Taking a nice hot shower is something many people enjoy, but dealing with fluctuating water temperatures can prevent them from doing so. At Cooper Mechanical, a full-service plumbing company, we offer plumbing services and repairs for problems like fluctuating shower temperatures. Serving Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, Cooper Mechanical can determine the cause of your plumbing problem and provide the proper fix. Here, we discuss fluctuating water temperature in the shower, causes, and solutions.

Common Fluctuating Water Temperature in the Shower Causes

If you’re dealing with water temperature in your shower that suddenly goes from hot to cold or doesn’t warm up enough, it can stop you from enjoying your showers. The first step toward fixing the problem is determining what is causing it. Some common causes of fluctuating or irregular water temperature in the shower include:

Pressure-Balancing Valve

One cause of irregular or fluctuating shower temperatures is a faulty pressure balancing valve, which regulates water pressure and provides consistent water temperatures for bathing. If you notice sudden changes in the temperature when someone flushes the toilet or turns on the washer, the pressure balancing valve can be to blame.

Small Water Heater

Another common cause of fluctuating shower temperatures is if your water heater is too small. Water heaters are designed to heat a specific amount of water, so if you use more than that amount, it can cause you to run out of hot water during your shower unexpectedly.

Small Pipes

If the diameter of the pipes in your home is too small, it can also cause fluctuating shower temperatures. Most homes have main and branch plumbing systems, where a larger diameter pipe runs from the water supply and smaller diameter pipes branch off to supply water to fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms. When pipes are smaller, they are under more demand to supply water to each room and can cause inconsistent temperatures in the shower.

Fluctuating Shower Temperature Solutions

If you know what the cause of your fluctuating shower temperatures is, it’s easier to determine a fix. To determine what the cause and solution are, follow this checklist:

  • Check your water heater size and showerhead output to see if the volume is sufficient for how much water you use.
  • Reset the thermostat on your water heater to no more than 120 degrees.
  • Purchase a water heater with a larger capacity if your existing one is insufficient and get it installed.
  • See if other equipment affects your shower pressure (toilets flushing, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.), which may indicate a faulty pressure-balancing valve.
  • Have qualified plumber install a high quality pressure balancing valve.
  • Replace your faucet if one shower is experiencing fluctuations and others are not, since the temperature-regulating cartridge may be damaged.
  • Turn to our plumbing professionals for additional troubleshooting and repair assistance.

Although some of these troubleshooting steps and solutions can be handled by homeowners, it’s best to turn to a professional who has expertise in plumbing. At Cooper Mechanical, we have a team of skilled plumbers who can perform various services and repairs to help fix your water temperature problems, including water heater repairs, equipment replacement and installation, and other indoor and outdoor plumbing services.

Trust Cooper Mechanical to Fix Your Plumbing Problems

If you’re looking for a reliable full-service plumbing company to fix your water temperature fluctuations, turn to Cooper Mechanical. We have 42 years of experience in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas and a team who will take you step-by-step through the repair or replacement process and get your shower back to the right temperature. For more information, contact us today.