On the other hand, problems with your water heater could be affecting your water pressure. It can even make it difficult to achieve the desired result from your shower. This is another problem that needs to be dealt with promptly to preserve your desired showering experience.
Low Water Pressure Can Ruin A Shower Experience
Have you ever experienced taking a shower and felt like the water pressure was too low? You may have felt there was insufficient water flowing and you were not getting cleaned properly. You feel extremely upset and want to do something about it. What may be the cause of the problem, and what can you do to fix it? There are several reasons why a shower may not have enough water pressure.
Firstly, sometimes the showerhead becomes blocked by mineral deposits caused by hard water. The valve might be partly open or blocked. Or there might be a general plumbing problem-corroded pipes or a leak. Or the problem might be much further back-perhaps there is a problem with the incoming water or a faulty pressure regulator.
To diagnose the problem, you must first check the shower head for mineral deposits. Make sure the problem is isolated to the shower and not the whole house. Check your home’s shut-off valve to make sure it is all the way open. A constricted pipe leading up to your shower might be the culprit, but you must call a plumber for a pipe inspection. After these things have been checked, if it turns out that any of them cause the problem, then the water pressure should be back to normal with some minor shower repairs.
No Hot Water in My Shower
The lack of hot water in a shower is a common problem – the main reason is the broken water heater. In the worst case, it is a broken heating element, but the problem can also occur due to a faulty thermostat or the pilot light in gas heaters. The water heater tank can also be a problem if there is sediment buildup. The shower valve may have a problem if it does not mix the hot and cold water properly – in some cases, the valve needs replacing. If the water pressure is too low, the problem lies in the valve. Check the thermostat to ensure it’s in good working order. If your water heater is the culprit to your hot water issue, have it repaired or replaced. If you need shower repairs, call Big B’s Plumbing.
What Happens When a Thermostatic Valve Fails?
A thermostatic valve, also known as a mixing valve, prevents the water temperature from going warmer or cooler than the pre-set temperature and allows each individual to make temperature adjustments. Pre-selecting a water temperature also offers an efficient use of water. Another advantage of thermostatic shower valves’ high flow rates is that they are suitable for most shower applications. Below is what happens when a thermostatic valve fails:
Scalding or Freezing Cold Water
If your thermostatic valve is working properly, you should be able to control the temperature of your shower water-cold on the left, hot on the right. If not, it would be a good idea to have it calibrated. In most cases, you should be able to do this yourself to achieve the desired temperature. If an adjustment does not result in the desired outcome, it might be time for a professional to take a peek. So, if your valve shower only provides extremely hot or cold water, you need a new thermostatic valve.
Plumbing Leaks
A leaky shower mixing valve is usually caused by a cracked or corroded component. You’ll know you have one if you see puddling where water doesn’t belong outside your shower. In this case, a plumber will most likely find a leak in the valve and replace it ASAP. They’ll find the appropriate part for your model, install it, and your shower will be back up and running.
Shower Repairs May Include a Bad Diverter Valve
A bad diverter valve could wreak havoc on a shower, allowing water to flow in multiple directions instead of going in the single direction in which you really want it to flow. If any of the following apply to you, you probably need a new shower diverter valve:
Water Around the Bathtub
If your shower diverter valve fails, you’ll also notice moisture and water buildup around the bathtub and under the tub floor. The bathtub is often located next to the shower and accessible from the same showerhead. If there’s a leak in or under your tub, check for a defective valve and call a professional plumber for help.
Low Water Pressure
When your shower diverter valve isn’t working properly, the water pressure from the shower will be very low. This valve regulates the water flow to direct it to the desired sprayer(s). If you don’t have the right amount of pressure, it will be hard to take a shower as the water will not be strong enough to rinse off.
Pressure Switching From Shower to Bath
Another frequent problem with the diverter valve is that it feels like a lot of pressure is required to switch it from the tub to the showerhead or vice versa. If you have difficulty moving your diverter valve, check the gasket and seal surrounding it. A loose gasket can cause the valve to resist moving in either direction.
Valve Starts Making Noise
If this valve starts to make noise while running, it’s time to replace it. If the noise is a clicking sound or continuous tapping, it may indicate that the control valve is under pressure. This can cause it to get stuck and not work properly. Call Big B’s Plumbing for all your shower repairs.
No Hot Water in My Shower
The lack of hot water in a shower is a common problem – the main reason is the broken water heater. In the worst case, it is a broken heating element, but the problem can also occur due to a faulty thermostat or the pilot light in gas heaters. The water heater tank can also be a problem if there is sediment buildup. The shower valve may have a problem if it does not mix the hot and cold water properly – in some cases, the valve needs replacing. If the water pressure is too low, the problem lies in the valve. Check the thermostat to ensure it’s in good working order. If your water heater is the culprit to your hot water issue, have it repaired or replaced. If you need shower repairs, call Big B’s Plumbing.
Slow-Moving or Clogged Drain in My Shower
We’ve all experienced a slow-moving or clogged shower drain. These drains start backing up when bathroom products like soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, and conditioner mix with phlegm and skin cells. A living bacteria called biofilm, often called black slime, develops. It adheres to the walls of your pipes and collects hair, eventually creating a hairball. That’s how the slow-moving drain starts. Homeowners can prevent clogged or slow-moving drains by using a drain cover and adding a monthly drain maintenance. You can purchase a drain maintenance at your local home center. You can also pour a kettle of hot water down your drain once a week. The scaling hot water keeps biofilm from growing.
Rancho Bernardo Shower Repairs from Big B’s Plumbing
Shower repairs in Rancho Bernardo can be crucial to keeping your bathroom in good condition and working order. From valve repair and replacement to reasons why you might have no hot water or low water pressure, these are common problems that can easily be identified and solved to keep you showering in comfort and enjoy your time in the bathroom. Anyone living at Rancho Bernardo should always keep an eye out for any reason your shower might take a turn for the worst. Big B’s Plumbing is ready to put your shower repairs to rest. Call and get the service you deserve.