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Plumbing thread: Showers in townhouse don't get hot

T

tnitsuj

Diamond Member
Anyone have any idea what would cause the showers in a townhouse (three level, with showers on top floor) not to get hot. They get kind of lukewarm/cold but the hot water does not seem to really kick in. Funny thing is, the sinks in the same bathrooms work fine, nice hot water.

The water heater looks okay, the hot water pipe is hot, the temp is turned up..but the showers never heat up.

Ideas?
 
Sounds like the pipes might need insulation.

Although, if you say the pipe is hot, perhaps the valve is screwed over?
 
Is the hot water heater gas or electric? Once I saw a gas hot water heater where the draw from the shower wasn't enough to make it kick on..you had to turn on the faucet as well, then turn it off once the heater kicked on.

If that isn't it, try tracing the hot water lines to the shower. Maybe they have a long, uninsulated section which is losing all the heat?
 
Originally posted by: Kalvin00
Sounds like the pipes might need insulation.

Although, if you say the pipe is hot, perhaps the valve is screwed over?
Click to expand...

I was talking about the hot water pipe at the water heater that appears to go up. It is very hot. I have no access to the pipes that feed the showers.
 
is the hot actually connected to the shower? you may not believe it, but I've seen 2 different plumbers hook up cold to both sides on two different jobs
 
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
is the hot actually connected to the shower? you may not believe it, but I've seen 2 different plumbers hook up cold to both sides on two different jobs
Click to expand...

It must be at least partially hooked up. The water gets at least lukewarm.
 
If your showers have a single knob (a scald-proof design) for both warm and cold water, there could be two things happening:

1) The hot water adjuster is set too low. This regulates the maximum amount of hot water allowed and is usually adjusted via a small screw inside the face plate.

2) The scald-proof valve has a problem. This is a neat little device inside the tub knob that prevents you from getting scalded if, for instance, you suddenly lose cold water pressure (flush a toilet, etc). If you have hard water, the hot water inlet in this valve could be almost completely blocked with lime deposits. If it is, you can remove it and soak it in some vinegar overnight to dissolve the deposits or you can buy a new valve.

 
Yes, it is a scald proof single knob design. I am assuming I have to figure out how to cut off the water to the showers before I do what you suggested?
 
Originally posted by: jagec
Is the hot water heater gas or electric? Once I saw a gas hot water heater where the draw from the shower wasn't enough to make it kick on..you had to turn on the faucet as well, then turn it off once the heater kicked on.

If that isn't it, try tracing the hot water lines to the shower. Maybe they have a long, uninsulated section which is losing all the heat?
Click to expand...

'kick on' ? the tank should be full of hot water already.... 😕
 
For #1, you don't have to turn the water off. Most knobs have a little plastic cap in the front that you can pop off with a screwdriver. Beneath that is a screw that holds the knob on. Remove the knob. Under that you'll see the hot water adjuster. It's a real simple fix...won't take more than 2 minutes.

For #2, you'll need to turn the water off and take the whole knob apart. Depending on the design, you might need to remove the whole knob assembly from the shower/tub in order to get to it. The scald-proof valve is a long cylindrical thingie inside. Google might turn up some pictures to give you an idea of what you're looking for.

If you have to remove the knob assembly completely, make sure you apply some plumber's putty behind the knob facing before reattaching it to your tub. Only apply it to the top half. This will keep water from seeping back behind it and rotting your wall (the reason you leave the bottom half "unputtied" is so that any water that does get back there can drain out).
 
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