Shower Valve Repair

Shower and other bathroom equipment require upgrading after a certain period of time. Not only the bathroom doors get worn with time, but your shower valves too need repairing. Since it regulates the amount of water flow, pressure, and temperature, having the valve in good condition is not optional. Otherwise, it may cause sudden temperature shifts, resulting in cold water shocks and scalding.

Shower valve malfunctions do not always need a professional plumber for repairing. In case you have basic plumbing skills, you can try correcting them on your own. And the solution regarding the repair depends on the malfunctions. Thus, identifying what the problems are is the first step before busying yourself in troubleshooting them. For this, you need to go through the user manual and understand all the parts.

Based on the type of existing shower valve, it can be single-handled or double-handled. Also, the unit may be regular valve, pressure balanced, or thermostatic valve. Accordingly, you can look out for the troubled parts and consider repairing the valve on your own. Remember to take precautions before handling, such as turning off the valve or main water supply. As the shower valve unit is installed inside the wall, it is very difficult to locate. Hence, extra care should be taken to avoid damaging the wall as well the valve.

No Hot Water

One of the most commonly faced problems is restricted hot water supply. To proceed with repairing, take a look at your water heater. If it is running correctly, open the shower valve for any clogging or corroded pipes. For closed hot water valves, simply opening and flushing it will solve the problem. Another probable cause may be swelling of the rubber parts, which is restricting or obstructing hot water flow. Disassemble the fixture and examine the rubber components. Replacing the damaged parts will definitely remedy the condition.

Leaking Shower Faucet

In order to repair a dripping shower valve, the shower diverter should be replaced with a new one. Shower units of different brands have slightly varied diverters. Make sure you purchase an appropriate part for your existing model. For this repair project, you need to remove the diverter knob first, and then remove the old shower diverter. Then, install the brand new diverter and the knob. Tighten the valve by using a wrench, while ensuring that the knob is oriented correctly.

Checking Shower Valve

For safety considerations, check whether the valve is running perfectly or not. You can place a meat thermometer in the bathtub and run water for a few minutes. In case the temperature falls within bearable range, then only reassemble the fixture. You cannot correct some shower valve problems on your own. In such cases, hire a professional to troubleshoot them. Do not take the risk of solving these problem yourself, as the shower valve may get damaged otherwise. This also applies if you are new to plumbing works.

As you see, the repair tips vary according to the problem. If necessary, consider replacing the valve and installing a new one. You can opt for a thermostatic temperature control valve or pressure balanced, anti-scald valve. It is configured in such a way that the pressures for hot water and cold water are balanced, thus preventing temperature shifts. Even though such a shower valve unit costs some extra dollars, it is worth spending for a quality product.