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rayne3rr0r · Jan 8, 2009, 03:31 PM

OK I have a problem with a shower in my home when ever you turn on the hot water it barley trickles out and if you turn on the hot water at the sink (same bathroom) it has full pressure and I checked for leaks and there doesn't seem to be any leaks

Sorry if this is a re post of another problem but I searched but didn't get any results

P.s. thanks for any help :)

massplumber2008 · Jan 8, 2009, 03:43 PM

Hi Rayne3rr0r...

How is cold water? If cold has full flow and then water volume reduces to "trickle" as you move toward hot water then most likely some sediment has gotten in and clogged up the shower valve/cartridge assembly.

This is a single handle shower valve... yes? What name brand shower valve is it? Maybe I can find a spec. sheet so you can see parts before working on the valve... maybe.

Basically, you will need to shut water off, remove trim from around valve and then remove the guts, clean the guts, purge the valve of sediment and then reinstall all in reverse... basically.

Let me know more...

MARK

rayne3rr0r · Jan 8, 2009, 03:52 PM

Well the cold water works just fine and I think it's a two valve system(one knob for hot and another for cold) and I am not sure what brand it is, how do I go about taking this thing apart

massplumber2008 · Jan 8, 2009, 04:05 PM

I have a picture of a 3 handle shower valve... the 3rd handle is just the diverter so ignore it... see picture or link below.

Basically you need to shut water off to valve, then remove the handle and trim around hot side valve and then disassemble unit as you see posted in pic.

After getting stem out you will want to observe the washer on stem as it may have become dislodged or even fallen off the valve... so be careful to look for washer. Then purge water/sediment from valve by pulsing water on for a couple seconds or so, repair stem assembly or may even need to take to a plumbing supply house for parts replacement and then reinstall all...

That should do it... You may or may mot need the handle puller (see picture) here... so try to remove handle first... ;)

Let me know if my valve looks anything like yours once you get the trim off from the hot side...

MARK

rayne3rr0r · Jan 9, 2009, 10:37 AM

Thank you for your help I opened up the shower valve and all this white stuff came out and I cleaned it out and now the hot water is working fine is there any way that I can prevent this in the future?

massplumber2008 · Jan 9, 2009, 12:43 PM

If you have a water heater then you may want to begin POWER FLUSHING the water heater

Here is how Speedball, the most experienced guy around here, suggests you do it:

For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures that are affected if any. Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back together the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom

Tom recommends monthly maintenance... I recommend biyearly... ;) I say you decide... more often will certainly increase the life of your water heater!

Good luck.

MARK