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Question:

Pressure balancing valve adjustment in shower?

We've got a one-handled faucet for the tub/shower and it has that pressure-balancing mechanism. We have it set, I think, so that we can take the hottest showers possible, because our water heater lacks enthusiasm. However, when I want to draw a bath for the baby, I need it to be lukewarm - and I have to turn it almost OFF to get the water to be even tepid. I can't get cold water out unless it's only trickling. As far as I can tell, our cold water pressure isn't different from the hot (bathroom faucets are 2 handles and H C seem to be about the same pressure). Is there a way to adjust the valve in the shower so I can get both the hottest possible, and the coldest possible water at full pressure?

Answer:

the new single handle tub and shower valves all come with a scald guard mechanism.(its code so kids cant turn on the hot and burn themselves). take the handle off and mess with it. it will be grey or black with a bunch of grooves on the outside. keep adjusting it till it satisfies you.
All major manufactures of valves have excellent customer service departments. Most of them also have great websites with lots of technical info. Note: You may try changing your shower head to one that is a higher flow or remove any flow restrictor that may be in the one you have now. This may allow you to have the valve set to a colder setting for the tub spout and should increase the hot when showering. Personally, I don't like these style valves. Too many problems like yours.

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