Shower Valve Thermostat Fault?

[vertexape]

Hello,

I fitted a shower last year that has two outputs, one standard shower, and another rainfall head in the ceiling.

When I setup the valve control, I made the median temperature an acceptable warmth so that the dial was directly between hot and cold and in the center of the valves travel between hot and cold. However, over time it's become necessary to move the dial quite a lot over to the right to achieve the same temperature.

Not just that, but there's almost no difference between very hot and very cold when the handle is moved - you move it literally a millimetre and it's either really hot or freezing cold.

I've not noticed any issues with any other taps, so I don't think it's the hot water feed or boiler temperature. (it's been serviced regularly)

The valve control handle hasn't slipped around on the barrel either. (it has an allen bolt that bits into the brass end)

Any ideas what the issue might be? Could the valve be faulty?

I could get access via the other side of the wall if needed, (it's in an ensuite) but would rather not cut a hole on our bedroom wall without asking advice here first.

Enclosed a pic of the temp in it's current position, this was pointing centrally downwards when fitted.

thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Thermostatic cartridge on the way out probably

Need to remove it and replace it etc

Shower Thermostatic Cartridge Spares

Fix your shower now with our range of the most popular thermostatic cartridge replacements.

www.divapor.com

 

[vertexape]

Thermostatic cartridge on the way out probably

Need to remove it and replace it etc

Shower Thermostatic Cartridge Spares

Fix your shower now with our range of the most popular thermostatic cartridge replacements.

www.divapor.com

Hello @ShaunCorbs thanks for your reply. How long do these last usually? The shower has only been in just over a year, I'm wondering if there's a guarantee on this item.

edit - looks like the cartridge is classed as a "serviceable item"

That's a ball ache. Starting to regret having a hidden valve, would have expected better from something inside the wall.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

The key part is where you bought it from what brand it is vp so likely some Chinese knock off

Stick to hansgrohe my recommendation would be

 

[vertexape]

The key part is where you bought it from what brand it is vp so likely some Chinese knock off

Stick to hansgrohe my recommendation would be

lesson learned I guess. It was nearly £300, so not like it was a dirt cheap unit. I'll see if it can be changed from the front before I cut into the wall - maybe it's possible without removing the plate but I doubt it.