Hi, my question is when I start my shower I have to put it to almost 50% on the hot side. Then after 5 minutes the water gets colder (Luke warm). Then i turn the knob a little hotter, right after 5 min it gets colder again. What could be the cause of this?
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Jeff Handy
Pro Handyman, NOT A Pro Plumber
Post pics of the shower valve and trim.
And post the brand name if you know it.
And post the brand name if you know it.
Please see the pics
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You don't say anything about your water heater, I would suspect that's where the problem is if it's a dual element electric the bottom element is burned out. Pretty common problem, especially if you have hard water and no softener.
Pretty hard for me to help If you can't get the set screw out, not sure what it looks like. I'm a retired mechanic, I've always been able to get things apart but sometimes it's not pretty! Set screw are usually to hard to drill, I have an impact driver that works sometimes, and sometimes you just have to grind it away. A torch might work, but it needs to be a hot one like and acetylene. Have you tried googling the disassembly procedure for your valve? There are a lot of good videos available. Maybe someone with more experience with your particular valve can give you some better advise, good luck!
Furry Orca
Active Member
Is it just the shower? Have you checked all other faucets to see if you experience the same issue?
Furry Orca
Active Member
I had this same problem, a seized set screw, and ended up having to cut the handle and get a new one. It was the only way I could get to the leaking valve. Before you do that though, make sure you test all the other faucets to make sure this issue is just with the shower. I've never had a shower valve malfunction in this way before, so I find it hard to fathom it's the shower valve.
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remove handle, look behind it. you should be looking at a plastic gear looking thing with a tab
with small screwdriver or needlenose. pull the gear out and rotate it
I THINK. LOL Guessing here. rotate it left this is the hot limit
put handle back on and see if you rotated the correct way
with small screwdriver or needlenose. pull the gear out and rotate it
I THINK. LOL Guessing here. rotate it left this is the hot limit
put handle back on and see if you rotated the correct way
Is there a brand name on that large round face place. under the handle
That’s a Moen. I wouldn’t change the valve at all.
What I can’t tell is if it’s a posi temp or an older style with a balancing spool
To turn on the water, do you pull the handle out, or just turn it to the left?
If you pull out the handle to activate the water, you need a balancing soool to correct your problem.
If you just turn the handle, you need a 1222B cartridge. If that doesn’t solve your issue it could be more of an issue with your water heater not keeping up with the volume
What I can’t tell is if it’s a posi temp or an older style with a balancing spool
To turn on the water, do you pull the handle out, or just turn it to the left?
If you pull out the handle to activate the water, you need a balancing soool to correct your problem.
If you just turn the handle, you need a 1222B cartridge. If that doesn’t solve your issue it could be more of an issue with your water heater not keeping up with the volume
