I have seen a lot of postings regarding the loss of hot water in the shower, but there is also mention about how there is also a loss of pressure, and I haven't experienced this. The shower is a stand alone shower with a single handle that turns counter clockwise from cold to hot. It's a Sterling brand faucet. The problem I have was that the water goes from HOT HOT HOT (too hot to get into the shower and use) and within a minute it starts getting cooler until it eventually goes cold and stays that way, no matter whether I turn the dial to hot or not, the water is still cold and the pressure does not change. The only way to turn off the water is to shut the water off in the house. (Just to note there is not a hot water issue as I the sink runs hot even when the shower doesn't).

Also when I took off the cap of the faucet there are two screws that need to be removed however one of them has rusted off, so I was told I would need to drill in order to get them out. I would like to try and solve this myself but I should say I am a beginner, but I am a quick study. I have gotten loads of library books in my attempts at understanding this problem and my hopes at fixing it as well as doing plenty of internet research. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!


I just wanted to add that I have used this shower for the past few years with no problem until recently. Thanks again in advance!

It would really help if you post the brand of the faucet, photo, or / and your location. Otherwise, there way too much guessing...

Anyways:

You have pressure balanced, temperature controlled valve. There is a pressure / temperature balancing device inside the faucet. It may be a piston, ball, or spring loaded small rod. That device moves from hot to cold, and vice versa, balancing the mixture of h/c water. What is happening is that that device is probably not sliding freely, is calcified or has some kind of debris in it, and as a result, it becomes stuck in one position. You have to open the faucet, remove the cartridge and most likely replace it with new one.

Also, and it addition to the above, you may have stripped handle that doesn't allow you to turn stem around to close water.

It would really help if you post the brand of the faucet, photo, or / and your location. Otherwise, there way too much guessing .....

Anyways:

You have pressure balanced, temperature controlled valve. There is a pressure / temperature balancing device inside the faucet. It may be a piston, ball, or spring loaded small rod. That device moves from hot to cold, and vice versa, balancing the mixture of h/c water. What is happening is that that device is probably not sliding freely, is calcified or has some kind of debris in it, and as a result, it becomes stuck in one position. You have to open the faucet, remove the cartridge and most likely replace it with new one.

Also, and it addition to the above, you may have stripped handle that doesn't allow you to turn stem around to close water.

I stated in my original post the brand is Sterling, as that is the name that appears on the plate of the single handle faucet. I don't know if that is what you meant, but that is the name on the shower faucet and all my sink faucets too. My townhouse is about 14/15 years old, so maybe Sterling went out of business, I don't know. I don't know how to insert an image considering I don't have a place to post a pic. I could email you one but I am new to this site and not sure how that works.

I don't know how to get beyond the escutcheon considering the screws off since they have rusted away.

Click the "Go Advanced" button under the message window. Then, to attach an image, click the "paperclip" button up top of the message window [see image below]. Then follow directions.

Good luck! I'm struggling with similar shower issues, can't find a brand nor numbers, & my camera's down. "This too shall pass..."

~ W ~