There is nothing more irritating than having to endure a shower with inconsistent temperatures. There is no time of day during which this problem is easier to handle.
After all, after a long day, a hot shower is just the thing you need to relax. But your morning can easily get off on the wrong foot when the shower temperatures are too cold or too hot. If you’ve experienced this issue in your home, below you will see seven things you can do to fix the problem before calling an expert for your home.
1. Check the Shower Valve
First, you can start by checking the shower valve. Sometimes the mechanism that controls the temperatures begins to malfunction and requires a malfunction. Check it out to see how it appears in its spot. You may need to read the manufacturer’s manual for that shower valve to ensure that it is installed and functioning properly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumber who will find the source of your problem with ease.
2. Inspect the Water Heater
If you’ve checked the shower valve and found it in good order, you may also consider checking the water heater. Sometimes its temperature settings need to be adjusted to be within the appropriate range (120-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Low-temperature settings contribute to inconsistencies in your temperatures. Sometimes the water heater itself just needs to be replaced if it is too old.
3. Flush the Water Heater
Over time, water heaters develop an accumulation of sediment that must be flushed out. This can be done by following these easy steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the water heater
- Open a faucet nearby to release excess pressure
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and put the other end outside or in a nearby drain
- Drain the tank by opening the valve
- Disconnect the hose
- Restore the water supply and refill the water tank
4. Check for Cross-Connections
Sometimes the cross-connections are improperly connected which creates the problem of inconsistent temperatures in the shower and other water sources throughout the home. You will need to check all of them as there are multiple throughout the system.
5. Install Pressure Balancing Valves
If you are experiencing inconsistent water temperatures, you can also try installing pressure-balancing valves that help maintain the appropriate water temperatures. This will help balance the water pressure and regulate temperatures even when there are changes in other parts of the system.
6. Insulate Hot Water Pipes
You can also try insulating your hot water pipes which will help them retain the heat and thereby maintain those hot water temperatures. This is especially useful if you live in a colder climate or if you know your pipes are a bit older.
7. Monitor Usage Patterns
Be mindful of the time of day you’re using the shower and what other appliances are being used that require water. Simultaneous usage of water sources can disrupt the water temperatures in your house. For example, if you shower at the same time as someone else, you may experience colder temperatures.
Call Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration Today
If you went through all of these tips and didn’t get to the bottom of the problem, call us today to have an expert take a look. Our plumbers will provide an efficient restoration to your water temperatures and allow you to get back to enjoying those showers again.
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