Loss in Shower Water Pressure

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orlimar105

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We recently replaced our bath/wall-mounted shower combination with a walk-in shower, including hand-held wall mounted shower head, and rain shower head from the ceiling. We used Grohe fixtures, including a diverter/transfer valve and thermostat. The water pressure from what we had previously has dropped considerably - the rain shower is practically useless as it delivers barely a dribble. What are the possible causes and remedies? Is it possible the valves on the flow control have been incorrectly set, and if so is it possible to adjust now? Many thanks.
 

Cass

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If it has been this way from day one check and see if there are internal stops on the valve and be sure they are fully opened...what brand of valve did you use?
 

Kingsotall

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Also check the rainhead and handheld shower for debris. They could have become clogged if the lines weren't purged prior to installing the two heads in question.
 

orlimar105

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Thanks for the quick responses. I was not around when the plumbing was done so probably worth me checking for debris in the pipes.

I've just been reading the literature that came with the Grohe parts. I believe the set-up is as follows:

1. 1/2" hot and 1/2" cold running to Grohe Integrated Shower Thermostat Rough-In Valve (Valve: http://www.grohecatalog.com/product/34126/ Trim: http://www.grohecatalog.com/product/19168/). As this is a shower valve only, the bottom outlet was plugged (or should have been according to the instructions)

2. The outlet from this Valve runs to a Grohe 5-port Diverter/Transfer Rough-In Valve (Valve: http://www.grohecatalog.com/product/19181/ Trim: http://www.grohecatalog.com/product/19181/). As mixed water was coming in, I believe one inlet was plugged.

Thanks in advance. Happy New Year.
 

theplumber

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I doubt it's a pressure issue. Those big huge rain shower heads need a high volume of water in order for them to function as expected. Is your plumbing all copper? Also, the cartridge has screens that can get clogged with debris very easily, especially when you have a water heater spitting out white goop that it's collecting at the bottom of the tank. The cartridge you have also is temperature controlled, so if the hot water line has gone completely cold and is far from the heater it will not let a lot of water through until the water coming to it from that side gets warmer.

To check the incoming water volume, I'd shut the water off to the house, disassemble and remove the temp control cartridge, then turn the water on and blow out anything that might be in the lines. Shut water off quickly and you can tell at the floor of the shower if you got any junk out. If you see a nice amount of debris on your shower flood, do it again till you get most of it out. THen reassemble the valve, clearing any debris from the cartridge if there is any and hope you put everything back in order. Grohe is similar to Kohler in that they like to redesign the wheel with many of their products.
 
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