5 Potential Reasons Your Shower Water is Running Cold

Brrr. You shiver at the mere thought of stepping into the shower. Because whenever you turn that dial, a steady stream of icy cold water pours out and freezes you to the bone. You’ve tried turning the handle all the way to hot. No dice. You’ve tried waiting, but nothing changes. Why in the world is your shower still colder than the arctic circle?! If you’ve been dealing with a shower that won’t get hot—or even warm—here are some potential reasons why it could be like that.

An Issue With the Water Heater

A faulty water heater is a common cause for cold showers. The unit itself could have a broken heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or sediment buildup which blocks its ability to heat water properly. Some signs you need a water heater repair or replacement include discolored water or strange noises, among others!

A Crossed Connection

Sometimes, the problem stems from a simple plumbing mix-up. If hot and cold water lines get crossed during installation or repairs, you’ll receive cold water when you expect hot. This is a quick fix for a professional plumber who can easily identify and correct the crossed connections.

A Defective Anti-Scald Valve

Most modern showers have an anti-scald valve, also known as a pressure-balancing valve or mixing valve. This device mixes hot and cold water to a safe temperature and prevents burns. If this valve is worn out or set incorrectly, it can restrict the flow of hot water, which leaves you with a lukewarm or completely cold shower.

The Dip Tube Is Broken

Inside your water heater, there’s a dip tube which pushes cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If this tube breaks or deteriorates, cold water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank. The result is tepid water that never reaches the desired temperature when it comes out of your showerhead.

Low Hot Water Volume

The issue could be a matter of supply and demand. If other appliances, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, use a large amount of hot water right before you shower, there might not be enough left for you. A tankless water heater or a larger tank could solve this issue.

Get Warmed Up

These are some potential culprits behind a shower that runs consistently cold. If you’re tired of frigid morning routines, try some of these fixes to see if they restore warmth to your bathroom so you can enjoy relaxing showers again.