If you’re getting hot water everywhere except your shower, you’re not alone. As Tampa Bay’s trusted plumbing experts with 100 years of combined experience, Llona Plumbing frequently helps homeowners solve this frustrating issue. Before you resign yourself to cold showers in our Florida heat, let’s explore the two most common causes and their solutions.
Common Causes of Cold Shower Water
When your shower is cold but other faucets are hot, the problem usually stems from one of two issues:
- An incorrectly set anti-scald device
- A faulty shower mixing valve
Let’s examine each issue and what you can do about it.
1. Check Your Anti-Scald Device Settings
What Is an Anti-Scald Device?
An anti-scald device (also called a “hot limit stop” or “rotational limit stop”) is a safety feature found in most modern shower faucets. It limits how far your shower handle can rotate toward hot water, protecting you from dangerous water temperatures.
How to Adjust Your Anti-Scald Device
If you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks, you can try adjusting the anti-scald device:
- Remove the shower handle or head
- You may need a screwdriver or Allen wrench
- Some models twist off manually
- Find the anti-scald device
- Look for a plastic component under the faucet head
- Not all faucets have this device
- Adjust the setting
- Gently pull out the device
- Turn it slightly right
- Push it back into place
- Test the water temperature
- Run the shower
- Check if temperature improves
- Repeat if necessary
- Make small adjustments
- Test after each adjustment
Important: If you’re uncomfortable performing these steps or don’t see immediate improvement, contact Llona Plumbing for professional assistance.
2. Dealing with a Faulty Shower Mixing Valve
Signs of a Bad Mixing Valve
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Sudden temperature changes
- Unable to adjust to desired temperature
- Strange noises when adjusting temperature
Why Mixing Valves Fail
Your shower’s mixing valve controls temperature by blending hot and cold water. These valves can fail due to:
- Normal wear and tear
- Mineral buildup from Florida’s hard water
- Improper installation
- Age of the valve
- Sediment accumulation
Professional Valve Replacement
While DIY adjustment of an anti-scald device is possible, mixing valve replacement requires professional expertise. Llona Plumbing recommends professional service because:
- Proper installation prevents future issues
- Expert diagnosis ensures correct solution
- Professional tools and parts are required
- Work is guaranteed
- Prevents potential water damage
Trust Tampa’s Expert Plumbers
With Llona Plumbing, you’ll receive:
- Free estimates on planned services
- 24/7 emergency service
- Licensed and insured technicians
- One-year guarantee on labor and materials
- Upfront, honest pricing
- 100 years of combined experience
Service Areas
We proudly serve these Florida counties:
- Hillsborough
- Pinellas
- Pasco
- Hernando
- Manatee
Schedule Your Shower Repair Today
Don’t settle for cold showers in Tampa’s climate. Contact Llona Plumbing for expert diagnosis and repair of your shower’s hot water issues.
Contact Us:
- Phone: (813) 477-1870
- Email: Customerservice@llonaplumbing.com
- Available 24/7 for emergency service
- Free estimates on planned services
Trust Tampa Bay’s family-owned plumbing experts to restore your hot water quickly and professionally. With our century of combined experience, we’ll ensure your shower is working perfectly again.
