Shower Faucet Not Getting Hotter After Temperature Was Already Adjusted

Updated 05/02/2022 | Published 05/01/2022

Question:

Removing the handle and wall flange exposes the valve body which has extension on both sides with a small plastic cap which appears to be a temperature adjusting mechanism. They will turn about 1/4 turn but I cannot find any information on how to adjust them to get more hot water. My unit was fine last year but after startup this year the shower faucet will not provide hot enough temperature for a comfortable shower.One comment says to turn up the water heater but the water is sufficiently hot at other taps. Any help on this subject would be appreciated.

asked by: Rick E

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for the Empire Faucets RV Shower Valve w/ Vacuum Breaker # EM62FR and you are correct, the small plastic cap that you turned clockwise to increase the temperature is the temperature adjustment mechanism.

Since you've already adjusted the temperature on the faucet itself, then I recommend next checking your water heater.

A common component for a water heater to insufficiently heat the water is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls the water heaters temperature, so if you have a faulty thermostat this could be causing the issue.

Additionally, there is usually a bypass for the incoming water to help with winterization. This is usually opened in the winter and needs to b closed in the spring/summer before it's used. This is also another common reason why people experience what you're experiencing, and I recommend checking that out as well.

If you let me know what kind of water heater you have, I can help you test your thermostat and run through the appropriate testing procedures.

expert reply by: Bryce D