I just had a shower faucet repaired (washers replaced), but now when I turn the water on low-to-medium it flows fine and then the flow starts decreasing. If I turn it up a bit, soon it starts decreasing again. This does not seem to happen if I open the valve wide open, but that is a waste of water. The plumber that did this has been out twice to try to fix it but no luck. Could this be caused by washers that are too soft? The washers maybe is getting compressed when I close the valve and then when I open the valve it slowly uncompresses and shuts down the flow?

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Could this be caused by washers that are too soft? The washers maybe is getting compressed when I close the valve and then when I open the valve it slowly uncompresses and shuts down the flow?

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First time I ever heard the "soft washer" analysis. More then likely the plumber didn't turn bthe water back on to flush out the supplies and the open valve body and now you have some trash in there blocking the flow. Call him back and have him flush the lines. Good luck, Tom

Tom,
Could the washers be loose? I know that I have had that happen on outside hose bibs... exact same symptoms. Open them up and find the washer is loose. I'm not an inside plumber, and am certain you worked on a lot more washer faucets over the years. But, thought I would share that thought.
Al

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Originally Posted by albinfla

Tom,
Could the washers be loose? I know that I have had that happen on outside hose bibs...exact same symptoms. Open them up and find the washer is loose. I'm not an inside plumber, and am certain you worked on a lot more washer faucets over the years. But, thought I would share that thought.
Al

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Good point Al! Thanks for pointing that out. Tom

Looks like your plumber installed wrong washer or left piece of old one inside. New washer should fit exactly into the seat of the stem with no overlap.

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Originally Posted by speedball1

First time I ever heard the "soft washer" analysis. More then likely the plumber didn't turn bthe water back on to flush out the supplies and the open valve body and now you have some trash in there blocking the flow. Call him back and have him flush the lines. good luck, Tom

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The plumber did come back to do that... and there was no change.

Thank you for keeping us informed. Tom