single handle shower faucet no hot water

How To Fix Single Handle Shower Faucet No Hot Water

Nothing is more irritating than getting set for a relaxing hot bath, only to realize you’re in the middle of a chilly shower. You won’t wish to endure a cold shower in the morning or during winter- and that’s why this piece explores the subject of a single-handle shower faucet with no hot water. 

If nothing seems to heat up, it’s likely that the water heater has been running excessively and requires some rest. However, if the hot water shower suddenly becomes cold, there might be an issue with the unit itself. 

Setting an anti-scald device too high and a malfunctioned shower mixer valve could also be why you no longer have hot water from the single-handle shower faucet. 

Hot showers, according to Healthline, can help you deal with persistent respiratory difficulties, clean up blemishes, and general relaxation. 

Additionally, unlike cold showers, hot showers do not shock you in the morning, which is a valid argument for many individuals. 

How To Repair A Single handle Shower Faucet: No Hot Water

If you’ve noted a shortage of hot water in the shower, maybe the problem isn’t with your water heater. But, it could be stemming from the faucet itself. Single-handle shower setups (unlike those with distinct hot and cold handles) contain internal cartridges linked to valves. 

The valves combine water from your supplies to match your preferred temperature. 

Therefore, this mechanism, just like every other plumbing, might experience a few typical issues. Here is what you can do to remedy these faults and reclaim your hot shower. 

1. Cut Off The Water Supply

Some faucets feature water stop valves built within the faucet. Use a big, slotted screwdriver to turn the valves, and then empty the excess water from the plumbing by running your shower. 

NOTE: If you have a closed hot water stop valve, try opening it to see if it fixes the problem. 

If you can’t identify any stop valves, you’ll have to cut off the water supply to the house through the water main. After shutting off the shower, drain the pipes till no water remains. 

2. Remove the Faucet Handle

Use the screwdriver to remove the plastic cover at the end of the faucet handle. Find the screw inside the hole, loosen it with a Phillips screwdriver, and remove it with the handle. 

Detach the metal sleeve and loosen the backing plate. Place these on a towel and lay them in the correct sequence for subsequent reinstallation.

To remove the handle, undo the nut with the wrench and slip it off in the same manner.

3. Adjust the Temperature Limit Stop

A temperature limiter (also known as a rotation limit stop) is a device on single-handle shower faucets that restricts the handle’s rotation to the “max” heat setting. You can adjust it if your water isn’t hot like you want it. 

After removing the faucet handle, you’ll find a plastic disk and sleeve that you’ll need to slide out. To optimize the hot temperature, draw the limit stop towards you and turn it to the left. 

Stay within a suitable range so that the limit stop can close and return to its original position. 

When you complete this, push the limit stop back to close and replace the limiter. Restart your water supply and test the modification.

If this does not solve your problem, shut off the water, drain the pipes once more, and proceed with the subsequent procedures. 

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4. Remove The Cartridge

Check that the cartridge isn’t the cause of your single-handle shower faucet with no hot water. Withdraw the temperature regulator once again, then use needle-nose pliers to remove the retention clip that keeps the cartridge in place. 

Getting the cartridge from its slot can be challenging. So, reattach the faucet handle to the stem and pull it loose. 

If that fails, you can get specialized tools from relevant providers meant for such cases. In addition, taking a photograph or a note of the cartridge’s orientation before removing it would be brilliant. 

You must install the previous cartridge or the new one the same way. 

5. Examine The Old Cartridge

Examine the cartridge for damages, hard water sediments, or debris that may be impeding hot water from flowing. 

Cleaning cartridges might be arduous. However, if you like to save some bucks, you can do it yourself.

Before restoring this piece, shake it vigorously. If it doesn’t sound like you’re shaking a spray paint can, you probably jammed the balance spool. 

You may try to solve the problem yourself, but it’ll probably be faster to buy and put in a new cartridge. 

6. Replace The Cartridge

Ensure that the new cartridge you purchase matches the shower faucet model. Now, replace it in the valve using the same configuration as the old one. 

Replace the retaining clip, then the temperature restriction, if applicable.

7. Replace The Faucet Handle

Test the outcome of your repair by reopening the water valves on your faucet or the water source. If hot water jets out of the single-handle shower faucet, replace the faucet handle and secure it. 

If you still have no hot water, consider hiring a professional. 

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FAQ on Single Handle Shower Faucet No Hot Water

1. Why Would One Shower Not Have Hot Water?

You are probably not getting sufficient hot water from the shower because of a broken mixing valve. The rubber parts in the mixing valves wear out over time and demand replacement. 

2. How Do I Adjust The Water Temperature On A Single Handle Shower Valve?

Pull the cartridge out by gripping the front of it. Rotate it counter clockwise toward the hot side to raise the maximum temperature. 

Rotate it in the opposite direction to lower the temperature. When you release go, it should click into place. 

3. Why Is My Shower Cold But The Taps Hot?

A shower mixing valve regulates shower temperature by combining cold and hot water. However, the valves can wear out, fail, or be installed wrongly, resulting in unpleasant shower temperatures.

4. How Do I Make My Single Handle Shower Faucet Hotter?

Some taps have two tiny modification screws beneath the handle. The screw on the right regulates cold water, while the one on the right regulates hot water. 

To raise the temperature of the water, turn the cold water screw clockwise or rotate the hot water screw anticlockwise. 

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5. Why Is My Water Getting Warm But Not Hot?

Sediment can accumulate at the base of the tank with time. You will most likely find the burner at the bottom of the tank. 

It implies that sediment in this area would cause your water heater to heat slowly or inefficiently. 

The slow and inefficient heating would result in tepid instead of hot water. You can, however, correct this by draining the tank and using a water softener. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this piece about a single-handle shower faucet with no hot water has answered your questions and provided practical steps to troubleshoot your shower faucet issue.

You can reread the procedure outlined here so you can DIY and save the money you would incur by hiring a professional. 

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