Are Kohler And Delta Interchangeable [Explained]

Delta and Kohler are reputable brands in ensuring flexible and the most efficient plumbing solutions. Both brands offer unique designs, dimensions, and working mechanisms for shower faucet needs. That’s the point, the query starts among users on ‘Are Kohler and Delta interchangeable?”

are hohler and delta interchangeable

The answer is No. You can’t swap one brand’s parts with the other one. There are far differences in complete configurations that are not compatible with other manufacturers.

Thus interchanging is challenging. You have to upgrade the whole faucet from a brand instead of individual parts. Get details from our comprehensive guide.

Are Kohler And Delta Interchangeable [Explained]

As we told you earlier that it’s not possible to interchange Delta and Kohler. To know the reasons in detail, go through the following overview.

Delta VS Kohler: Quick Overview

First off, let’s do a deep dive into a short overview of Delta VS Kohler to get a better understanding of these two brands. Scroll down!

“You can also read why the delta shower cartridge stuck and how to fix it“.

01. Designs

Kohler and Delta both are world-leading plumbing accessories brands with great designs that will suit different tastes. 

When the term is about Delta, you will get all the standard collection on fixtures with different styles like single handle, double handle, pull-down, pull-out, and so on. Touch-activated faucets, built-in sprayers, or soap dispensers are also available. 

Kohler also prides itself on their innovative fixture design capabilities. Unlike Delta, it offers faucets starting from traditional looks to classy looks. 

02. Technology

Kohler and Delta shower valves integrate various features, and technological additions to optimize innovative fixtures for residents.

Generally, Kohler’s faucets use the Docknetik system. It is a magnetic docking system that securely locks the spray head in place. That leads to no more sagging or dangling spray heads. Kohler pulldown and pullout faucets integrate with ProMotion technology as well. 

But when it is about Delta, it features MagnaTite technology. It locks the pull-down spray wand firmly in place using an integrated magnet and lets it free with a gentle tug. Aside from this, Delta comes with Touch 2O, ShieldSpray, and even voice activation technology. 

03. Models

Delta offers limitless faucet options for bathrooms and kitchens to pick from. It has up to 225 models on the kitchen faucet and 400+ bathroom faucets.

Unlike Delta, Kohler also comes with about 97 different kitchen faucet models with up to 95 faucet models for bathrooms to choose from. So, when the fact comes about interchange on huge Delta and Kohler different models, it is pretty challenging.

o4. Finishes & Colors

Delts offers a bunch of all attractive color and finish options for kitchen and bathroom faucets. Most of them have a Lumicoat coating that repels liquid and keeps the faucet looking cleaner for longer.

On the contrary, Kohler offers 25 different finishes or color options for bathroom and kitchen faucets. 

Reasons For Why Kohler And Delta Aren’t Interchangeable

Well! If you are wondering whether Kohler and Delta are interchangeable, the answer is clearly NO. They are not interchangeable with each other.

This is because product from different brands or at times same brands comes in several unique designs, colors, shapes, and dimensions, making it impossible to interchange.  

Let’s walk you through all the  major factors to determine why it’s impossible to swap out the Delta and Kohler models entirely: 

01. Kohler Fixtures Aren’t Universal

Kohler shower valves are not universal as it comes in different designs, sizes, cartridges, and trims. That’s the reason it is only interchangeable with the same brand. You can’t interchange Kohler with different brands. 

Anyway, here are a few major reasons why Kohler shower valves are non-universal.

02. Trim Plates Are Different

The trim plates that Kohler uses are not universal, and non-pairable with all Kohler parts, making them non-interchangeable with different other brands as well.  

As there is no matched trim kit available from Kohler, there is no point in having the shower valve as a universal fixture. You have to find the compatible trim kit from your existing shower valve set to work.

03. Unique Designs

Though all the shower valves from Kohler look almost the same, there are far different in design and size. More to this, the valves come in various model numbers. 

Each model number is used to understand shower valves in different designs. Since these valves are not similar, you’ll face several problems if you’re swapping them with non-compatible ones.

