Water for my shower is too hot!
#1
01-02-07, 07:01 PM
Water for my shower is too hot!
I hope someone here can help me, and I hope I placed this in the right subforum. I've been living in this apartment complex for a little over a year now. In the past few weeks, my shower started acting rather funny. The water for the shower is either really hot or really cold. I can't seem to get the water to a warm comfortable level. When the water goes from cold to hot during a shower, it makes this low pitched "clunking" noise for a few seconds. The warm water works for all other sinks in my apartment. Anyone know what might be wrong with my shower? Thanks for any help!
Last edited by calh22a; 01-02-07 at 09:03 PM.
#2
01-03-07, 05:31 AM
Do you by any chance have an on-demand hot water heater? I had a similar problem years ago with a unit that was improperly installed. The unit worked fine for most applications, but the high demand of the shower caused it to overheat and then automatically shut off. (First too hot, then clunk, then nothing.) I had to point a fan it the unit each time I took a shower, to keep it drom overheating.
#4
01-03-07, 12:25 PM
Well, the water stays hot indefinately, so I don't think its due to overheating. Thanks for the suggestion though.
I've been calling maintenance, and he keeps on saying that its not a problem with my shower but rather somewhere in the building. I have a feeling he doesn't know whats wrong or what to do.
I've been calling maintenance, and he keeps on saying that its not a problem with my shower but rather somewhere in the building. I have a feeling he doesn't know whats wrong or what to do.
#5
01-03-07, 04:34 PM
Super Moderator
calh22a,
If it is only the shower that does this I wonder if you are having a problem with the taps themselves.
If the cartridges or washers are loose you could experience this.
Can you move the handles when the water is running?
If it is only the shower that does this I wonder if you are having a problem with the taps themselves.
If the cartridges or washers are loose you could experience this.
Can you move the handles when the water is running?
#6
01-04-07, 11:06 AM
I can move the handle while the water is running, but it doesn't really change the temperature much. It's either really hot or really cold. I am able to get somewhat warm water for maybe 5 seconds then it'll change to hot or cold.
#7
01-14-07, 12:13 AM
I am having exactly the same problem. We have even put in a new hot water system, and the problem is still there. No matter how much i adjust the cold water tap, it doens't change the temperature. Then at some point, the water suddenly goes cold. To get it hot again, i need to turn the cold water tap almost completely off before it will have an effect. Let me kow if you find a solution. I will keep looking myself.
#8
01-14-07, 12:24 AM
Member
A scald guard shower faucet should be installed. This prevents scalding during sudden water pressure drops. If a tenant is scalded, then it could potentially pose a liability issue on the part of the landlord. The maintenance man has already stated that it is a problem somewhere in the building. If he does not know what to do, tell him that you want a scald guard shower faucet installed ASAP. While showering, an unusual demand on cold water can make shower water turn hot. This can be caused by someone flushing the toilet or washer filling up in a residence. High demand for cold water in multi-residential buildings can cause hot water temperature to rise while in the shower. Scald guards are highly recommended for these situations for safety reasons, especially if there are children in the shower.
#9
01-14-07, 12:32 AM
I'm actually having this problem in a stand-alone house. The cold water tap is completely non-responsive up until a certain point. Then it suddenly goes freezing, or vice-versa. The problem doesn't seem to be related to use anywhere else in the house.
#10
01-14-07, 01:02 AM
Member
Generally, fluctuation in shower water temperatures is due to changes in water pressure due to demand in other areas of the home. However, sometimes mineral buildup in lines affect water temperature as the debris moves and blocks water. There could be a problem with the diverter or the valve. Sometimes faulty plumbing is to blame. Pay particular attention the next time the water temperature changes if someone is running water, flushing, or clothes or dishwashers are running.
You indicate that you put in a 'new hot water system.' Does this mean a new hot water heater or that you installed new plumbing?
Consider faucet and shower head systems with pressure regulating valves that will prevent sudden temperature change.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/bath/article/0,16417,218723,00.html
You indicate that you put in a 'new hot water system.' Does this mean a new hot water heater or that you installed new plumbing?
Consider faucet and shower head systems with pressure regulating valves that will prevent sudden temperature change.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/bath/article/0,16417,218723,00.html
