Imagine stepping into a refreshing shower, only to be blasted with lukewarm (or worse, scorching hot) water. No fun, right? A lack of cold water in your shower can be frustrating.
But before you resign yourself to scalding showers, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take.
Is It Just Your Shower?
Before diving into the shower itself, let’s see if the problem is more widespread. Turn on cold water faucets in other sinks and bathtubs around your house. If none of them have cold water, the issue might lie with your main water supply.
Check the Main Water Supply
The culprit could be a simple oversight. Locate your main water shutoff valve, typically found in the basement near the water meter. Check if the valve is accidentally turned off. If it is, carefully turn it back on following the direction of the handle (usually counter-clockwise to open).
Check the Pressure Balancing Valve
If cold water flows freely elsewhere, the problem is likely isolated to your shower. The most common cause is a faulty pressure-balancing valve. This valve regulates both water pressure and temperature, ensuring a comfortable and safe showering experience. With age and mineral buildup, these valves can malfunction.
Fixing the Shower Valve (DIY with Caution!)
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, you can attempt to replace the pressure-balancing valve cartridge yourself. Here’s a quick rundown (remember, safety first! Always turn off the water supply to the shower before starting):
- Gather your tools: You’ll need basic tools like a screwdriver, pliers, and possibly a cartridge puller (depending on your shower model).
- Safety first: Shut off the water supply valve dedicated to your shower.
- Replace the cartridge: Take pictures of the disassembled parts for reference during reassembly. Remove the shower handle and cover, clean any mineral buildup, replace the cartridge with a compatible one, and reassemble the faucet.
Remember: This is a general overview. Consult your shower’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your model.
When to Call in the Professionals: Perfect Price Plumbing is Here to Help
If you’re not comfortable tackling this repair yourself, or if the problem persists after replacing the cartridge, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.
Perfect Price Plumbing is here to help! Our experienced and licensed plumbers can diagnose the issue quickly and get your shower back in perfect working order. We offer competitive rates and prioritize your comfort and safety.
So don’t suffer through another scorching shower! Contact Perfect Price Plumbing today and get back to enjoying refreshing showers with both hot and cold water.