04. Fittings

It is quite essential a perfect fitting the shower valve onto the cartridge. The problem starts when it fails to do so and occurs several problems like leaking or seeping water.

 Along with the trim kit and designs, Kohler’s valves use different types of fittings in body connections. For example, NPT or National Pipe Tapered is the most common tapered pipe thread in the United States that is standard for all piping and valve threads. 

These pipe threads are fitted through the NPT connections. In short, if you’re switching the plumbing fixture or accessory from one brand to another type without a new pipe, it is only possible by replacing the entire system.  

05. Installation Mechanism

Kohler brand is far ahead in providing high-quality & straightforward installation mechanisms. It provides a complete installation kit that equips everything you’ll need for installation. 

Also, each product from Kohler comes with an installation guide that will never match another brand’s installation mechanisms. That’s the reason, it’s not universal.

06. Different Dimensions

Aside from the differences in installation, design, and style, you have to confirm the dimension of your existing valve. It’s the major point that makes the Kohler valves non-universal.

The shower valves of Kohler aren’t interchangeable as it comes with different dimensions. Even products from the same brand or the same manufacturer make it impossible to interchange within themselves due to the unique dimension of each. 

Also, swapping Kohler valves from different brands with different dimensions may cause potential damage to the whole plumbing system. 

07. Delta’s Universal Fixture

Delta is listed at the top row in producing high-quality plumbing accessories. It creates universal shower valves, making the renovation work much quicker and enough affordable. 

Also, it provides the flexibility to upgrade the style or functionality of the existing shower valve. To do so, there is no need to change the complete valve if one wants to renovate their plumbing fixtures. 

Just remove the Trim Kit that is installed over the tile and switch it to your preferences. It will give a completely newer installation vibe from the plumbing system.

Are Delta And Kohler Shower Valves Interchangeable

No! Kohler shower valves are not interchangeable with the Delta shower valves or even vice versa. Both brands offer many options in plumbing accessories that will certainly fit your style effortlessly. 

delta and kohler shower valves

It is also a fact that the shower valves from these brands come in different styles, connection types, designs, shapes, and colors. Plus, the valves are compatible with different cartridges or trim sets, making it impossible to interchange within the brands and even with other brands as well.

Are Delta And Kohler Shower Cartridge Interchangeable

As like shower handles and valves, you can’t switch the cartridges of the Delta and Kohler models. In most cases, the cartridges can’t be interchangeable even with the same brand unless you are ensuring the same designs and fitting types. 

delta and kohler shower cartridge

So it is essential to figure out the all detail of your shower cartridge if you’re desiring to upgrade your plumbing fixtures. Also, it will be best to consult a plumbing professional.

They will better suggest whether you can swap your cartridge with other brands and which replacement cartridge will prove well without creating any problems.

Are Delta And Kohler Shower Handles Interchangeable

Yes! When the fact is the Kohler shower handles, you can easily interchange with similar brands. But it is tough to interchange the handles with the Delta products as there’ll be different fittings, connection types, shahs, and designs. So, switching it out is not possible.

delta and kohler shower handles

The same fact goes for the Delta shower handles. As for having universal fixtures, you can easily upgrade your shower handles with the same designs from Delta. But you can’t swap it with the Kohler ones as they have different trim kits.

Should I Upgrade The Entire Old Fixtures [Top 5 Benefits To Know]

Yes! When it is about to upkeep your Kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures functionally, consider repairing or upgrading them when they’re worn. It’ll be wise to replace the entire plumbing system rather than only the broken fixture.

There are limitless benefits you’ll get when you’re replacing plumbing fixtures completely with the brand-new model. Here are the major ones that you’ll experience:

1. Improve Functionality

If you upgrade your bathroom or kitchen plumbing system with a quality one, it’ll be enough to boost the safety and functionality of the fixtures. It boosts the comfort of your family members as well while bathing. 

