Single Handle Shower Faucet Has No Hot Water

Single Handle Shower Faucet No Hot Water [Troubleshooting Guide]

ByScott Robillard Updated:

Waking up one day and realizing your single handle shower faucet has no hot water may seem frustrating. But it’s often an underlying issue that was ignored and now has finally reached its peak.

You may be able to fix the problem but sometimes the need for a professional is unavoidable.

The main reasons for a single handle shower faucet to have no hot water are a malfunctioning cartridge or balancing spool, problematic anti-scald device, airlock, and hot water leak. To fix this, you may need to try one or more solutions.

I will discuss each of these causes with the solutions in this guide, so make sure you stick to the end.

Exactly Why Does Your Single Handle Shower Faucet Has No Hot Water?

A good place to start would be asking yourself, exactly why is there no hot water from my single handle faucet shower? What could be the issues?

According to what I found, the main reasons for having no hot water in the shower or sink are:

  • A malfunctioning balancing spool or cartridge can result in no hot water in the shower faucet.
  • The anti-scald device might require a reset due to too high settings. It can also be fully damaged.
  • Airlock in the system due to the recent installation of a new cartridge can be the case.
  • Leaks in the system (water heater tank, pressure relief valve, connections, and fittings) can make hot water not work.

If you face any of these issues causing the single-handle shower faucet to not deliver hot water, try the solutions given below.

A Jammed Balancing Spool/Cartridge

Two components that are in charge of controlling the flow of water and regulating the temperature are the cartridge and balancing spool.

One of these parts getting stuck for some reason can cause problems with having hot water. You may need to replace the balancing spool or cartridge or both to solve the problem.

Replacing the Cartridge

Different shower valves will come with varying mechanisms. Start by looking for the manufacturer’s name first in the valve markings to find out which specific cartridge it requires.

You can contact the manufacturer to get the replacement cartridge or visit a hardware store to access it yourself.

  • Turn off the main water supply and make sure there’s no water flow on the valve.
  • Remove the cover plate and handle from the faucet. This will allow you to access the inner parts. To disable the faucet, you may need to detach/unscrew some decorative caps, retaining nuts, and screws.
  • Some shower faucets come with chrome tube covers or faucet shaft stops that need removal after taking out the cover plate. Then you can access the cartridge. More specific instructions should be given in the manual.
Replacing the Cartridge
  • Finally, to remove the old cartridge, note down its orientation. Then install the new cartridge in its place maintaining the same position. Secure the new part and reassemble the faucet.
  • Do a final check by turning on the water supply to confirm the hot water is flowing right. You may discover leaks or other adjustment issues at times. In that case, those will need fixing as well.

Fixing the Balancing Spool

  • The water supply should be off, and the shut-off valves must be closed. Then you can access the spool by simply removing the faucet handle.
  • After accessing the balancing spool, look for any sign of visible damage. There can be mineral buildup or minor cracks as well. All of these can cause it to stick. You can use any tiny brush or soft fabric to clean the spool and its surrounding.
  • Now use a silicone-based lubricant like the Evo Dyne Silicone Grease to coat the spool nicely. This will increase the smoothness of movement.
  • Note: Never use any lubricant that is not specifically meant for plumbing applications.
  • Use your fingers or a pair of pliers to simply move the spool back and forth. You want to be gentle ever and this will get rid of any loose debris or corrosion sticking to the spool.
  • Put the handle back on the faucet and turn the water supply on to check the operation.

Too High Setting or Failure in Anti-Scald Device

Exactly why is my shower not getting hot water, but my sink does? Is that the specific problem you are facing? Well, it could be the anti-scald device’s fault then.

Your shower is probably not getting hot water, but your sink does because of a failed anti-scald device. This component is responsible for preventing scalding. Often malfunctions here can lead to stopping hot water from coming out. And you’ll discover that there’s no hot water in the shower, but sinks are fine.

If you don’t already know, the anti-scald device is a significant part of most plumbing regulations. The absence of this device often creates questions of legality for many two and three-handle shower faucets out there.

Most single-handle shower faucets come with it. But if the device breaks or is set too high, then you may experience no hot water from the shower faucet.

Now how do you figure out that the anti-scald device is responsible for this problem?

You Can Try Adjusting the Anti-Scald Device to Check:

  • Use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to rotate the head or handle of the faucet to remove it. You will find the anti-scald device if the faucet model comes with one. It sits right underneath the faucet head.
  • You want to rotate the device to the right, firmly grabbing and pulling it gently. This will allow the anti-scald device to release from the presently set level.
  • Next, turn it slightly towards the right while pushing the device back to its spot.
  • Check the water temperature at this point to confirm it’s a bit hotter than the previous one. If this happens, the device was at fault, and you need to keep working with the adjustment.
  • Keep gently turning and adjusting the anti-scald device to reach your preferred temperature of water. There must always be tiny right turns. And don’t forget to check the water temperature after each turn.
  • Important: After removing the faucet head, if you don’t find any plastic device like that, the model simply does not have one. And in that case, this is not the actual issue maker.

