Quick Answer:
If the sinks produce hot water but the shower only gives cold, the shower valve is likely not allowing hot water through. First confirm the sink is truly hot, then test the shower. Often the problem is closed valve stops or the anti-scald limit (temperature limit) on the shower cartridge. You can check accessible valve stops and the limit setting; if you can’t reach these safely, call a plumber.
Why This Happens
- Many shower valves have inward shutoff stops behind the trim. If these are partly or fully closed, hot water won’t reach the shower while other fixtures stay hot.
- An anti-scald limit (temperature stop) on the cartridge can be set too low or shifted, blocking hot water even when the supply is hot.
- Cartridge or diverter failure inside the valve can prevent hot water from mixing or flowing to the shower head.
- Less common: recent water heater work can leave pockets of cold water or changes in plumbing connections that make the shower cold; see **Shower cold after water heater install** for that scenario.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Confirm hot water at a nearby sink
- Turn the sink hot tap on and let it run until you feel steady hot water (give it 30–60 seconds if necessary).
- If the sink gets hot, the heater and hot supply to the house are working.
2. Test the shower immediately
- Switch the shower to hot and note whether the water stays cold or changes.
- If it stays cold while the sink is hot, proceed to inspect the shower valve area.
3. Inspect and operate the valve stops
- Turn off the water to the shower at the service shutoff or at the house main before removing trim if required.
- Remove the handle and escutcheon per the manufacturer’s instructions. Behind the trim you’ll usually find two small shutoff stops (hot and cold) or a single cartridge access.
- Open the hot-side stop fully (turn counterclockwise) and then retest the shower. A partially closed stop often causes cold-only showers while sinks remain hot.
4. Check the anti-scald limit (temperature limit) setting
- Locate the temperature limit device on the cartridge (often a plastic piece or screw). It’s designed to restrict how far the handle moves toward hot.
- Release or adjust the limit toward hot one small step and retest. Do this slowly — don’t force the mechanism.
- If adjusting the limit restores hot water, reassemble the trim and consider replacing the cartridge if it’s worn.
5. If adjustments don’t work, inspect or replace cartridge/diverter
- A damaged cartridge or diverter inside the valve can stop hot flow. If you find corrosion, broken parts, or heavy mineral buildup, cartridge replacement is often the fix.
- Follow the valve maker’s instructions for part numbers and replacement steps, or consult a plumber if unsure.
If sinks are working normally but the shower still won’t give hot, see the related note about **Hot water fine at sinks but not shower** for more context and causes.
What Not to Do
- Don’t keep turning the handle hotter if the shower stays cold — that won’t open a closed internal stop or change a stuck limit and can force parts to break. Focus on the valve stops and the limit stop instead.
- Don’t force or pry parts you can’t access; trim and cartridge components are fragile and can be costly to replace if broken.
- If you can’t access the stops or cartridge safely, don’t try to work around plumbing in cramped or hazardous spaces — a licensed plumber is appropriate in that case.
When to Call a Professional
- You’ve confirmed the sink is hot, opened the valve stops, and adjusted the limit but the shower is still cold.
- The cartridge or internal valve parts are corroded, broken, or leaking.
- You don’t have the right tools or safe access to remove trim and work on the valve without risking damage.
- There are signs of a larger plumbing issue (low overall hot pressure, multiple fixtures affected, or recent water heater work you did not handle).
Safety Notes
- Shut off water at the appropriate valve before removing trim or cartridge parts to avoid flooding.
- Allow any hot water to cool before working on fixtures to avoid scalding.
- If you must isolate the hot supply at the house main, be cautious around electrical panels and appliances when water is off or on.
- When in doubt about gas water heaters, gas valves, or complex plumbing, hire a qualified plumber or technician.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why is the shower cold when sinks are hot? — Usually a closed shower valve stop, a set anti-scald limit, or a failing cartridge inside the shower valve.
- Can I fix the limit stop myself? — You can if you can safely remove the trim and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise call a plumber.
- Will replacing the cartridge fix it? — Often yes, if the cartridge is worn or stuck; but confirm stops and limit settings first before replacing parts.
For more related articles, see the No Hot Water at Shower but Everywhere Else hub.