Quick Answer:
After a city water outage you can get sudden temperature shifts because debris, air pockets, or pressure changes affect mixing valves and cartridges. Start by flushing a tub spout or sink to clear sediment, then retest the shower. If flushing and simple checks don’t help, call a plumber.
Why This Happens
- Sediment and mineral debris get stirred up during outages or service work. Those particles travel into household lines and can block or jam mixing valves and shower cartridges.
- Air pockets and pressure surges can change how hot and cold water mix briefly after service is restored.
- Water heaters can also loosen sediment during a restart, sending debris into hot lines and causing the hot side to vary.
- Older or partially clogged valves react more to short-term pressure or debris changes, so symptoms often appear only after an outage.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Do a quick house-wide check
- Run a few taps (kitchen, laundry, other bathrooms) and note whether the issue is isolated to one fixture or is house-wide.
- If only one bathroom shows trouble, focus on that fixture first.
2. Flush lines at a tub spout or sink
- Open the tub spout or a nearby sink with both hot and cold wide open for several minutes. This helps push out sediment and air before you test the shower again.
- Run until the flow looks steady and any discolored water clears. Have a bucket or rag ready in case of heavy debris.
3. Test the shower after flushing
- With the lines flushed, turn on the shower and gradually set temperature. Watch for sudden swings when moving the handle or changing flow.
- If swings persist, try other single-handle fixtures to compare behavior.
4. Isolate the hot and cold sides
- Temporarily run only hot and only cold at a nearby faucet to see if one side is unstable by itself. This helps locate the source.
- If the problem looks limited to the hot side, review guidance for Temp fluctuates only on hot side or proceed to check the water heater.
5. Inspect aerators, strainers, and cartridges
- Remove and clean aerators and showerheads — they often collect lodged sediment.
- If comfortable, remove the faucet or shower cartridge to look for debris. Clean gently; don’t force parts you’re unsure about.
6. Check the water heater
- Look for discolored water from hot taps or unusual noises from the heater, which can indicate disturbed sediment.
- If you know how and it’s safe, flushing a few gallons from the heater drain can help remove loose sediment, but skip this if you’re not experienced.
What Not to Do
- Do not ignore post-outage debris signs; sediment can damage valves.
- Don’t force or over-tighten cartridges or valve components—this can break seals or create leaks.
- Avoid pouring chemicals into fixtures to clear debris; that can harm finishes and seals.
- Don’t keep testing with scalding-hot water exposed—protect against burns when diagnosing hot-side issues.
When to Call a Professional
- Call a plumber if temperature swings continue after flushing and cleaning, if you see persistent discolored water, or if there are leaks when you handle valve parts.
- If you replaced a cartridge or valve and the problem persists, especially with unpredictable hot spikes, get professional help — Temperature unstable after replacing valve.
- If the water heater shows signs of internal damage, sediment buildup, or if the unit is gas-fired and you suspect gas or venting issues, contact a technician.
Safety Notes
- Be careful of scalding: run water gradually and test with your hand before full exposure.
- Turn off the water supply before disassembling faucets or cartridges. If you don’t know where shutoffs are, stop and call a plumber.
- For gas water heaters or complicated tank work, hire a licensed technician rather than attempting repairs yourself.
- Wear gloves and eye protection if you expect debris to come out while flushing lines.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this only start after the outage? Service interruptions stir up sediment and change pressure; particles and air are the usual cause.
- How long should I run taps to clear lines? Run until water runs clear and flow stabilizes, typically a few minutes per fixture.
- Can I wait and see if it clears on its own? You can try flushing first, but do not ignore sediment signs—continued use can harm valves.