shower valve installation causing hot/cold water mixing

[toml]

We recently experienced a problem with insufficient hot water from our gas water heater. We discovered that the problem was caused by a shower valve that had just been installed as part of a bathroom remodel project. The mixing valve body was installed without the internal cartridge, which allowed hot and cold water to mix, resulting in only lukewarm or variable water temps at different faucets throughout the house. The contractor who did the installation said that leaving out the cartridge until other work is completed is standard procedure, and should not have resulted in the problem. The cartridge was installed which immediately corrected the problem.


Has anyone ever heard of this practice?

 

[lscotese]

I'm not a professional plumber, but this seems like somebody goofed and won't admit it.

 

[bbp]

Delta tub/shower valves dont come with the cartridge, they come with the trim. They do have a plug that is installed in either port so that h/c dont mix,removed at trim.

 

[toml]

thanks. It is a Delta brand valve and included the cartridge. It also came with a "reusable test plug" that is designed to "... prevent cross flow... before the cartridge is installed." Needless to say it was not installed. Should have read the installation instructions myself and micro-managed the contractor.

 

[RenewDave]

Plumber should of caught that. We always check and doublecheck with the delta valve.