How To Fix Single Handle Shower Faucet No Hot Water [Solved]

Beyond any doubt, a refreshing hot water shower is the perfect start or end of a long tiring day. However, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience for you if you just turn on your shower and there is no hot water coming from there. You just start thinking about why this occurred and how to fix single handle shower faucet no hot water. 

Relax! Note down the key factors listed below, responsible for no hot water in your single-handle faucet:

• The temperature limiter isn’t adjusted correctly
• Fault shower mixing valve
• Malfunctioning pressure balancing unit
• Faulty shower cartridge
• Water heater issues 
• The problem in the plumbing system
• Or, due to bad water pressure 

In most cases, the problem can easily be resolved by adjusting the temperature limit stop. 

If not, head to the detailed troubleshooting as we’ve highlighted throughout our comprehensive guide.

Single Handle Shower Faucet No Hot Water [Quick Overview]

Before heading over to the details, let’s have a short glimpse at the quick table below, summarizing all the probable reasons for this issue with the effective fix tips:

Probable Reasons	Recommended Fix
Wrong adjustment of the temperature limiter	> Adjust the temperature limiter to the suitable range
Bad thermostatic mixing valve	> Replace the bad mixing valve
Malfunctioning pressure balancing valve	> Adjust or replace the bad pressure balancing unit
Faulty shower cartridge	> Inspect the shower cartridge for any blockage, leaks or damages. > Replace it if required.
Water heater issues	> Inspect the shower cartridge for any blockage, leaks, or damages. > Replace it if required.
Problems in the plumbing pipes	> Ensure the thermostat is set to the recommended setting. > Flush the water heater if you suspect mineral deposits.
Low water pressure	> Adjust the water pressure to your single handle faucet.

Major Reasons For No Hot Water In Single Handle Shower Faucets [Easy Solutions]

Well after the short preview, here we have a complete guide for you, explaining all the potential causes for this problem and the corresponding practical solutions. Let’s get started.

1. Wrong Adjustment Of The Temperature Limit Stop

If there is no hot water coming from your single-handle faucet, incorrect adjustment of the temperature limiter is the root culprit to blame here.  

A temperature limiter is a safety device used on a single-handle faucet, designed to limit the maximum water temperature and prevent scalding acid. This temperature limiter is adjustable and by attempting a minor adjustment, you are allowing hot water as your desired temperature. 

Basically, it uses a stopper that limits the mix of hot water in the overall flow when the water temperature reaches a certain point.

Now in case you are continuously getting cold water, the best chances are:

The temperature limiter may be set to a very low maximum temperature that allows only cold water to flow. This could be due to a wrong adjustment of the limiter or factory setting.

Besides this, it is possible that debris or mineral buildup inside the temperature limiter, preventing the hot water from flowing.

At times, the faulty temperature limit is the culprit itself that is preventing it from adjusting the mix of hot and cold water correctly.

How To Fix:

When you are heading over to deal with temperature limiter issues, here are the simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Remove The Faucet Handle

As for the first step, turn off the water supply to your faucet. Now, you’ll need to remove the faucet handle to access the temperature limiter. Now depending on the faucet model, either you will have to pry off the decorative cap that covers a screw or remove the small set screw located on the underside.

Take a Phillips screwdriver and remove the set screw. Once done, the handle will come off easily.

Step 2: Locate The Temperature Limiter

Once the handle is removed. You will see a plastic disk and sleeve. Gently Slide both pieces out. Now look for a ring or collar on the valve or cartridge that is the temperature limiter.

Step 3: Adjust The Limiter

You can adjust the limiter by hand. But before adjusting the temperature, inspect the litter for any dust build-up. If so, use a soft brush or toothbrush, and gently scrub away any visible debris. Be careful not to damage the component.

Now, pull the limiter slightly towards you and turn it counterclockwise to increase the maximum temperature. It will allow hotter water to flow through your faucet.

Step 4: Test the Water Temperature

After making adjustments, secure the faucet handle back in place and turn on the water supply. Now test the water temperature. If still the same case, the higher possibility is you have a bad limiter that needs replacement.  

2. Faulty Shower Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV)

If your single-handle shower faucet equips a thermostatic mixing valve, it would be one of the big culprits if you are struggling to get hot water from your faucet. The thermostatic mixing valve or TMV is an essential plumbing device that is designed to control the water temperature by blending hot water and cold water in equal quantities. 

When the temperature is above the requirement point, the mixing valve automatically shuts off and limits the hot water to flow through the pipe. Overall it ensures that the water delivered from the faucet is safe and comfortable temperature.

