Very Stiff Shower Thermostat

Mar 13, 2012 10 Replies

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Neal 14 years ago

I have a Hudson Reed shower, about 7 years old A lot like this

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temperature control has become very stiff. It appears that the themostatic control valve is the problem. I have opened it all up and found the cartridge, which appears to be an SA30039, like this

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local plumbing shop I tried suggested removing it and soaking in Soda Crystals (presumablt to try to reduce limescale build up) That helped a little, but not much

So my next stage is to consider an active acid based descaler. Is this a good idea? Or is it posble to dimantle it further and manual clean it?

Or does anyone have any better advice? The valve itself still works, but as it stands I am the only one in the house strong enough to turn it.

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NT 14 years ago

acid removes limescale, not soda. Citric is as mild as it gets, I'd give it an overnight soak in heated citric.

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Jenson 10 years ago

I have the same problem with a cartridge that looks like an SA30049. Did the de-scaler work in the end?

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Vir Campestris 10 years ago

You'll be lucky if he's still here to ask. That was March 2012...

Andy

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Jenson 10 years ago

It's one of those problems that is ideal hearing from someone a number of years down the line to see if their repair has held up over time as opposed to a flash in the pan, but I agree, he's probably eloped to Florida, sipping martini's on the beach. Lucky fella!

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Carlos 10 years ago

Hi I have the same Valve and Problem. Were you able to fix it? If So please let me know what did you use and how.

Thanks, CR

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Vir Campestris 10 years ago

We don't know what he used, but he hasn't been seen since 2012.

(citric acid was suggested)

Andy

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Jenson 10 years ago

Yeah, I don't think he will either. I ended up buying a new one anyway as the limescale remover didn't work for very long (like 3 weeks). -

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ebay.gadgets 8 years ago

Same issue! Gonna have to buy one and pay someone to come n fix - unless it ?s a simple swap I could psbly do myself? Gonna search some more

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tabbypurr 8 years ago

it?s a simple swap I could psbly do myself? Gonna search some more

it is for aqualisa showers, can't speak for others.

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Muddymike 8 years ago

I replaced one last year for the same reason. It was a very simple job.

Mike

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