Our long-term customer from London who owns a rental property in Reading contacted us recently and asked if we could help him out. His tenants complained there was no hot water in the shower and it needed to be fixed ASAP. Rather than waste time investigating which model and which thermostatic cartridge will fit that particular model and where to source it from he asked us to get a brand new Cooke & Lewis thermostatic shower bar and replace the old one. Our handyman bought it from Screwfix and arranged a suitable time with the tenant to carry out this plumbing job.

If your thermostatic shower stops working you don’t need to replace the whole thing. As long as you know which model it is, you can probably find a replacement thermostatic cartridge and just change that part. Bear in mind that replacement cartridges can cost almost as much as the new thermostatic shower so in some cases it might be more economical to replace the whole thing. You will not find spare thermostatic cartridges in your local hardware stores – you will need to know exactly what you are looking for and order it online.

Thermostatic Cartridge Valve

A thermostatic cartridge valve is a component commonly found in shower systems and some types of faucets. Its primary function is to regulate and maintain the temperature of the water flowing through the system, providing users with a comfortable and consistent water temperature.

The valve works by sensing the temperature of the incoming water and adjusting the flow of hot and cold water accordingly to achieve the desired temperature set by the user. Inside the valve, there is a temperature-sensitive element, usually made of wax or a similar material, that expands or contracts in response to changes in temperature. This element is connected to a piston or diaphragm mechanism that controls the flow of water through the valve.

When the water temperature deviates from the set temperature, the thermostatic cartridge valve adjusts the flow of hot and cold water to maintain a constant temperature output. For example, if the incoming water becomes colder, the valve will allow more hot water to flow, compensating for the temperature drop and ensuring a consistent temperature at the showerhead or faucet.

In addition to temperature regulation, thermostatic cartridge valves often include safety features such as temperature limits to prevent scalding and anti-scald protection in case of sudden changes in water pressure or temperature. These valves provide users with convenience, comfort, and peace of mind, making them an essential component in modern plumbing systems.

Looking for a plumber in Reading? Contact Reading Handyman today. We offer a wide range of property maintenance services.

Location: Central Reading
Handyman Services Provided: Thermostatic shower installation