How to Repair a Symmons Temptrol Shower Faucet: The A-Z Complete Guide

The Symmons Temptrol shower faucet is a popular choice for its durability and temperature control functionality. But even the most reliable fixtures can develop issues over time, leaving you with a leaky shower or a temperature that fluctuates wildly. If you’re facing these frustrations, don’t despair! Learning how to repair a Symmons Temptrol shower faucet is often a manageable DIY project, saving you the time and cost of calling a plumber.

Diagnosing the Problem

We can’t directly jump on the part where we learn how to repair a symmons temptrol shower faucet. First, we need to have a little knowledge on the problems it can encounter.

Now, how to diagnose those pesky problems with your Symmons Temptrol faucet? We’ve all been there – you step into the shower, ready to unwind after a long day, only to be met with a sputtering mess or a temperature that could peel paint. But don’t worry! We’ll help you diagnose the issue.

Here are the usual suspects when your Temptrol starts acting up:

Leakage:

This one’s pretty clear-cut. If you see a drip, drip, dripping from around the handle, it’s most likely a washer or seal inside the cartridge that’s gone south. Imagine these washers and seals as tiny gaskets, keeping water on the straight and narrow. When they wear out from all that hot and cold business, they can’t hold back the pressure any longer, leading to those annoying leaks.

Unstable Temperature:

Is your shower playing a game of hot potato with the temperature? Freezing one minute, scorching hot the next? The culprit could be a bad cartridge or a pressure balancing mechanism that’s gone haywire.

The cartridge is essentially the conductor of the water flow and temperature orchestra inside your faucet. If it’s faulty, it throws the whole thing off, leading to unpredictable temperature fluctuations. The pressure balancing mechanism, on the other hand, is supposed to keep the water pressure steady no matter what’s happening elsewhere in your plumbing.

If it malfunctions, even small changes in pressure can turn your shower into a temperature rollercoaster.

Handle Problems:

Does turning the handle feel like you’re arm wrestling a sumo wrestler? This could be due to mineral buildup inside the valve body, or a damaged cartridge itself. Minerals, like little limescale ninjas, can accumulate over time, causing friction and making the handle stiff and difficult to turn. The cartridge itself might also be toast, with internal parts that are binding or just plain broken, leading to the same struggle.

Poor Flow:

Has your once-powerful shower stream become a mere whimper? There are two main suspects here: a clogged showerhead or a clogged cartridge. The showerhead, with all its tiny spray holes, can become blocked by mineral deposits, restricting water flow. The cartridge can also get clogged with debris if it hasn’t been serviced in a while.

Look, this isn’t rocket science, but it’s a good starting point. By paying close attention to what’s going on with your faucet, you can use these clues to diagnose the problem and apply the right fix to get your Symmons Temptrol spraying happy again. So, let’s get to work!

Get These Tools

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to assemble your toolkit. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

Adjustable wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Allen wrench (size may vary depending on your faucet model)
Snap ring pliers (optional, for some models)
Replacement cartridge (specific to your Temptrol model)
Plumber’s tape
Towels (to catch drips)

Steps on How to Repair a Symmons Temptrol Shower Faucet

Having a malfunctioning shower faucet can be a real drag. The good news is that with a little TLC and some basic tools, you can often diagnose and repair a Symmons Temptrol faucet yourself. However, it’s important to proceed cautiously and consult a professional plumber if you encounter any difficulties or feel unsure about any steps. If you’re based in Miami, you can get in touch with JMK plumbing. They’re pros at all sorts of plumbing work.

Do This Before You Begin the Repair Process:

Ensure safety! Locate the shut-off valve for the shower, typically situated under the sink or behind an access panel near the shower itself. Turn off the water supply completely. Once the water is off, you can proceed with the following steps.

Consult Your Manual (If you still have it):

For specific repair instructions tailored to your exact Symmons Temptrol model, it’s highly recommended to refer to your model manual. This manual will be your golden ticket, providing detailed steps including any specialized tools you might need for the job. If you’ve misplaced the manual, you can usually find a downloadable PDF version online by searching for the specific model number of your faucet.

General Repair Process:

Handle Removal: With your trusty manual as your guide, identify the appropriate tool needed to remove the handle (wrench, screwdriver, or set screw). Be gentle but firm as you detach the handle. Remember, you don’t want to cause any collateral damage during this process.
Accessing the Cartridge: Once the handle is out of the way, you’ll be face-to-face with the bonnet nut, the guardian of the cartridge. This nut usually requires a wrench to loosen and remove carefully. Remember, plumber’s gospel – don’t over-tighten!
Cartridge Removal: Depending on your model, you might have a screw-in or slip-fit cartridge. The manual will clearly explain the type of cartridge you have and the removal method (using an Allen wrench or snap ring pliers, if necessary). Here’s where the detective work comes in handy again! Carefully examine the cartridge and surrounding components to ensure you’re using the correct tools and techniques for removal.
Cartridge Replacement: Take your old, grumpy cartridge with you to the hardware store. Don’t just grab any replacement – ensure you get the exact model for your specific Symmons Temptrol faucet. Think of it as finding the missing puzzle piece! An incorrect cartridge is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – it just won’t work.
Reassembly: Following the reverse order of disassembly (and consulting your manual for specific instructions), carefully reassemble the faucet components. Make sure everything is snug and secure, but avoid over tightening anything.

Double-Check the Seals: Before fully tightening the bonnet nut, take a moment to inspect the rubber washer or O-ring that sits between the nut and the valve body. This seal creates a watertight connection, and any damage or wear could lead to future leaks. If the seal appears cracked, flattened, or worn, replace it with a new one specifically designed for your Symmons Temptrol model.
Hand Tighten First: Start by reattaching the bonnet nut by hand, tightening it as much as possible without using any tools. This will ensure the components are properly aligned before applying additional force.
Wrench it Right: Once hand-tightened, use your wrench to further tighten the bonnet nut. However, be mindful – overtightening can damage the nut, the cartridge, or the valve body itself. Refer to your manual for recommended torque specifications, if provided. In the absence of specific torque values, tighten the nut firmly but cautiously, stopping once you feel significant resistance.
Handle with Care: Reattach the shower handle according to your manual’s instructions. Be gentle when tightening the handle screw or set screw to avoid stripping the threads or damaging the handle itself.

If at any point, you feel like this is a task that should be best handled by a professional company, call JMK plumbing ASAP. With years of experience and reputation, they’ll take care of all your plumbing problems.

Testing and Final Touches

Turn on the Water Supply: Slowly turn on the water supply valve under the sink or behind the access panel. Listen for any leaks or unusual noises.

Test the Faucet: Turn on the shower handle and check for proper water flow and temperature control. Ensure the handle operates smoothly and there are no leaks around the handle or bonnet nut.

Final Adjustments: If you notice minor leaks, carefully tighten the bonnet nut a fraction more. However, avoid over tightening as this can cause more problems. If leaks persist or the faucet malfunctions, turn off the water supply and consult a qualified plumber.

Final Words

So, this concludes our guide on how to repair a symmons temptrol shower faucet. If you follow the steps correctly, you can tackle the issues and enjoy a refreshing and functional shower experience once again.

Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or feel unsure about any steps during the repair process, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber like JMK plumbing. Our expertise and tools can ensure a smooth repair and optimal performance for your Symmons Temptrol faucet.