Why Has My Shower Gone Cold? Causes and Solutions
Is there anything worse than hopping in the shower after a long day, only to be met with a blast of cold water? The sudden shock is bad enough, but dealing with a persistently cold shower every day can be downright miserable.
If your once-hot shower has gone cold, don't despair. In most cases, this frustrating issue can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance. Here's a comprehensive guide to determining why your shower isn't getting hot and how to get the hot water flowing again.
Checking the Water Heater
The first place to start when diagnosing a cold shower is checking the water heater. For homes with a traditional tank-style heater, verify the temperature setting on the thermostat. It should be set to at least 120degF to provide hot water for showers and other uses. If the thermostat is set too low, simply adjust it to the correct setting.
Tankless water heaters function a bit differently but problems with water temperature can also indicate an issue with the heater itself. Check your tankless water heater's diagnostic lights and display for any error codes. Consult the owner's manual to determine what the codes mean. You may need to reset the heater or deal with a clogged heat exchanger.
In some cases, a faulty heating element or thermostat on either a tank or tankless model can prevent the unit from heating water properly. Contact a professional plumber to inspect the water heater and repair or replace any malfunctioning components.
Water Heater Maintenance
- Drain tank water heaters annually to remove sediment
- Flush tankless heaters to clear mineral deposits
- Inspect exhaust venting for blockages or leaks
- Replace heating elements and anodes as needed
Inspecting the Shower Cartridge and Fixtures
The next step is to examine the shower fixtures, starting with the shower cartridge inside the shower valve. The cartridge controls the mix of hot and cold water for the desired temperature. Over time, mineral deposits and wear cause cartridges to fail, preventing hot water from reaching the shower head.
Carefully remove the handle and trim plate to access the cartridge. Look for cracks, leaks, or damage. Replace old or faulty cartridges with an identical match to restore proper hot water flow.
Also inspect the shower arm and shower head while you have them disassembled. Clear out any blockages or mineral buildup in the shower head. Make sure the shower arm is securely attached.
Shower Cartridge Maintenance
- Disassemble valves and lubricate components annually
- Replace worn out rubber washers and O-rings
- Upgrade to ceramic cartridges for extended life span
Checking Supply Lines and Shutoff Valves
Problems with the hot and cold supply lines or shutoff valves that feed water to the shower can also cause a loss of hot water. Start by examining the shutoff valves behind the shower. These valves allow you to shut off water to the shower for maintenance.
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks near joints and fittings. Tighten connections or replace corroded copper fittings as needed. If shutoff valves are very old, replacement may be necessary for optimal water flow.
Next, inspect the hot and cold supply lines that run from the home's main water lines up to the shower valve. Kinks, cracks, or blockages in the supply lines can restrict hot water from reaching the shower. Replace any damaged sections of pipe.
Supply Line and Valve Maintenance
- Inspect supply pipes and fittings for leaks annually
- Replace corroded galvanized pipes
- Upgrade old gate valves to modern 1/4-turn ball valves
- Ensure supply valves are fully open
Unclogging the Shower Head
Don't forget to check the shower head itself. Even if hot water is flowing properly from the supply lines, a clogged shower head can prevent a strong spray. Mineral deposits from hard water build up in the shower head over time.
Remove the shower head and soak it in equal parts vinegar and water to dissolve deposits. For stubborn clogs, use a toothpick or pipe cleaner to clear the nozzle. Replace old or damaged shower heads that cannot be repaired.
While the shower head is off, turn on the shower valve to full hot. Place a thermometer under the stream of water to verify the shower is reaching the standard hot water temperature of 110degF or more.
Shower Head Maintenance
- Remove and clean shower heads twice a year
- Replace worn out or damaged shower heads
- Upgrade to water-saving low flow shower heads
Adjusting the Temperature Control
If all other components are functioning properly but the water temperature is simply not hot enough, the problem may lie with the shower's temperature control. Showers with a single hot/cold control use an anti-scald device to prevent dangerously hot water.
Over time, these devices may fail and prevent the shower from reaching adequate hot temperatures. Adjust the temperature control to its maximum hot setting. If that doesn't resolve the issue, the anti-scald device may need replacement by a plumber.
While many hot water issues can be addressed with basic maintenance, serious underlying problems are best handled by a professional plumber. Call for assistance if you have a faulty gas water heater, leaks behind walls, or insufficient hot water pressure throughout your home.
A reputable plumber can use high-tech tools to diagnose and repair tricky shower water problems. They can also assist with shower upgrades, water heater replacement, pipe repairs, and other related projects.
Investing in professional water heater maintenance and plumbing repairs can save homeowners money over time. Preventative maintenance helps avoid total failures that lead to water damage or replacement of expensive equipment down the line.
Don't endure frustrating cold showers for one more day. With some diligent troubleshooting and maintenance, you can get your hot shower back and enjoy reliable hot water flow for years to come.