Asked on Feb 11, 2016

Why does the water temperature change in the bathtub and shower faucet

Wanda medeiros
by Wanda medeiros
The tab in the kitchen and bathroom are good and warm or hot when turned on in the hot position. Turn on the hot water in the bath tub or shower faucet and it goes cold quickly. Why need help?
  11 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Feb 11, 2016
    What kind of hot water heater do you have? The answer here will have a lot to do with how close your hot water heater is to each individual line of hot water that is run. There is also the very likely chance that your hot water pipes that run to your sinks are wrapped in insulation while your tub hot water line is not? Or your tub's hot water line could pass through a "cold space" (an outside wall etc).
  • Wanda medeiros Wanda medeiros on Feb 11, 2016
    A gas hot water tank and it is about 15 ft from the bathroom. It is a condo and not very big. Turn the water in in the kitchen and bathroom sink and it is very hot.
    • See 2 previous
    • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Feb 12, 2016
      @Wanda medeiros Well I think I would consider trying a new faucet first, it is possible that the mixing valve in the handle isn't doing its job properly.
  • Your problem is your shower valve which needs replaced. There is a regulator temperature thingy in there to regulate the hot water so you do not scald yourself. These go bad sometimes. You can check the temperature the valve is set on by accessing where the water pipes are for the tub and shower. there may be a lever and markings for temperature and maybe you can adjust it first before replacing it. this is one possibility it could be.
  • Wanda medeiros Wanda medeiros on Feb 11, 2016
    Thank you, we will first check this.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Feb 12, 2016
    It is the regulator. It is built into the tub/shower faucet. It is an easy fix. I would have a plumber do it. I would expect to pay 75-100 maybe a bit more. But do it right. it is a one to two hour job for a guy to do it off Craig's list on a Saturday who knows what he is doing. (get references) It does involve taking out the plumbing at the source replacing major valve, but it is a simple process, but not one i would reccomend a DIY guy take on. as you need the right tools.
  • Alton Alton on Feb 12, 2016
    It will do that if you have a well and the pump first comes on .
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Feb 12, 2016
    Try insulating your pipes as well as checking your shower valve, just for energy efficiency.
    • DORLIS DORLIS on Feb 12, 2016
      @Duval.26 LIKE THIS. ALSO IF YOUR BATH IS FAR FROM THE HOT WATER TANK IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS OR IF YOU HAVE USED UP MOST OF THE HOT WATER., IT WILL HAVE TO HEAT UP MORE
  • Ama4412994 Ama4412994 on Feb 12, 2016
    You have a problem with your balance control replace the cartridge
  • Wanda medeiros Wanda medeiros on Feb 16, 2016
    Thank you, we changed the cartridge and working perfectly. Hot water consistent.
  • Lisa House Lisa House on Feb 18, 2016
    I love how this website helped solve this problem!
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 08, 2023

    It is the regulator valve, we had a tub taken out and a walk in shower put in, the contractor was not familiar with the regulator valve, but someone in his company was. Only luke warm/barely warm water was coming out, not a pleasant shower experience.