive more hot water you will turn the bottom portion of the handle towards the left side, and vise versa for colder water.
Pay attention to the bottom portion of the cross handle and the direction in which it turns to function properly. It is in our minds that when we see a cross handle and grab it differently than a lever handle that we feel it should function differently, however, the design of the valve has not change only the way in which we are attempting to use it.
2. Cleaning & Care
Q1: How should I clean and maintain my Huntington Brass fixture?
A1: Huntington Brass recommends cleaning your faucet with only soap and warm water. The use of any abrasive cleaners or chemicals will void the finish warranty of you HB product. Even if your faucet has a PVD finish we still recommend using only soap and warm water. Although PVD finishes are scratch resistant on the surface, excessive rubbing and use of abrasives can over time cause the undesirable effects. HB also recommends waxing your faucet to protect the finish and ensure long lasting color and durability. Therefore, after cleaning the faucet with soap and warm water, dry the faucet and apply a coat of standard car wax (Note: make sure you are not using rubbing compound) and remove with a dry cloth. This will ensure that you HB product looks and functions beautifully for many years to come.
Q2: What type of cleaning products can cause damage to my Huntington Brass faucet?
A2: Any type of industrial cleaner or abrasive material can potentially cause damage to the finish of you HB product. Refrain from using any such chemical or abrasives such as toilet bowl cleaners, concentrated cleaners & disinfectants, scrubbing pads, steel wool, etc., especially anything containing alcohol or acetone. The use of any of these products on you HB faucet and/or fixture will immediately void the finish warranty.
Q3: Can drain unclogging chemicals or substances cause damage to my faucet?
A3: Since drain unclogging substances are a highly concentrated mixture of various potent chemicals it would not be advised to allow these chemical to come in contact with the finish of your faucet. Therefore, I is recommended that you cover you faucet with a cloth of plastic if the use of such substances are required.
Q4: How do I remove mineral deposits and debris from the aerator of my faucet?
A4: During installation debris can get in to the water lines. Furthermore, in many areas there may be excessive hard water or debris in the supply. The function of the aerator is 1) to aerate the flow of water from the spout, and 2) also to catch any debris that may be inside the water lines. To clean the aerator, simply unscrew the aerator piece from the spout by turning it counter clockwise. Check and see if there is any excessive debris caught in the screens of the aerator. If so then the water line may not have been properly flushed during installation. If there is only some loose debris in the screens then you can remove the screens clean them and re-install the aerator. If there is excessive mineral deposit build up then sock the core of the aerator in vinegar over night and then use a clean brush to remove any left over particles. Rinse clean and replace.
Q5: How do I clean my Huntington Brass shower head?
A5: To clean you HB shower head first check and see what kind of shower head it is. If your shower head has “Easy Clean” rubber nipples then you can simply wipe the face of the shower to loosen any deposits in the rubber nipples. If your shower head does not have rubber nipple then you can use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to clean away any areas with excessive deposits. Try to let the solution come in contact with the finished areas of the shower head as little as possible.
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