No Hot Water from Single Handle Shower Faucet? DIY Repairs to Try Before Calling a Plumber
Is your single handle shower faucet suddenly only putting out cold water? Don't panic. In many cases, this frustrating problem can be fixed with some simple DIY troubleshooting and repairs before you need to call a plumber.
In this post, we'll walk through the most common causes of a single handle shower failing to get hot and show you step-by-step how to get the hot water flowing again on your own.
Cause 1: Clogged Showerhead or Pipes
One of the most common reasons a shower faucet won't get hot is because mineral deposits from the water have built up and clogged the showerhead or pipes leading to the shower. Over time, these minerals can restrict water flow and prevent the hot water from reaching your shower.
Here's how to check and fix a clogged showerhead or pipes:
- Remove the showerhead and inspect it for mineral buildup. Soak it in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for a few hours to dissolve any deposits.
- Use a wire brush or pipe cleaner to scrub out the shower arm and any visible pipes leading to the shower.
- For tough clogs further down the pipes, use a drain auger or plumber's snake to clear out the pipes.
Once any clogs are cleared, reinstall the showerhead and test the water. The increased water flow should allow hot water to reach the showerhead once again.
Cause 2: Faulty Shower Cartridge
The cartridge inside a single handle shower faucet controls the flow and blending of hot and cold water. If this cartridge becomes dirty, worn out, or damaged, it can stop functioning properly and fail to mix in hot water.
About 70% of single handle shower hot water issues are caused by a faulty cartridge, so there's a good chance replacing it will restore hot water.
Cause 3: Restricted Hot Water Supply
Problems beyond the shower faucet itself can also prevent hot water from reaching your showerhead. Here are some issues to check related to your home's hot water supply:
Low Water Pressure
Check the water pressure gauge on your home's main water line. Pressure should be in the 50-80 PSI range. If it's lower than that, the flow rate may not be strong enough to push the hot water through to the shower.
Consider installing a booster pump to increase water pressure if it is too low.
Water Heater Malfunction
Make sure your water heater isn't the culprit. Check that the pilot light is on and that the temperature dial is actually turned up hot enough.
If the water heater isn't igniting or heating water properly, call a technician to inspect and fix it.
Long Distance from Water Heater
If the shower faucet is located very far from the water heater in your home, it can take a while for hot water to travel that distance. Cooler water may reach your shower first.
Installing a hot water recirculating pump can help push hot water through to a distant shower more quickly.
Cause 4: Temperature Limit Stop Set Too Low
Many shower faucets have a temperature limiting device built in for safety. This limit stop prevents the handle from turning the water too hot to avoid scalding.
If your shower used to get very hot, but now the limit stop is preventing it from getting above lukewarm, follow these steps:
- Locate the temperature limit stop device. It's usually on the underside of the faucet body.
- Adjust the setting counterclockwise to allow a higher maximum temperature.
- Test the water temperature to ensure it gets sufficiently hot, but not scalding.
Opening the limit stop valve more can restore hotter water while still keeping it safely below scalding temperatures.
Prevent Future Problems
Once you get your shower faucet working and providing hot water again, take steps to prevent these issues going forward:
- Clean showerhead and inspect cartridge annually.
- Consider installing water filter to reduce mineral buildup.
- Insulate hot water pipes to minimize cooling before reaching shower.
- Set limit stop at safe maximum temperature for your household.
Taking preventative maintenance steps will help avoid losing hot water from your shower in the future.
When to Call a Plumber
If you've tried all the DIY troubleshooting steps but are still unable to get hot water from your shower faucet, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. A plumber can diagnose issues within your home's plumbing system that may be causing the problem.
Signs it's time to call for plumbing assistance:
- No hot water anywhere in your home, not just the shower.
- Significant loss of water pressure.
- Leaking pipes or water spots on walls or ceiling.
- Low rumbling noises from pipes.
Major plumbing problems affecting your entire home's hot water supply or drainage will require a plumber to inspect and repair.
Don't endure frustratingly cold showers because your single handle faucet won't get hot. In many cases, the cause is something you can easily fix yourself without waiting for a plumber.
Start by checking for clogged shower parts, a bad cartridge, or issues with your home's hot water system. Adjusting a faulty limit stop can also do the trick.
Our step-by-step guide walks you through the common culprits and DIY repairs to try yourself. A little bit of troubleshooting could have you enjoying hot showers again in no time.