Water Temperature

First, remove all the alligators. Second, follow these tips:

1. Install a pressure balance tub and shower valve.
2. Set the valve's adjustable rotational limit stop to prevent the temperature handle from being turned to dangerously hot levels.
3. Before bathing, carefully test the tub/shower water with your hand.

 Follow these steps:

1. Let the water run until both hot and cold water is fully mixed.
2. Now rotate the handle fully counterclockwise, to the hottest position.
3. Place a thermometer in a plastic tumbler, and hold the tumbler in the water stream.

    

   

    

4. If the water temperature is above what your local plumbing code allows (110° F or 120° F), remove the handle or take off the temperature knob and rotate the rotational limit stop as follows:
   • Turn the limit stop counterclockwise For every tooth the rotational limit stop is rotated counterclockwise, the maximum water temperature will decrease approximately 6° F. NOTE: If your water temperature is too cool, rotate the limit stop clockwise.

      

     

      

5. Replace the handle. After verifying the water outlet temperature, secure the handle with the screw. Do not over tighten.
6. MAKE SURE COLD WATER FLOWS FROM THE VALVE FIRST. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WATER (AT ITS HOTTEST FLOW) DOES NOT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE ALLOWED (see steps 1-4 above).

Note: Consumer safety is our number one concern. If you do not have experience with plumbing repairs, we recommend that you contact a licensed plumber for tub/shower repairs.

Well, it could be Opposite Day. But it’s more likely that the water lines may have been connected in reverse. See, cold water should always come on first when you’re operating a Monitor valve. And then rotating the handle counter-clockwise should increase temperature. If that’s not the way things are happening, you may be able to correct the problem by "flipping" the pressure balancing cartridge, as shown in the diagram below.

 Here are the steps to follow in reversing the operation of your faucet.

1. Before you begin, make sure that you’ve shut off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle. A clear knob will have a Phillips head screw located just under the plastic cap. A lever handle usually has a small set screw located on the side.
3. Slide off the finished metal (chrome, polished brass, white or almond) sleeve that covers the valve.
4. Unscrew the bonnet nut. The bonnet nut is a large brass ring and should unscrew by hand. If it’s too tight to remove by hand, wrap a towel around the bonnet (to protect the finish) and unscrew it with a pair of channel locks. Make sure that the entire valve body does not start to rotate as you do this. Remove the bonnet nut.
5. Do not pry the valve cartridge out of the body with a screwdriver. Place the handle on the cartridge stem and rotate it counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn after the stop has been contacted. Remove the handle. Grasp the brass stem in the center of the white plastic assembly and pull it directly out, away from the wall. The valve cartridge should slide out of the body.
6. Reinstall the cartridge after rotating the entire unit 180 degrees. Make sure that the raised plastic stop, marked HOT, is on the right side of the valve.
7. Reattach the bonnet nut, trim sleeve, and handle.

The water in the shower is either hot or cold; I cannot get any temperature in-between. What’s wrong?

 Some would blame mischievous water gremlins. But not us. We would theorize that mineral deposits have built up around the spool and sleeve (the part of the Scald-Guard pressure balance valve that blends the hot and cold water). And a buildup like that could interfere with the valve’s proper operation. To solve this problem, follow the steps below (based on your model).

Tools you may need before starting:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the handle.
3. Twist and pull sleeve to remove it.
4. Unscrew brass bonnet nut.
5. Remove the cartridge.
6. Soak the cartridge in a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water for 24 hours. This should remove any mineral deposits.
7. Re-install cartridge and other parts, cross fingers, and test.

NOTE: Unless both the hot and cold water supplies are turned on, the pressure balance valve will allow only a dribble of water to flow through the valve.

You mean, besides a godsend? A Scald-Guard valve is a Peerless® shower valve feature that keeps you and your family safe from dangerous water temperature fluctuations in your shower and bath. These fluctuations may occur when a toilet is flushed, or when an appliance (a dishwasher, say) is turned on at the same time the shower is being used. When set correctly, the Scald-Guard valve will maintain your water temperatures within a pleasing ±3° F range (when the inlet water temperature is set correctly).

The adjustable rotational limit stop found on Peerless® valves allows you to set a maximum hot water temperature for water flowing out of the tub/shower. When set correctly, this safety feature will ensure that the handle in your tub/shower faucet never rotates beyond the set level—resulting in a safe bathing temperature.

It may need to be readjusted if the inlet water temperatures change. For example, during the winter, the cold water temperature is colder than it is during the summer, which could result in varying outlet temperatures. Typical temperatures for a comfortable bath or shower range from 90° F to 110° F.

See information on adjusting the rotational limit stop.

First, let’s review what the rotational limit stop does. This stop allows you to set a maximum temperature on the hot water flowing out of the tub/shower. When set correctly, this safety feature will ensure that the handle on your tub/shower faucet never goes beyond the set level, resulting in a safe bathing temperature.

The stop may need to be readjusted if the inlet water temperatures change. For example, during the winter, the cold water temperature is colder than it is during the summer. This could result in varying outlet temperatures. Typical temperatures for a comfortable bath or shower range from 90° F to 110° F.

See information on setting the adjustable limit stop.

Is this a problem everywhere else in your house, too? If not, then you may have a Peerless® pressure balance valve. This valve contains an adjustable Rotational Limit Stop: a small plastic device designed to reduce the risk of scalding. You may adjust the temperature yourself. Just follow these instructions on adjusting the Rotational Limit Stop.

1. Let the water run until both hot and cold water is fully mixed.
2. Now rotate the handle fully counterclockwise, to the hottest position.
3. Place a thermometer in a plastic tumbler, and hold the tumbler in the water stream.

    

   

    

4. If the water temperature is above what your local plumbing code allows (110° F or 120° F), remove the handle or take off the temperature knob and rotate the rotational limit stop as follows:
   • Turn the limit stop counterclockwise For every tooth the rotational limit stop is rotated counterclockwise, the maximum water temperature will decrease approximately 6° F. NOTE: If your water temperature is too cool, rotate the limit stop clockwise.

      

     

      

5. Replace the handle. After verifying the water outlet temperature, secure the handle with the screw. Do not over tighten.
6. MAKE SURE COLD WATER FLOWS FROM THE VALVE FIRST. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WATER (AT ITS HOTTEST FLOW) DOES NOT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE ALLOWED (see steps 1-4 above).

 Important points to remember:

• See illustrations to reduce outlet temperature.
• Make sure cold water flows from the valve first and does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the hottest flow.
• According to industry standards, the maximum allowable temperature of water exiting the valve should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (Temperature may vary in your area.)
• After adjusting water temperature, place a thermometer in a plastic tumbler and hold the tumbler in the water stream to test the temperature. Do not test with hands or any body part.
• If your water supply or temperature is unacceptable throughout your house, you probably need to adjust the temperature on your water heater. We recommend you follow the instructions of your water heater manufacturer. Typically, water heaters should be set in the "moderate" range, especially if you have small children.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-438-6673. A representative will be glad to walk you through these steps over the telephone.

Note: Consumer safety is our number one concern. If you do not have experience with plumbing repairs, we recommend that you contact a licensed plumber for tub/shower repairs.