Symmons TA-4 Temptrol Hot and Cold Seats: How to Replace Them

Symmons Temptrol shower valves exhibit excellent quality and performance in an American-made package that is designed for long-term use and easy maintenance.

One aspect of this maintenance has to do with the Symmons TA-4 Temptrol hot and cold seats, which seal the hot and cold valve stems, and are integral components of the valve.

Over time, these may have to be adjusted or replaced. Here’s how to do that.

Replacing TA-4 Hot and Cold Seats

The preliminary step in replacing your Symmons TA-4 Temptrol hot and cold seats is also a critical one - you need to make sure the water is shut off to the valve.

Once you have shut off the water supply, then you need to open the valve to the warm/hot position; do this by rotating the valve handle counterclockwise until it stops.

Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the cap assembly by rotating it counterclockwise until the cap can be removed; remove this and the spindle (Symmons TA-10) from the valve body.

When you remove the spindle, take note of how it is resting against the cap. This will show that the valve was open fully in the hot water position before you tried to remove the cap and assembly. Trying to remove the cap and spindle without first opening the valve to the hot water position can make it difficult if not possible to remove them, and damage them.

For the next part, you will need a Symmons cold seat removal tool (part T35B) to remove the cold seat from the valve body.

To remove the cold seat, insert the rounded end of the T35B cold seat removal tool lines up with two small cuts on the cold seat, engaging it.

With the tool inserted into the valve body and engaged with the cold seat, use an adjustable wrench to rotate the cold seat removal tool to disengage it from the valve body. If done properly, the cold seat will slide out with the tool when you remove it.

Be very careful with this step, as if you are not or you force the tool, you can strip the cold seat, in which case you will need to use a screw extractor to get it out.

Next, you will need to remove the hot seat from the valve body, for which you will need a Symmons hot seat removal tool (T35A).

(Note, we sell both the hot (T35A) and cold seat (T35B) removal tools bundled here on our website. See the previous link for details.)

Insert the hot seat removal tool so that the side with the small bump is facing inward. It will only engage the hot seat when inserted properly.

Once the tool has been properly inserted into the valve body, engages the hot seat, and is locked into place, use an adjustable wrench to rotate the tool and hot seat counterclockwise so that it can be removed.

As in the case of the cold seat, the hot seat should slide out with the hot seat removal tool. Again, be careful with this step because if you strip the hot seat you will need to use a screw extractor to remove it.

Next, you will install the new hot seat into the valve body. Place the new hot seat onto the hot seat removal tool so that it rests on the end with the bump in the same manner as the one you removed.

Insert it back into the valve body (on the end of the tool) and into the threads; using an adjustable wrench, rotate the tool clockwise to tighten the hot seat into place. Tighten it to 15 pounds of torque.

With the new hot seat installed, it’s time to replace the cold seat. Place the new cold seat on the rounded end of the cold seat removal tool, then insert it into the threads at the front of the valve and tighten it by rotating clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Like the hot seat, the cold seat should be tightened to 15 pounds of torque.

After replacing the Symmons TA-4 Temptrol hot and cold seats, you will need to replace the cartridge and cap assembly. Thread the cap assembly back on by rotating clockwise; tighten with your adjustable wrench to seal the valve and prevent leaks.

Lastly, you need to replace the handle by placing it back on the threads of the spindle; close it by rotating clockwise and then turn your water supply back on.

Where to Get Symmons TA-4 Temptrol Hot and Cold Seats (and Other Parts)

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a Symmons TA-4 Temptrol hot and cold seat replacement kit; we also carry the removal tool (see the link above).

If you have questions about parts, compatibility, or replacement, make sure to get in touch with us here before buying. You can reach us at 1-833-251-4591.