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View Full Version : Loss of hot water in Moen Shower facet - single, pull handle


Sherbrookejeff
Oct 2, 2007, 01:03 PM
I have lost significant pressure in my shower equipped with a Moen single handle pull out and rotate - R or L. I have a 2nd shower with identical unit - swapped cartridge - no change. Pulled out the posi-pressure valve on the hot side and found some debries, no change in pressure, may be worst. After removing debries I left out the cartridge and flushed the facet, even dragged my small air compressor upstairs to blow out. Any ideas on what is causing the issue?

Thanks,

Jeff

ballengerb1
Oct 2, 2007, 02:53 PM
If you remove the cartridge and turn on the main do you have full, gushing flow of both hot and cold. Remove the shower head just to keep that issue out of the list of possible problems.

Sherbrookejeff
Oct 3, 2007, 05:54 AM
I do not have the right water flow, and it appears I have more blockage, the debries I dug out was plastic looks like PVC. My whole house os in copper.

Thanks,

Jeff

speedball1
Oct 3, 2007, 07:07 AM
I do not have the right water flow, and it appears I have more blockage, the debries I dug out was plastic looks like PVC. My whole house os in copper.

Thanks,

Jeff
Hey Jeff,
I think I can tell you what happened. Your water heater has a dip tube made of white plastic that directs the cold water down toe bottom of the tank. This tube can break down sending white plastic partials throughout the hot water system clogging every fixture that makes a draw. First, do not open the hot water side of any faucet until you flush the tank and purge the hot water system. To flush your heater leave the water on and attach a hose to the boiler drain and run the water until it runs clear. Next the dip tube must be replaced. The dip tube is located just under the cold water inlet on the heater. After that, shut the house down at the house shut off or at the heater and remove the hot water angle stop at the farthest end of the house. Hold a bucket under the open stub-out and turn the water back on to flush out the lines. Any faucets that have low hot water pressure must be taken apart and the inlet ports of the cartridge cleaned out. Good luck, Tom

labman
Oct 3, 2007, 07:15 AM
Sorry about that, I must have hit enter and there is no editing a comment. Anyhow, The straight stuff from our top expert.

Sherbrookejeff
Oct 3, 2007, 07:33 AM
Tom,

Thanks for the information - appreciate your time. Any I dea on how to cleanout my shower fixture without removing it?

Jeff

speedball1
Oct 3, 2007, 07:39 AM
Any I dea on how to cleanout my shower fixture without removing it?
Shut the water off to the valve and pull and clean out the inlet ports. Before you button up turn the water back on to flush out the supply and valve body. Don't be surprised if other faucets clog up on the hot water side. The debris is still in the system. Good luck, Tom

Sherbrookejeff
Oct 4, 2007, 02:29 PM
Tom,

Again, thanks for the information.

Jeff

speedball1
Oct 4, 2007, 03:07 PM
Don't overlook the dip tube. If it's not replaced the hot water in the tank will be tempered by cold water every time you make a draw and cold water enters the heater. Regards, tom