Tempress Valve Parts
The parts within the valve have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Over time, wear and tear, plus the accumulation of limescale from hard water minerals, cause parts to fail or leak. For proper functioning, the cartridge and other parts of the valve should be replaced every 15 years.
Tempress Diverters
Diverter Links
Diverter Trims
Shower Trims
Shower Heads
Valve Maintenance
The parts within the valve have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Over time, wear and tear, plus the accumulation of limescale from hard water minerals, cause parts to fail or leak. For proper functioning, the cartridge and other parts of the valve should be replaced every 15 years.
Indicators That You Should Replace the Pressure Balance Shower Cartridge
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: If you notice frequent fluctuations in water temperature that the cartridge fails to correct, it may be a sign that the cartridge is worn out or malfunctioning.
- Reduced Water Pressure: A significant drop in water pressure, even after cleaning the cartridge, can indicate that it is no longer functioning properly.
- Leaks and Drips: Persistent leaking or dripping from the showerhead or valve area suggests that the cartridge seals are failing and need replacement.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises such as banging, whistling, or groaning sounds during water flow can be a symptom of a failing cartridge.
- Limescale Buildup: If upon inspection, the cartridge shows buildup of hard water limescale, it should be cleaned or replaced.
- Physical Damage: Visible signs of damage, such as cracks or severe corrosion, are clear indicators that the cartridge should be replaced.
New cartridge
Used cartridge with limescale buildup
New valve filter
Used valve filter with debris blocking openings
Troubleshooting
Malfunction | Cause | Remedy |
---|---|---|
Opening immediately to hot water. | Hot and cold water supplies have been connected in reverse. | Remove cartridge, rotate it 360°, re-insert cartridge. |
Water drips after shutting off the valve. | Residual water in valve and piping. | Allow approximately 3-8 minutes to drain. (Do not try to stop dripping by applying extreme force or overtightening the handle, because it will strip the gears within the cartridge.) |
Incorrect setting of the mechanical stop against the stop block causing a partially opened cartridge. | Remove and reposition mechanical stop further clockwise. | |
O-ring seal on the sides of the cartridge is faulty or O-rings are damaged. | Check the O-ring and seat for cuts or damage during installation. Replace if necessary. Lubricate O-ring with silicone-based plumber’s grease. | |
If the Valve Filters were just replaced, they are not seated properly and do not have a watertight seal. |
Remove Filters
Re-Insert Filters
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Water leaks from center of valve cover. | Rubber O-Ring and white washer are damaged and not providing watertight seal. | Replace O-Ring and white washer at the center of the valve cover. Lubricate O-ring with silicone-based plumber’s grease. |
Water insufficiently hot. | Temperature Limit Stop is incorrectly set. | Remove and reposition Temperature Limit Stop stop further counterclockwise. |
Valve body too deep into wall. | The measured rough in or finished wall surface is incorrect. | Reposition the valve. |
Diverter will not stay on during shower. | Not enough back pressure between shower head and diverter valve. | Flow restrictor at shower head 2.5 gallons per minute |
No or low flow of hot or cold water. | Either the hot or cold side is not fully pressurized. | Verify that all service stops for both the hot and cold are fully open and pressurized. |
Debris caught inside the inlet of the cartridge. | Remove the cartridge. If debris is lodged in the inlet of the cartridge or check the valve located in the cast valve body. The debris can be removed with a straightened paper clip or fine wire. Gently insert the wire and move it in a circular motion to dislodge any debris. |
⚠️ CAUTION: Never try to stop dripping by applying extreme force or overtightening the handle, because it will strip the gears within the cartridge.