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Shower Valve Problems... Maybe???

13 years ago

Hi Everyone,

I have just done a lot of work trying to get a decent shower in 2nd floor bathroom. I have replaced 1/2" pipe to 1" pipe for hot and cold mains. The pressure switch is set at 45/65. Pressure tank is in the basement. The shower line is 3/4" up to the ceiling of the first floor. It switches to 1/2" to the shower. I have approximately 2.3 gpm with only cold water on. 1.7 gpm with warm water and .851 with hot water.

The sink which is right next to the shower is Hot 1.6 gpm and Cold 1.5 gpm.

All measurements are approximate. I used a gallon jug and stop watch....

Any idea what is wrong? Is it the shower valve?

Thank you for any suggestions.

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Comments (7)

homebound
13 years ago
Double-check that the cut-off valves are fully open.
aidan_m
13 years ago
Is the shower valve thermostatic?

If so, try turning up the temp on the heater so the valve is mixing in more cold. Thermostatic valves do not work very well unless they are mixing enough cold water with the hot. If it takes 95% hot and 5% cold to achieve the desired temperature, the resulting flow rate is rather low. That has been my experience with Hansgrohe thermobalance valves

They don't have the same problem mixing in minimal hot with the cold, the flow rate is strong in that case.
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Thanks much and beautiful showers! I am confused about the thermostatic valve. Is this something that I can buy separate and have it installed in the wall so that anytime I change out the shower handle/trim/valve it will automatically be there and still be accessible if it breaks and I need to change it? I hate to have more moving parts and things to break inside the walls. LIke this (although it looks like part of this would stick out of the wall?-another hole?: https://www.amazon.com/Rozin-Thermostatic-Mixing-Temperature-Control/dp/B01FAGWKTC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006430&sr=8-3&keywords=thermostatic+control+valve#customerReviews Or does do certain valves come with it like this?: https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-04231000-Thermostatic-Control-Diverter/dp/B07FDFK5SM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006430&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=thermostatic+control+valve&psc=1 I was wondering, also, it sets the temp but the initial issue of being cold while the water warms up since it has to run through the pipes would still be there, right? Problem is, I have chosen champagne bronze and if I need to get the thermostatic control valve built in I think that will be hard. I'm already having a hard time finding a handheld and shower head built into the same. I might have to get a separate handheld to divert water or I'm back to the initial question of do I just push the shower head over to shoot towards the wall before I turn on the H20 or go back to the idea of moving the control valve? Here's one of the options I was looking at for a showerhead before this discuss that I might need to adjust: https://www.amazon.com/58471-CZ-PK-H2Okinetic-4-Setting-Handshower-Showerhead/dp/B009MLXJN8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006748&sr=8-2&keywords=shower+head+combo+with+handheld+champagne+bronze
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edqx
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for the replies. The cut off valves are fully open. Yes, I believe the valve is thermostatic. I think the hot water is set fairly high now, but I will double check. But why would turning up the water temp increase flow? I am sorry but I am confused how that would work.... But, I am willing to try it. Will try it tonight. Thanks.

Ed
homebound
13 years ago
I'll defer to those more experienced, but I would be inclined to remove the cartridge and inspect for debris. You might be able to blow some bits of crud out of the thing.
aidan_m
13 years ago
Since you recently did the plumbing, this is probably the problem:
The thermobalance cartrige has an inner screen that needs to be cleaned. It is not the same as removing the cartrige. You don't have to turn off the water supply. You don't have to remove the trim plate, just take the valve handle off. The brass body of the cartrige has hex-shaped places so it can be taken apart with 2 crescent wrenches. The male part has a screen around the base that gets clogged up with debris. More debris comes through the hot water pipes than the cold, so the low-flow issue manifests itself exactly as you describe.

I clean my valves a couple times per year. When you go to put it back together, don't tighten it too much. It is a precision-fitted union with rubber gaskets. Only snug-tighten with the crescent wrenches to avoid damaging the soft brass.

I have always had low flow issues with mine unless the hot water is sufficently hot that the valve mixes in some cold water too. Since you say the water is already plenty hot, this is not the issue.
edqx
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you. I will check this when I get home in a few days. Thanks again.
edqx
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you! I replaced the shower valve and cleaned out the rough valve area and presto great shower. Thanks again!

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