Ottawa Plumber: Why Cold Water Isn’t Coming Out of the Shower Head

The only thing worse than an icy cold shower is a scalding hot shower. If your shower has no cold water flowing you may be facing this problem. A showerhead that does not have cold water flowing is usually found to have a defective pressure-balancing valve. This is a part of the shower faucet located inside a cartridge. While this is the most common culprit, there are other possibilities as well.

Why Does Your Shower Not Have Cold Water?

There are a few reasons why your showerhead may not have cold water flow. Troubleshooting can help you pinpoint the reason why you are having trouble.

Begin by checking the other faucets in your home. If you find that none of your faucets have cold water flowing, the problem lies with the cold water lines in your home. Look for the main water shutoff valve, likely in your basement. This valve may have been accidentally shut off. If this is the case, turning the valve back on may solve your problem.

If the other faucets around the house do have cold water, then the problem is most likely the pressure-balancing valve.

Pressure-balancing valves are a part of the shower faucet contained in a cartridge. This part regulates both water pressure and the ratio of cold and hot water that flows out of the showerhead. Corrosion and mineral buildup inside the cartridge can cause it to not work properly. This can happen in older cartridges, as well as in showerheads that are infrequently used.

How Can You Fix It?

Replacing a faucet valve cartridge can be difficult for the average homeowner, as it does require you to understand the structure of a faucet and the ability to take it apart. The most difficult task is removing the old cartridge from the shower faucet assembly; it can also be difficult to be sure your new unit will fit, especially if you have an older faucet.

If you would like to tackle it yourself, begin by collecting your tools:

• Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers

• Cartridge puller or tap with matching 4” – 6” bolt

• Hex keys or Allen wrenches, depending on your unit

• Needle-nose and locking pliers

• Plumber’s grease and tape

Once you have assembled your tools, begin by turning off the water supply and plugging the drain. Continue by removing the old faucet assembly, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular unit. Once the unit is disassembled, replace the cartridge. Use commercial grease solvents to remove any mineral deposits and buildup before reassembling the unit and reinstalling it in your shower. Be sure to turn on the water and check that you are getting cold water flow before cleaning up your project.

Because each faucet may be different it is not possible to give clearer instructions without knowing the specific make and model. This can be discouraging for homeowners who enjoy tackling their own projects but do not have the extensive plumbing experience.

Why Should You Hire a Professional to Make the Repair?

Replacing a shower cartridge can be an ambitious project for a do-it-yourselfer. The differences in showerheads and faucet assemblies can make it hard to anticipate the difficulty of your particular repair. Additionally, errors in plumbing can result in unwanted consequences like leaks and flooding.

If you don’t feel comfortable with this repair calling a professional is a smart solution.

How Can You Find a Professional to Repair Plumbing in Ottawa?

If you need a professional to repair your plumbing in Ottawa, or even to complete an Ottawa bathroom renovation, reach out to the team of professionals at Handyman Connection. The licensed, skilled tradesmen at Handyman Connection have the expertise to handle any plumbing needs that you have.

If you are having trouble with your showerhead, the professionals at Handyman Connection can help you solve the problem efficiently and effectively.