Water Pressure in shower?

[bigdog]

Having water pressure issue in bathroom shower? Also experiencing
hot/cold water flucuations when shower handle turned to hot?

Background....
I live in a condo complex. Condos water supplied by private wells with pumps.
Water pressure ok in all sinks and tubs.

Could my issue be the mixing valve to the water control handle?
If so, is this mixing valve easy to replace or do I need to hire a plumber for replacement.

[thinkxingu]

Yes, it's a mixing valve issue if the other sinks/tubs are fine. User-replaceability depends on unit and user ability. Check for access--if it's near impossible to get to, call a plumber. Ya know what? Call a plumber anyway, because nothing ever goes right with plumbing jobs. EVER.

[SteveA]

Yes, it's a mixing valve issue if the other sinks/tubs are fine. User-replaceability depends on unit and user ability. Check for access--if it's near impossible to get to, call a plumber. Ya know what? Call a plumber anyway, because nothing ever goes right with plumbing jobs. EVER.

Truer words were never spoken!!! Call a plumber! :D

[fpartri497]

I would also check the shower head for calcium build up


:D

[thinkxingu]

^ Doesn't account for temperature fluctuations.

[Rusty]

Go for it! It's really not that complicated.

Determine the make of the shower head.

Remove the handle and trim plate. Some handles the screw is under a cap in the front and some the hex head screw is underneath the handle.

Take a picture of the mixing valve assembly.

Go to a plumbing supply store and show them the picture of the valve and they should be able to get you one as well as walk you through taking it out.

You could go to Lowes or Home Depot and do the same thing if they have a good plumbing department clerk there.

[bigdog]

Thanks to all for the great advice, much appreciated !!!

I understand everyone's concerns about plumbing issues, been there done that ! One thing I have learned over the years', is know my limitations :)

If I think the issue at hand is over my head, I call in a professional.
Too often, in my younger years, when I thought I knew it all, I started a project only to get over my head, and have a situation worst off than I started :rolleye1:

Will take a picture of the mixing valve, and bring to Trustworthy Hardware in Laconia. They're my local professional source. At least if they don't have the valve, they should be able to tell me the make/model type, and where I can purchase.....

Over the years, I've made friends in plumbing departments at both Lowes' & Home Depot, who are also in the trade, who I've have hired for small jobs like this.

Will circle back with results, after the fix.

[SIKSUKR]

Most common shower mixing valves have replaceable cartridges. A pretty easy and cheaper fix vs replacing the whole valve. Here is a typical Kohler replacement.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ekwe6bw0cT4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Blue Thunder]

BigDog,

Since you are in a condo development, the first thing I would be looking to find out is how to turn the water supply off to the shower. It might be that others are turned off when you need to make this repair!!!

BT

[ApS]

Yes, it's a mixing valve issue if the other sinks/tubs are fine. User-replaceability depends on unit and user ability. Check for access--if it's near impossible to get to, call a plumber. Ya know what? Call a plumber anyway, because nothing ever goes right with plumbing jobs. EVER.

A radio handyman has said, "Water always wins".

FWIW, Delta faucets have a lifetime warranty, but you'll need to demonstrate the date and place that you bought it—and more specifically—the exact model.

OTOH, they expect their products to be fixed by shipping tiny springs and washers— sometimes they'll send you everything tiny that can fix it—and you'll have to sort them all out.

One of the most frustrating repairs I've done was to a normally reliable brass fitting. As it turned out, the fixture was cut very thin, and apparently didn't appear to be faulty when manufactured. As below, a tiny hole had formed at the seat! :eek2:

[Rusty]

Most common shower mixing valves have replaceable cartridges.A pretty easy and cheaper fix vs replacing the whole valve.Here is a typical Kohler replacement.


That's right, the only thing you will need to replace is the cartridge.
The last Diverter Pressure Balance Cartridge that I replaced was made by American Standard and cost @ $15.00.

Some valves have water shutoffs on each side of the incoming water.

This is the Cartridge that I used: http://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Standard-Pressure-Balance-Unit-for-Single-Control-Tub-Shower-Valve-M952100-0070A/100423146?N=5yc1vZc69rZ5a

[bigdog]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback, much appreciated ! :)

Didn't mention, that my shower is a 'Delta'.
That said, I'm assuming that the parts are common and readily available.
Still TBD...

Will report back to all with results, after repairs have been made.

Bigdog

[SteveO123]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback, much appreciated ! :)

Didn't mention, that my shower is a 'Delta'.
That said, I'm assuming that the parts are common and readily available.
Still TBD...

Will report back to all with results, after repairs have been made.

Bigdog

If you have need any weird parts or have an odd configuration these quys usually have everything you could need. It's where the plumbers go. I've found them a bit "intimidating" at times for me perhaps because they deal with pros who know exactly what they need. So they're not really customer friendly in my opinion. However they will have what you need or can get it. Just a bit "surly". LOL:cool:

They are at 302 Hounsell Ave in Gilford, near the Rte. 107 end.

Good luck!

[bigdog]

Steve0123....

Have been to FW Webb in Gilford and echo your comments about their customer service or lack of....maybe it was the person helping me?

Anyway thanks for the advice.

Bigdog

[Rusty]

Didn't mention, that my shower is a 'Delta'.

Bigdog

Delta cartridges are one of the easiest ones to replace.

This might be the one you have:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tyUaPOBcuLY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>