Pressure-balance valve question

[Hungry Elf]

Good evening. I could not find the answer I was looking for in another thread so here is my problem.

I recently noticed a little bang similar to a loose pipe somewhere in the house. Started my investigation ie. poked holes here and there trying to find the source of my problem. I finally figured that it was coming from behind the shower. I called a plumber and he said that I needed to replace the pressure balance valve because the one installed (aquadis) is junk. I went online to find that some people had a similar issue and by replacing the cartridge, the problem was solved. I tried a new cartridge and that did not change anything except the sound seemed a bit louder. My question to you is can the "casing" of the valve ( the portion where the hot and cold pipes are connected) cause this sound? Thanks

 

[Jadnashua]

I do not know on that valve, but on some designs, the cartridge that controls the on/off/volume is separate from the pressure balance spool valve. So replacing your cartridge may not have replaced the spool valve.

Normally, that valve doesn't make any sounds. But, if your system isn't designed well and there are a lot of other water users while you're showering, the spool valve could be trying to move around a lot. It usually doesn't make much noise unless it hits the stop, and then, the water may stop in the shower momentarily, or at least noticeably change volume.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Hungry Elf]

Oh that might be it. Best thing is probably to replace the complete assembly and see it fixed the problem.