19 Jan. 22
Cold Water Not Coming out of the Shower
If there’s anything worse than a cold shower, it’s a scalding hot shower! If no matter how hard you turn the handle, your shower only sprays hot water, it’s time to investigate the inner workings of your shower. A lack of cold water in the shower could indicate faulty parts within the shower faucet. If your shower has a single-lever control, the cartridge that houses the pressure-balancing valve will most likely need to be replaced.
If that sounds like a daunting task, don’t worry because the helpful team at Oxford Plumber is here to guide you through the replacement process. Furthermore, the team is always available if you’d rather save yourself the hassle by delegating the task to the professionals.
Why Is There No Cold Water in My Shower?
First and foremost, it is critical to identify the source of the problem by determining whether the issue is limited to a single shower. If there is no cold water throughout the house, it is possible that a shutoff valve in the main water supply line was accidentally turned off. If this is the case, simply turn the valve back on and resume showering as usual.
If you discover that other faucets in the house do have cold water, the problem is most likely a faulty pressure-balancing valve, and you will need to either replace the valve cartridge yourself or call a professional plumber to get the job done.
Why Is My Pressure-Balancing Valve Malfunctioning?
The pressure-balancing valve on a faucet serves two functions:
- To control the water pressure
- To control the amount of hot and cold water that flows from the faucet or showerhead.
Mineral buildup or corrosion can reduce the cartridge’s effectiveness over time. This is particularly problematic if the shower isn’t used on a regular basis. The procedure for replacing the valve cartridge is not difficult; however, it does necessitate the disassembly of the faucet. The most difficult part of the job for many DIYers is removing the old cartridge. The good news is that you can always call on the experts at Emergency Plumber Oxford at any point in the process if you’d rather let trained technicians take over from here.
What You Need to Replace a Shower Cartridge
Before you begin removing and installing the shower cartridge, you will need to purchase a new one from your local hardware store. To get a good fit, it’s critical to choose the right style. Bring the old cartridge with you to the store to ensure you get the correct replacement. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to buy one while you’re at the store.
The following tools are required for the replacement job:
- screwdrivers with Phillips and flat heads
- Puller for cartridges
- Allen key wrenches
- Needlenose pliers
- Silicone or plumber’s grease
- Pliers for locking
How to Replace a Failed Shower Cartridge in 10 Easy Steps
Turn off the shower’s water supply. Cover the shower drain with a cloth to completely block it, preventing small components from falling into the drain as you work.
By removing the screws, you can remove the shower handle and any metal covers. Hold the handle in place and lift it away from the stem; you may need to tap it to get it to come off.
Take a photo of the faucet’s internal components for quick reference during the reassembly process.
Remove all components from the faucet structure.
Using a commercial cleaning solution, remove any existing build-up.
Pull out the retainer clip with the needle-nose pliers.
To remove the cartridge, use the cartridge puller.
Use the plumber’s grease or silicone product to install the new cartridge.
Replace all faucet parts, including the valve stem and retainer clip, using the photo as a guide.
After you’ve installed a new shower cartridge, turn on the water supply and test it to ensure you’re getting the desired balanced ratio of hot and cold water.