Hot Water Pressure Is Out on the Shower

Shower water pressure can be affected by the pressure cartridge.

If your shower isn't delivering the hot water under the usual pressure, there are a few common explanations. The first is hot water being diverted from the water heater to another appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine. Another is that the hot water supply valve on the water heater has been turned down. If you've ruled causes such as these out, the problem could be found within the volume control knob or hot water selector knob in your shower.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

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Instructions

1. Turn the water supply off to the shower or bathroom, if equipped with a dedicated shut-off valve. In the alternative, shut off the main water supply to your house.

2. Place a towel over the shower drain to prevent small plumbing components from falling into it as you work.

3. Remove the retaining screw cover, using a flathead screwdriver, if applicable. If your hot water volume or selector knob is a star shape, skip to the next step.

4. Unfasten the retaining screw holding the hot water selector or volume knob on the stem -- this typically requires a Phillips-head screwdriver. Then, pull off the retaining clip or nut by hand or with needle-nose pliers.

5. Pull the tube-shaped pressure cartridge out of the hot water volume or selector knob by hand or with your needle-nose pliers. Some models will unscrew rather than pull out.

6. Take the cartridge to a plumbing-supply retailer or hardware store and purchase a matching pressure cartridge.

7. Insert the new pressure cartridge into the hot water volume or selector knob and replace the retaining ring or nut. Fit the selector handle back over the stem and tighten the retaining screw.

8. Snap the cap back over the retaining screw, if applicable. Turn the water supply back on to test the pressure.

References

• "Advanced Home Plumbing: Hundreds of Step-by-Step Photos"; Creative Publishing International; 1997
• "Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair"; Black and Decker; 2008