Shower Thermostatic Valve acting suspiciously
Discussion
Any pointers from those with the knowhow would be gratefully received.
Our shower is not always giving us a hot enough temperature even though the hot water cylinder is full and supposedly hot enough. (We are rural and have a heat pump so normal water temp is 45°.)
If I boost the cylinder temperature right up to its max which is around 52° it is better but then the next thing is present.
If showering with the cylinder temperature to its max but then you increase the shower temperature to get a real blast of hot then turning it up gives a hotter flow for a few seconds but then it drops back.
My suspicion is the thermostatic valve and I was considering either soaking it in some limescale remover or just replacing it if I can source one the same size.
Questions in my mind are.
1. Is it likely to be the valve?
2. Are the two screws in picture 1 water isolation screws to stop the flow?
3. Would I be able to remove the valve by undoing the large brass piece I've got a wrench on in the second picture. It has a flat on each side as if to take a wrench. I ask this because it won't shift with as much force as I dare. Should I get a bigger wrench and try harder or am I likely to break it?
4. Any other suggestions of what to try?
Thanks to anyone kind enough to point me in the right direction.
Our shower is not always giving us a hot enough temperature even though the hot water cylinder is full and supposedly hot enough. (We are rural and have a heat pump so normal water temp is 45°.)
If I boost the cylinder temperature right up to its max which is around 52° it is better but then the next thing is present.
If showering with the cylinder temperature to its max but then you increase the shower temperature to get a real blast of hot then turning it up gives a hotter flow for a few seconds but then it drops back.
My suspicion is the thermostatic valve and I was considering either soaking it in some limescale remover or just replacing it if I can source one the same size.
Questions in my mind are.
1. Is it likely to be the valve?
2. Are the two screws in picture 1 water isolation screws to stop the flow?
3. Would I be able to remove the valve by undoing the large brass piece I've got a wrench on in the second picture. It has a flat on each side as if to take a wrench. I ask this because it won't shift with as much force as I dare. Should I get a bigger wrench and try harder or am I likely to break it?
4. Any other suggestions of what to try?
Thanks to anyone kind enough to point me in the right direction.
miroku1 said:
Now you’ve got the cover off , have you tried running the shower on full hot ?
Yes those screws can isolate the thermostat cartridge , it appears a fairly common one , just count the splines .
Yes , just get a big set of grips on , anti clockwise!
ThanksYes those screws can isolate the thermostat cartridge , it appears a fairly common one , just count the splines .
Yes , just get a big set of grips on , anti clockwise!
I'll give it another go on full hot tomorrow and see if there is any change.
I'll grab some bigger grips at the weekend and lean into it a bit more. It wouldn't shift at all with the adjustable wrench and I just wanted to be sure I was on the right track.
I've found an online spares place that does universal replacements based on a few dimensions so hopefully if I can get it out I'll be able to get a new one.
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