For example, an older adult member of your family needs a comfort-height toilet with handrails that will give full bathroom safety. In this case, a roll-in shower will prove well for them or even people with a physical disability.  

2. Eliminate Plumbing Issues

Major plumbing issues that homeowners encounter include toilet clogs, broken fixtures, leaky faucets, and so on.  Aside from safety and comfort, it is essential to ensure trouble-free use of the bathroom and kitchen fixtures. 

 That’s the point, it’s better to upgrade the old plumbing system with newer models. It’ll not only prevent water wastage but also save both time and money in repeat repair.

3. Lowers The Chances Of Leaks

While you’re fitting a new faucet set into an older one, there is always a higher chance of developing a leak. The old faucet parts deteriorated causing water leakage.

That’s the fact, replacing the complete fixture rather than only the leakage parts will be enough effective to get rid of any further plumbing issues. When you update the entire faucet, it will function more efficiently together.

4. Integrated Design

Upgrading the older fixture with the mix-and-match parts will fail to give an eye-catching and appealing design. Instead, if you’re replacing the entire faucet, it will improve the style of the complete plumbing system and give you an aesthetic vibe in your bathroom or kitchen as well.  

5. Assuring A Wider Number Of Options

When homeowners are stuck in a new faucet part from the same brand or specific list, it will be harder to find the desired one from fewer options. Of that, users may not be able to bring their desired design to their home’s fixtures. 

As a better solution, you can upgrade the entire piece where you will get a variety of options to pick from.

3 Major Steps To Follow While Upgrading The Fixtures

Well! While you are upgrading the fixtures of your home, there are a few major factors that you need to consider to perform this task efficiently. Scroll down!

Step 1: Determine The Manufacturer

For the first step, you have to determine the manufacturer or company of your current faucet. Without doing so perfectly, you can’t take any further decisions. 

Take a look at the trim plate or cartridge, where you will find the manufacturer’s name sealed there. If not, there will letter logo like “D” that signifies Delta products. On the contrary, if you are seeing the “K” telling you that it is a Kohler faucet.

Step 2: Go Through The Original Specs Sheet

In addition to finding the manufacturer of the trim plate or cartridge, you can head to the original specification sheet to get a better idea. It will help you to determine whether the faucet will be compatible with other brands’ products or not. 

On top of that, each model comes with different configurations that are essential to understand before repairing or replacing.

Step 3: Consult With A Professional To Verify The Specs

Whatever you are trying to do with your home fixture, whether it is repair or upgrades, better to consult with a certified manufacturer. At times, it’ll be quite tough for you to determine the exact specs of the particular faucets. 

A professional technician or plumber will help to verify the specifications and suggest to you what upgrade you need. Also, they will determine whether the individual part of your faucets can be switched out or not.

FAQs:

Is Kohler better quality than Delta?

Kohler and Delta both are global leading brands in faucets and related plumbing accessories. Thus it is tough to differentiate between these two brands about which is better. But overall, Kohler is regarded as the most premium brand than Delta. 

How can I ensure the best shower valve replacement?

There are a few major factors that you need to consider while upgrading the shower valve like unique design, easiest valve connection type, and so on. Also, you have to check the cartridge and valve trim compatibility with the replacement parts. 

Are the shower valve and shower faucet the same?

No! They are not! A shower faucet is mainly a showerhead or tub spout from where water comes out. The shower valve is an essential inner part that regulates the temperature and water flow in the shower system. 

Bottom Lines!

Kohler and Delta both stand out in producing top-class bathroom and kitchen faucets, flush valves, and other accessories. But the issue starts when the user gets stuck on a significant query “are Kohler and Delta interchangeable.” 

Well, we have provided the best and straight answer to this question throughout this article. Plus, we’ve well-discussed the effective way to perform this upgrade.

Hope that there is no more confusion left about plumbing components being interchangeable within the brands. Still, if you want to know more, just knock us in the comment box. We will do our level best to rectify your queries. 

Note: You can also read how to fix no hot water after replacing the shower cartridge.

About James

James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.

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