Now in case the TMV is set too low, it is obvious you will experience the reduced flow of hot water. At times the defective thermostatic mixing valve is the root culprit to blame here. If the mixing valve is faulty, it no longer maintains the water temperature, resulting in cold water running from your faucet. 

How To Fix:

While dealing with the malfunctioning mixing valve, as for the first step you will need to ensure the proper adjustment of this plumbing device. In TMV, you will get three pipe attachments. One is for hot water supply, the second one is for cold water and one for mixed. Anyway to adjust the valve:

Step 1: Remove the cap from the device and get access to the small Allen key.

Step 2: Turn the adjustment knob or screw counterclockwise (left). It will increase the water temperature,

Step 3: If you have a temperature gauge, check the water temperature using it, with make adjustments.

If still, there is any malfunction in setting the water temperature, inspect the internal components of the TMV for any signs of clogs or sediments. Look for the passageways of the valve that may be obstructed.

 If so, use a soft brush or toothbrush and gently scrub away the debris. To remove the sediment buildup, place a towel in the valve dampened in vinegar cleaner. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and rinse it with clean water.

Once cleaning is done, secure the TMV back in place and turn on the water supply. If cleaning and adjusting the TMV doesn’t bring any good luck to you, be sure it is time to replace the defective valve. Consult a professional plumber in this instance.

3. Malfunctioning Pressure Balancing Valve

Most of the single-handle faucets have a pressure balancing valve that is designed to maintain a consistent water temperature by mixing hot and cold water based on changes in water pressure. Now in case, the valve is not functioning correctly, it will restrict the flow of hot water, leading to a lack of hot water from your faucet. 

The best possibility is the valve is blocked by debris or sediment buildup. It is even a common phenomenon if you have hard water, containing mineral content. Over time, sediment deposits in the valve inside, making it challenging to maintain a consistent temperature and flow.

How To Fix:

First off, ensure the pressure balancing valve is adjusted correctly. It is simple to adjust the valve. Just turn the adjusting ring on the valve slightly counterclockwise to increase the temperature. 

If still there is cold water, inspect the valve for any blockages. If so, use a soft brush or toothbrush and clean out any visible debris from the valve. If there are stubborn mineral deposits that are harder to clean off by brush, you will need to take out the valve from the assembly and soak it in a vinegar cleaner. 

Leave it for some 20-30 minutes and it will help to dissolve the mineral buildup. Then, scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse with clean water.

After this thorough cleaning, insert the valve cartridge back into its place, making sure you align the key inside the valve with the notch. After reassembling the mounting plate and handle, turn on the water supply and check for water temperature. It should be 120 degrees F. 

If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, or if the valve seems to be severely damaged or worn-out, consider replacing the bad valve. 

4. Defective Shower Cartridge

If your single-handle shower faucet doesn’t have any temperate limiter, then the best chances are the faulty cartridge in the valve would be responsible here. The cartridge is mainly responsible for opening the valves, allowing water to flow, and turning off the water when you shut off the tap. 

Besides water flow, it plays a crucial role in controlling the water temperature. When the cartridge is not functioning correctly, it may struggle to balance the hot and cold water flow properly. This may result in various issues, including a lack of hot water flow. 

Now, several factors are contributing to the malfunctioning cartridge in your single-handle shower system. It would be:

• Blockages in the hot water passages of the cartridge
• Clogged or worn-out cartridge seals 
• Leakage or dripping from the cartridge 
• Or the cartridge is defective itself. 

How To Fix:

Follow the simple steps below to deal with the malfunctioning cartridge:

Step 1: Clean The Clogged Cartridge

As for the first step, turn off the water supply to your faucet. Locate the screws or fasteners that are holding the trim plate and handle in place.

Remove the screws, disassemble the handle or trim plate, and get access to the cartridge. 

Now, inspect the cartridge for any visible clogs, debris, or mineral deposits. Use a cartridge puller and pull out the cartridge from the connection.

If you find deposits or clogs, soak the cartridge in vinegar or rust cleaner. Leave it to soak for about 15-20 minutes to dissolve the deposits. Then use a soft brush and scrub the loosened deposits. 

Finally, rinse the cartridge thoroughly with clean water.

Step 2: Inspect The Seals and O-rings

After cleaning, it’s time to inspect the seals and O-rings of the cartridge. If any of the components are worn out or damaged, consider replacing them with new ones.

Step 3: Replace The Damaged cartridge

In case you find the cartridge is severely damaged and cannot be cleaned properly, be sure the element is defective and needs replacement. 

Consider contacting a professional plumber to choose the right replacement part for your faucet model and to complete the replacement task effectively.

