Whenever I take a shower and someone else uses a toilet or the washing machine kicks in I get hit with very hot water. What's the problem and how do I correct this?
COMMUNITY FORUM
The problem is that when another cold-water device kicks in, the total pressure in the cold water part of your plumbing system is temporarily reduced, changing the balance of cold to hot water through your shower head. The restrictors mentioned by brokencam are to help balance the sudden change in cold water pressure.
[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited October 09, 2000).]
An even more expensive route would be to replace your shower faucet with a positemp faucet, such as the ones made by Moen or Delta. They control the temperature of the water flow, but not the pressure. You are ensured a constanct temp regardless of other water uses in the house. The restrictor helps, but not as much as the new faucet. Of course, the faucet is a much more expensive alternative.
