How To Adjust Hot Water Setting On Shower Valve
Nothing ruins a relaxing shower faster than water that’s too cold—or scalding hot. Whether you’ve just installed a new Shower Valve or noticed that your shower’s temperature isn’t quite right, learning how to adjust the hot water setting is essential for both comfort and safety.
A properly calibrated valve ensures consistent water temperature, protects against burns, and helps you get the most from your FUNJAY thermostatic or manual shower set. In this guide, we’ll explain how shower valves control temperature, the steps to adjust them, and some troubleshooting tips for long-term performance.
1. Understanding How a Shower Valve Works
The shower valve is the heart of your shower system. It blends hot and cold water to achieve your chosen temperature before sending it to the Shower head.
Types of Shower Valves
| Type | Function | Temperature Control |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Mixer Valve | You adjust hot and cold manually using one or two handles. | User-controlled each time. |
| Thermostatic Valve | Uses a built-in thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature automatically. | Adjustable with a safety limit (usually 38–40°C). |
If your shower temperature seems off—too cool or too hot—the mixing ratio inside the valve may need recalibration, or the maximum temperature limit may need resetting.
2. Reasons to Adjust the Hot Water Setting
Safety: Prevent scalding, especially for children or elderly users.
Comfort: Ensure stable, comfortable temperature during showers.
Energy Efficiency: Avoid overheating water unnecessarily.
Seasonal Changes: Hot water supply may vary between summer and winter.
New Installation: Factory settings might differ from your home’s plumbing conditions.
Adjusting the shower valve helps tailor your system to local water pressure and temperature differences.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How To Adjust Hot Water Setting on a Shower Valve
Step 1: Identify the Valve Type
First, determine whether you have a manual mixer or thermostatic valve.
If your shower has one handle controlling both temperature and flow, it’s manual.
If there are two knobs—one for flow and one marked with a temperature scale—it’s thermostatic.
Step 2: Remove the Handle or Temperature Cap
Use a screwdriver or Allen key to gently remove the handle or control knob from the valve.
For thermostatic models, you may also need to remove a decorative cover or retaining ring to access the temperature adjustment spindle.
Be careful not to damage the finish during removal.
Step 3: Locate the Temperature Limiter (Stop Ring)
Most thermostatic valves have a safety stop ring that limits how far you can turn toward the hot side—usually preset at 38°C for safety.
If your water feels too cold, this stop may need to be rotated slightly to allow more hot water flow.
Step 4: Adjust the Hot Water Setting
Turn on the shower and set it to a mid-range temperature.
Using pliers or by hand, rotate the adjustment spindle slowly toward the hot side.
Use a thermometer or touch test to check the temperature.
Once the water reaches your desired level (usually 38–43°C), stop turning.
Reinstall the limiter stop ring so it aligns with the new temperature limit.
Tip: Small rotations make a big difference—adjust gradually to avoid overheating.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Reattach the handle and decorative cover. Turn the shower off and back on to confirm that the new setting is correct.
Test by turning the temperature knob from cold to hot:
The water should rise smoothly without sudden jumps.
The temperature should stabilize quickly and remain constant even if other taps are used in the house.
4. Special Instructions for Manual Mixer Valves
For manual mixers, adjustment is mechanical and depends on how far each handle opens.
Turn both handles to their mid-positions.
Gradually increase the hot-water handle until you reach your preferred temperature.
Mark the handle position with a small reference point if desired.
If your manual valve doesn’t deliver enough hot water even at full turn, the issue might be:
Limited hot-water supply from the heater.
Limescale buildup in the valve cartridge.
Incorrect plumbing connection (reversed hot and cold lines).
In that case, clean or replace the cartridge or verify the water supply.
5. Thermostatic Shower Valve Calibration Example
Here’s a simplified calibration procedure common for FUNJAY thermostatic shower sets:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove handle and safety cap. |
| 2 | Set temperature to full hot. |
| 3 | Rotate spindle clockwise until water reaches 38°C. |
| 4 | Align safety stop ring with 38°C mark. |
| 5 | Reinstall handle and test for consistency. |
This ensures your thermostat maintains accurate and safe water temperature across all usage conditions.
6. Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Accuracy
Clean filters regularly: Sediment and mineral buildup affect temperature consistency.
Descale the cartridge: Hard water can cause stiffness or inaccurate mixing.
Lubricate moving parts: Use silicone grease for smooth operation.
Check annually: Thermostatic cartridges may require recalibration after years of use.
Avoid high pressure surges: They can damage seals or alter calibration.
By maintaining your valve properly, you’ll ensure precise control and extend the life of your shower system.
7. Why Choose FUNJAY Shower Valves
FUNJAY Sanitary designs and manufactures premium thermostatic and manual shower valves engineered for performance, precision, and durability.
Product Highlights:
Thermostatic cartridge technology for exact temperature regulation.
High-grade brass valve body ensures strength and corrosion resistance.
Dual-handle design for separate temperature and flow control.
Adjustable safety limit stop for child-safe use.
Stylish finishes: chrome, matte black, brushed gold, and nickel.
Leak-proof and pressure-tested to international standards.
FUNJAY valves make adjustment easy—ensuring a perfect shower experience every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How hot should my shower water be?
Most experts recommend a range of 37–40°C (98–104°F) for safe, comfortable use.
Q2: Why is my shower not getting hot enough?
Possible reasons include low water heater temperature, scale buildup in the valve, or a restricted hot water supply line.
Q3: How do I increase the maximum temperature on my thermostatic valve?
Remove the handle, rotate the stop ring slightly toward the hot side, and reassemble after testing.
Q4: Can I adjust the valve if it’s concealed in the wall?
Yes. Most concealed thermostatic mixers include accessible covers for adjustment without removing tiles.
Q5: How often should I calibrate my thermostatic valve?
Every 1–2 years, or whenever you notice temperature fluctuations.