Discovering there’s no hot water when you take a shower is bad enough, but when your shower won’t get cold and you’re stuck with scalding-hot water, it’s even worse.
Fortunately, a quick plumbing repair can usually resolve this relatively common problem. Learn about the possible causes of no cold water in the shower and what you can do to fix it in your home.
Possible Causes of No Cold Water & Troubleshooting
- Pressure-balance valve: Determine if this problem is confined to the shower. If it is, the pressure-balance valve is likely the issue.
- Main water shutoff valve: Check your kitchen and bathroom faucets to see if they produce cold water. If it’s a whole-house issue, the shutoff valve in your main water supply may have been accidentally turned off. If so, turn the valve back on to resolve the issue.
- Blockages, leaks, or burst pipes: For fixtures delivering a weak amount of cold water, consider these potential issues. To check for leaks, monitor your water meter for over two hours. If the meter changes even though you’re not using water, there’s likely a leak in the system.
All About Pressure-Balancing Valves
The pressure-balance valve is a small device inside your shower faucet that helps control the temperature of the water. Its main job is to balance the flow of hot and cold water, making sure the temperature doesn’t change more than 3°F, even if there’s a drop in water pressure.
While it might sound complicated, the valve works in a pretty straightforward way. Inside the valve, there’s a piston that moves small ball bearings back and forth. These ball bearings open and close the hot and cold water channels as needed.
Over time, the valve can wear out due to corrosion or mineral build-up, which can cause it to stop working properly. If that happens, replacing the valve should fix the issue.
Pressure-Balancing Valve Replacement
If you’re handy around the house, you might want to replace your shower valve as a DIY project. Several specialized tools are required to get the job done, including a faucet handle puller, a pipe wrench, and plumber’s grease. You’ll also need a bit of muscle to remove, clean, and replace the parts.
If you don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to replace the valve yourself, contact Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Electric. We’ll dispatch a licensed plumber to your home as quickly as possible to take care of the plumbing repair for you.
A lack of cold water isn’t one of the most common plumbing emergencies, but it occurs more often than you might think. It’s a relief to know that help can be there quickly when you need it. Whether you need a quick fix for a faulty shower valve or a leaking pipe, you can count on Del-Air for all your plumbing repair needs.
Our plumbing pros always put your comfort and plumbing needs first. Call or contact us today to learn more.