Airlock in the System

Two reasons can cause airlocks in a shower system. These are:

  • Opening the connection lines of the system for some reason
  • Having a newly installed component to the shower system

Both of these actions can cause air to be trapped inside the pipes. And it happens from the malfunction of the pressure regulators. As a result, the water cannot move through the air. And eventually, it will not reach the output unit.

So, if you discover that there’s no hot water or no cold water in the shower after replacing the cartridge, this could be it. A few pipes associated with the hot inlet can experience an airlock causing no hot water in the system.

To quickly fix this problem:

  • Try turning the main supply valve with its maximum pressure.
  • You want to detach the showerhead from the pipe and turn the handle to cold water fully on. 
  • Next, you want it to run for a good 5 to 10 minutes.
  • After this, instantly turn on the hot water in full mode as well.
  • If it does not pour out at first, wait a few more moments. Often the hot water will gradually start to come out and the flow rate will also increase.
  • Let it pour for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Once the flow seems right, you can reinstall the showerhead and get the system back to the regular pressure level.

Hot Water Leak in the System

Repairing a hot water leak in a shower faucet can be tricky. However, often one result that comes from this issue is the inability of a single-handle shower faucet to provide hot water. A hot water leak can cause the hot water to not reach the shower faucet.

Hot Water Leak in the System

Now the leak can take place for these reasons:

  • Damaged pressure relief valve of the hot water tank.
  • Damage in the pipes that are connected to the tank.
  • Corroded/cracked water heater tank.
  • Loose fittings between the faucet and tank.
  • Improper installation of the temperature and pressure relief valve.
  • Damaged anode rod causing corrosion.

To fix this problem you need to address the exact source of the hot water leak affecting the shower faucet. You may require tightening or replacing the loose and faulty connections. For cracks and corrosion, you will require cleaning those.

Sometimes the severity of the hot water leak is quite extensive. And in that case, a complex repair done by a professional is your only safe route to go.

Signs that You Should Consider Upgrading Single Handle Shower Faucet

After you fix the issue and hot water starts to pour from your single-handle faucet, consider checking if this is only a temporary solution.

Often the single-handle shower faucet starts malfunctioning and showing issues one after another. Old and roughly used fixtures will give up working properly someday, and the faucet is no different.

So, it’s best to consider upgrading the single-handle shower faucet. Also, sometimes you won’t be able to fix the issue without replacing it.

These are some signs that signal your single-handle shower faucet requires an upgrade:

  1. Finding leaks consistently can mean damaged internal components suggesting the need for a replacement.
  2. Decreased water flow may take place from severe accumulation of mineral deposits needing an upgrade of the corroded/clogged faucet.
  3. Problematic water temperature adjustment from loose and worn-out handles and other significant parts at the same time signals the deterioration of the entire mechanism.

There are more signs, but these are the major ones. When you decide to go for an upgrade, consider your bathroom style, fix a budget and list down some specific needs before you go shopping for it.

After receiving the new part, you can replace single handle shower faucet following the provided manual. Or you can ask a professional to do it in case the plumbing system of your household has previous issues or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify if the balancing spool or cartridge is causing the problem?

If your shower lacks hot water, a jammed balancing spool or malfunctioning cartridge could be the culprit. You can identify this by checking for visible damage, mineral buildup, or cracks. Replacing these components might be necessary for a solution.

My shower isn’t getting hot water, but the sink is. What could be the reason?

The issue might be related to the anti-scald device. If it’s failed or set too high. It can prevent hot water in the shower while allowing it in the sink. Try adjusting the anti-scald device by rotating it with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. This will help to achieve the desired water temperature.

Can I fix the shower faucet issue permanently, or is an upgrade necessary?

While you can fix some issues with the provided solutions, it’s essential to assess the overall condition of the faucet. If you consistently face problems, then you might need upgrading to a new single-handle shower faucet.

Wrapping Up

And there you have some solutions to try when your single handle shower faucet provides no hot water.

Keep in mind that a few rare issues can also lead to this situation. For example, having a damaged cartridge in the point-of-use filtration system. Or underlying problems in cross-connected pipes.

If the common culprits that I discussed today are not to blame for the problem, it’s best and safe not to guess anymore. And simply get help from a professional plumber.

I will see you soon in my next guide. Take care!

Hi, Scott Robillard here! I represent the small team of plumbers behind FaucetFam.com who love to write what we have learned. Common problems and easy fixes are the main topics we discuss on this site – as knowing these surely helps!

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