We are getting nothing from the hot water side. When I take out cartridge water is off the hot water side always has trickle of water running out of it

Hi Redsoxfan

SOunds like two issues then:

1) no hot water from hot water side of the valve

2) trickling hot water when the water has been shut off to service the valve, right?

If so, I would shut off the water again, remove the cartridge and then turn the hot water ON for a second to clear the valve of any sediment/build-up that may be in the valve. Replace the cartridge and test... if no improvement then the cartridge needs to be replaced.

In terms of the water not shutting off completely, it sounds like the shut off valve you are closing (guessing cold water shut off valve into the water heater) is not working properly and should be replaced if you want to replace it to have total control over hot water in the future.

Mark

Ive done that even replaced cartridge twice to no avail. Im thinking there must be blockage somewhere. I am at a loss

Look for an access panel on the backside of the valve... may be shutoff valves behind the wall and the hot side is clogged?

It really has to be a shutoff valve or something similar or whatever is blocking the pipe would have blown out when you turned the water on full blast while the cartridge was out, right?