Problems with your bathroom faucet and shower valve
You might not think about shower valves as an important part of your bathroom plumbing, but they play a major role in your shower’s performance. Shower valves can adjust water flow, pressure, and temperature. Four Seasons Plumbing can help you return your shower to normal if you’ve ever turned on the water and found your shower experience didn’t live up to your usual standards. Find out when you should replace your shower valve, as well as how to do it.
What Is A Shower Valve?
Shower valves are part of the plumbing inside your shower. You’ll find them inside the handle of your shower in most modern homes. They come in a variety of different types.
In showers, sinks, and commercial restroom faucets, pressure balancing valves are installed. Although their name sounds like they handle water pressure, pressure balancing valves also control the water temperature that exits the shower or faucet. A pressure balancing valve adjusts the pressure of water when it changes. This valve monitors a consistent ratio of warm and cool water.
Thermostatic valves also maintain water temperature. With a thermostatic valve, you don’t need to adjust the heat every time you get in the shower, since it sets the temperature of the water at a predetermined temperature. You can set your thermostatic valve to always produce piping hot water if you take a hot shower every morning.
In a combination bath/shower, the diverter valve is what sends the water from the tub spout up to the showerhead, and it will also send the water back from the showerhead to the tub spout when the tub is being used.
Other Important Shower Parts
As important as shower valves are to the operation of your shower, they are not the only important part of your shower. Unfortunately, problems with these other components can often be confused with problems with shower valves.
In modern showers, valve cartridges are frequently installed. Symptoms of valve cartridge problems are very similar to those of a main shower valve. Cartridge faucets have small holes that regulate water flow between the valve and the faucet.
A shower shutoff valve is also closely related to a shower valve. Your shower has two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. If one of these valves becomes clogged or corroded, high water pressure could be experienced in your shower.
Common shower valve problems
In the shower, the shower valve sets the water temperature, maintains water pressure, and sends water from your tub spout to your shower. The following problems can be diagnosed and solved by shower hardware from Four Seasons Plumbing if you are having problems with shower temperature, pressure, or basic water flow.
Wear and tear
Regular use will eventually cause your shower valve to stop working. Valve seals can wear out, causing leaks over time. Valve bearings can wear out, affecting valve function and causing temperature changes.
When your shower valve wears out, you may need to repair it. Old homes with old plumbing and large families often have this problem. Four Seasons Plumbing will install a new valve quickly to solve this problem.
The shower knob doesn’t turn
You should repair your shower if it is hard to turn on. A knob or handle that is hard to turn can be an indication that your shower valve has fallen out of alignment. This issue may be caused by corrosion, damage, or other issues. The problem should be addressed immediately to prevent it from getting worse.
Leaky shower heads
It is common to notice leaking or dripping shower heads as signs of plumbing problems. Your showerhead might leak after you shut the water off, or it might leak continuously. If your shower valve leaks, it often means that it is losing its seal, so it can no longer stop the water. Initially, leaks may seem like small annoyances, but they can be the beginning of a much larger and more costly issue.
A leaking shower can also be caused by a malfunctioning valve cartridge. Contact Four Seasons Plumbing if your shower is dripping. We can identify the problem and restore your shower to its normal functionality.
Changing water temperature or pressure
A sudden change in water temperature and pressure can ruin any shower. It can be uncomfortable whether the water is too hot or too cold. A change in water pressure can be caused by several factors. Your shower valve could have developed build-up that interferes with hot and cold water ratio. The plumbing may be suffering from general wear and tear. Water heaters are sometimes the source of the problem.
Whenever you experience changes in water pressure or temperature, call Four Seasons Plumbing to inspect the issue. We can help you determine if the issue is with your valve, water heater, or other component.
Learn More About Your Shower Valve
Shower valves are a vital component of your bathroom plumbing. Fontana Showers can help identify and resolve any issues with your shower valve, as these parts are hidden within your shower wall. We’ll be happy to solve your shower problems if you’re experiencing any of these problems or any other unusual performance. We’ll be happy to assist you.
