There’s nothing quite like a hot shower on a cold winter day before curling up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa or coffee. When the shower valve is set too low, taking a hot shower is tricky to do. The water temperature can’t get hot enough, no matter how far you turn the handle. Although we might not mind cooler showers in the summer, they’re usually not the go-to temperature in the winter months.
Luckily, this issue is usually relatively simple and requires a quick and easy adjustment to correct it. We’re here to walk you through adjusting an Allen + Roth shower valve, so continue reading to learn more!
In This Article:
What Is The Purpose Of A Shower Valve?
The shower valve is an essential part of your shower assembly. This component is within the wall behind the cover plate or escutcheon and underneath the valve cap. A shower valve regulates the water temperature in your shower, as well as water flow and output to the showerhead, tub spout, and other shower accessories (body sprayers, additional shower faucets, etc.).
Inside the valve, there’s a cartridge that connects it to the external trim handles. This is how you turn on the water and regulate the temperature via the handle.
Can Shower Valves Be Adjusted?
Yes, you can adjust shower valves. Some brands integrate anti-scald features into their shower valves, which is great for some, but not ideal for others who prefer water temperatures that nearly burn. Luckily, you can easily adjust a shower valve to accommodate your preferences by removing the handle and trim to expose the valve.
If you’d like, you can hire a plumber to handle the task, but it’s a fairly straightforward process that most homeowners don’t have any issues completing. There isn’t much to go on for pricing on this particular job, but hiring a licensed plumber to replace a shower valve usually costs between $225 and $575.
Since this process is much more straightforward and takes less time, it would likely cost considerably less. However, keep in mind that most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, so hiring a plumber can add up quickly.
How Do You Adjust The Temperature On An Allen + Roth Shower Valve?
Allen + Roth has dozens of kitchen and bathroom accessories, including shower products. Its shower valves are reasonably straightforward, which makes installation and adjustments quick and easy. If your Allen + Roth shower setup isn’t getting hot enough, it might be that the shower valve is set too low.
If you still have the faucet instructions that came with your shower setup, check for a valve adjustment guide toward the end of the instructions (check pages 12-15). Allen + Roth usually details this process somewhere in the instructions (along with guidelines for accessing the valve based on your particular model). The brand offers a few different shower setup variations, but here is a quick guide on one of their basic models.
Remove The Handle
Before you start, cover the shower drain with a towel, so you don’t lose any tiny parts in the plumbing. Once that’s done, begin removing the handle.
You need to remove the handle to access the shower setup hidden within the wall. To do this, simply remove the set screw from the handle. Generally, you’ll find the screw on the underside of the handle.
Unscrew it, then set it aside in a safe place for later. Remove the handle by pulling it straight back, then set it aside as well.
Remove The Escutcheon And Seal
After removing the handle, your next step is to remove the escutcheon and escutcheon seal. With the handle out of the way, you should see two set screws securing the plate to the shower assembly.
Using a screwdriver, unthread both screws and set them aside for later. After removing the screws, gently pull the escutcheon and seal away from the wall. If you can’t get a good grip on it, carefully wedge the end of a flathead screwdriver under one edge and pry the escutcheon away from the wall.
Set both pieces aside with the rest of the parts.
Remove The Valve Cap
With the escutcheon plate and seal out of the way, you’ll see the inner workings of the shower setup. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem. This is the cylindrical covering protruding from the assembly.
To remove it, turn it counterclockwise, then pull it straight back. Set it aside for later.
Adjust The Valve
Now, you can adjust the shower temperature to your liking. Turn the valve counterclockwise to the full position. Let it sit for a few minutes, then check the temperature with the thermometer. Adjust the valve to the desired maximum temperature by slowly turning the valve clockwise. Avoid setting the maximum water temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as any higher could scald you.
After you adjust the temperature, remove the red stop and place it against the stationary stop. This will prevent the valve stem from turning further when it isn’t supposed to. Once you set the temperature, turn the lever to the off position. Don’t adjust the blue stop.
Reassemble The Handle
Once you finish tinkering with the temperature adjustments, it’s time to reassemble the handle. Replace the valve cap by sliding it onto the valve stem and turning it clockwise to lock it in place. Fit the escutcheon seal over the assembly, then cover it with the escutcheon plate.
Secure both in their spots using the set screws. Reinstall the handle by sliding it back onto the valve cap, then secure it with the set screw. Last but not least, check your handiwork by turning on the water and checking the temperature. You might have to make a few adjustments to achieve the perfect temperature, but the process doesn’t take too long, so it’s easy enough to do.