In case you have the right replacement part, you can complete the task by yourself by following the effective shower cartridge troubleshooting guide. 

5. Water Heater Issues

While dealing with the same hot water issues in a single-handle faucet of my bathroom, I found that the actual cause was not here but in my water heater. Yes, you got it right! The malfunctioning water heater is another probable reason why you are not getting the hot water you demand. 

In case of a malfunctioning water heater, there would be several responsive factors that are responsible for this. Like:

In the case of a gas water heater, the best possibility is the pilot light is out or the burner is not igniting. 

Besides if you have an electric water heater, you may be experiencing degradation in the power supply that is interrupting the functionality of the heating elements. A faulty thermostat is another major culprit to blame for the water heater malfunctioning. 

How To Fix:

Start by inspecting the temperature setting on the thermostat of your water heater. The recommended setting is usually around 120°F (49°C).

In most cases, you may need to replace the faulty thermostat.

Now if you have a gas water heater, ensure sufficient fuel supply to the unit. Verify the gas supply is fully turned on or the LP tank is full of fuel. Besides, troubleshoot the electric water heater by verifying the tripped circuit breaker or replacing faulty heating elements. 

If still the case, check the water heater for visible issues, leaks, damage, or corrosion. If you suspect sediment deposits in the unit, consider descaling and flushing your water heater following appropriate methods.

6. Corrosion Or Blockage In The Plumbing System

If there are corrosion or sediment deposits in the water pipes of your plumbing system, I bet it is the root culprit why you aren’t getting adequate hot water from your single-handle faucet. 

Blockage in the water supply pipes restricts the flow of hot water to the faucet. Be sure these blockages would be the result of mineral deposits, sediment buildup, or debris within the pipes.

Besides, you may have leakage in water supply pipes. When hot water escapes from a leak in the pipes, certainly it reduces the amount of hot water flowing to the shower faucet. 

In some cases, when the outside temperature becomes too low, this increases the chances of water pipes being frozen. Frozen pipes block the flow of hot water.

How To Fix:

To deal with the lack of hot water in your single-handle faucet due to plumbing pipe problems, here are the simple steps to follow:

Phase 1: Inspect The Pipes For Blockages:

As for the first step, inspect the water pipes for any signs of blockages. If so, remove the clogs using a pipe-cleaning brush or plumber snake. Gently push the cleaning tools inside and dislodge the clog. In case you suspect mineral deposits in the pipes, use a powerful cleaner to dissolve them.

Phase 2: Repair The Water Leakage In the Pipe

After cleaning inspect the pipes for any water leaks and damages. Repair the affected section of the pipe using a pipe repair tape or pipe repair clamp.

 In case it is beyond repair, we recommend to consult a professional for better assistance. 

Phase 3: Thaw The Frozen Pipes

Last but not least, it is obvious to freeze pipes if you are living in a cold climate. If really that is so, without panicking, simply thaw the pipe to get it back into normal condition. 

To do so, use a hair dryer and apply heat to the frozen area for a few minutes. Set it on the low or medium heat setting and move it back and forth over the frozen area.

As a better alternative, you can use a space heater. Just place it near the frozen pipe but not too close to avoid overheating. 

After a few minutes, check to see if the hot water is starting to flow from the faucet. If not, don’t worry, we have one more suspect factor to blame for this issue as per our research.

7. Bad Water Pressure

You may wonder but bad water pressure to your faucet is the major factor that would lead to a lack of hot water flow from the faucet. If there is low pressure, the valve in the shower has to work harder to balance the temperature of the water. 

Now the issue can occur due to several reasons. It would be more likely related to reduced water flow from the main water supply line of your house or leaks and blockages in the water pipes which we’ve already discussed. At times, the issue occurs from the clogged aerator at the end of the shower faucet spout. 

Whatever the fact is, to get better troubleshooting tips in this instance, you can head to our comprehensive discussion on how to fix the water pressure in the shower.

FAQs:

In Closing!

We can understand how frustrating it is for you when you step into your bathroom to have a hot shower but there is no hot water. Thinking of this fact, we have well-optimized our complete discussion on how to fix single handle faucet no hot water. 

The lack of hot water in your single-handle shower faucet can be attributed to various factors. Like faulty cartridges, malfunctioning temperature limiters, bad shower mixing valves, or due to using no –operational pressure balancing unit. 

Whatever the fact is, turn off the water supply to your shower and inspect the faucet to identify the root cause. At times, adjusting the temperature limiter can often restore the hot water you need!! 

If not, our above-suggested troubleshooting tips should be enough to guide you with the right instructions!!