How to adjust the output hot water temperature at a tub or shower control:

Using the Pfister single-handle plumbing fixture control as an example this article describes how to access and set the hot water temperature that will be provided by an anti-scald device that is built into the plumbing fixture control.

Most built-in or point-of-use hot water temperature controls include either an adjustment disc or screw or a temperature range control disc that can be set to a range of hot water output temperatures.

In this anti-scald or hot water tempearture control article series we explain how to buy, install, adjust and inspect anti-scald equipment to prevent hot water burns. We explain what a mixing valve, tempering valve, or anti-scald valve is, where and why these valves are installed on hot water systems, and how they work.

How to Adjust a Point of Use Anti Scald Valve Hot Water Output Temperature

Above: photo of a Pfister series 0x8 series tub or shower valve that includes an integral anti-scald device that can be adjusted to three hot water temperature ranges. These photos are adapted from the Pfister tempeature adjustment video that is cited at the end of these notes.

Reader Question: how do I adjust a Pfister anti-scald valve at my shower?

2016/01/03 ian paul said:

So I have a Pfister with the anti scald valve in my shower. It's the only anti scald valve in my house and I can never take a really warm shower and it's killing me! Is there any modification I can do to get it warmer because adjusting it doesn't work

Reply: how to increase the hot water temperaturea at a Pfister anti-scald valve: 10 easy steps

Ian

Check first the incoming water temperature to the valve - if the incoming temp is low the valve isn't doing a thing.

Once you've made that check and assured that you have hot water arriving at the valve, there is an internal Pfister anti-scald valve setting that can be adjusted: On some Pfister valves, after you take off the valve handle itself you will see a removable disk through which the valve stem passes. Using the slot in that disc, turn the disc to the left to INCREASE the hot water temperature. I would try just about a 1/4 turn first.

If you find that the adjustment made the water too hot turn the disc back to the right 1/8 turn.
If you find that the Pfister anti scald valve adjustment was not enough - water is still too cool - use the slot to turn the valve an additional 1/4 turn to the left again.

Turning the slotted Pfister valve adjuster to the "left" or counter-clockwise is "opening" the valve further, letting more hot water flow.

On the 0X8 series Pfister anti-scald tub and shower control valves there is three-position plastic temperature-stop disc that can be re-positioned within the valve to choose among three hot water temperature ranges. Below, adapting, expanding and commenting on Pfister's own instructions (cited below) we describe how to find and adjust that control.

1. Turn off water to the Pfister anti-scald valve. Some Pfister valve models include an integral stop right at the valve (red arrow) that can shut off water - if your installation included provision of an access to the wall in which the valve has been installed.

The photo above shows the bronze or brass integral water shutoff control found on some Pfister valves.

To access this control you'll need access to the wall cavity side of the valve - often provided by a plumbing access port. If your valve does not include this shutoff or if it is not accessible just turn off water to the building or to the bath where the valve is being serviced.

2. Remove the valve handle by removing the allen screw on the handle shaft. You'll need a 3/32" allen key wrench. Like most screws, leftie-loosie or turn counter clockwise or to the left to loosen the screw.

With the set-screw removed you can pull the handle straight out from the wall. Pfister notes that depending on your valve model, you may need to remove a button, screw and hub separately.

Watch out: don't lose the little set-screw, or if you do you will have to stop by your local hardware store to buy a replacement to permit re-installation of the valve handle. I close the tub drain or cover the shower drain so that when I drop this tiny part it doesn't go down the drain.

Note in the photo above that there may be a setscrew or button (red arrow) in the center of the white stem that needs to be removed.

3. Remove the valve cover retainer sleeve by turning it to the left (counter clockwise).

The sleeve is the round pipe-like protrusion projecting from the center of the valve. This sleeve holds in place the larger round escutcheon or trim that surrounds the valve, but you can leave that trim in place during this job.

Note in the photo above that the retainer sleeve (red arrow) is still in place.

4. Check the position of the white plastic stem on the valve: the notch or protrusion should be pointing "up" towards 12 O'clock.

If it is not properly positioned you may need to use the valve handle to turn the stem to the proper position.

In the photo above the retainer sleeve has been removed and the white stem (orange arrow) is in the 12 O'clock position (blue arrow).

5. Remove the temperature stop: this is a black adjustable gear disc that surrounds the stem. You'll see that this gear will fit in only one position into the valve assembly, but I would take note of which side of the gear was facing "out" when you removed it.

Place the gear down with the facing-out side "up" when you set it down so that you can pick it up and re-install it properly later. This disc is the temperature setting device for the Pfister 0X8 series valves and has three setting positions marked on the edge of the disc: A = hottest, B= less-hot, C= warm.

The photo above, clipped from Pfister's video (link cited below) shows the technician holding the temperature stop disc.

6. Replace the temperature stop at one of its three temperature-setting positions: With the disc outer-surface facing you, the A-setting is the right-most or clockwise-most position and the C-setting is at the left-most or counter-clockiwse-most position.

Replace the disc into the valve body in one of its three positions - you will see that it will slip into the valve body in one of three positions (the disc's A, B, or C position will be at 12 O'clock when you re-insert the disc). This disc will in turn assure that the stem cannot move beyond the point controlled by the disc.

Watch out: if the Pfister valve tempeature stop disc does not slip into a position from which it will not rotate within the valve body then you have probably not located it properly and you won't be able to re-assemble the valve parts correctly.

7. Replace the valve cover retaining sleeve by screwing it back in (clockwise or to the right).

8. Replace the valve handle by pushing it back onto the valve stem. Take care to locate the handle onto the valve stem without damaging the stem itself. Feel and fit the handle, don't pound it into place.

9. Replace the allen screw that secures the valve handle in place.

10. Turn the water supply back on and check the new tub or shower hot water temperature. Remember to let your hot wate run long enough that the temperature is not being significantly dropped by the pipes through which it is flowing.

The manufacturer of your anti-scald valve, Pfister, offers a video showing how to adjust the valve temperature on the Pfister faucet 0X8 series valve, as well as warranty and technical support. We'll provide that information below.

• Pfister Faucets 19701 DaVinci Lake Forest, California 92610, Email help: PricePfister@custhelp.comWebsite: http://www.pfisterfaucets.com/ Warranty parts & technical support telephone: 1-800-732-8238 - retrieved 2016/01/03, original source for anti scald valve adjustment video from Pfister: http://www.pfisterfaucets.com/how-to-center/how-to-videos/0x8-temperature-adjust

 

Built-in Plumbing Fixture Anti-Scald Valve Point-of-Use Safety Warnings

Watch out: read the installation instructions from the manufacturer of the product you are installing, both to make sure it's installed properly and thus will work as expected, and also so that you understand what to expect by way of hot water temperature control the product handles.

 

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Continue reading  at POINT of USE BUILT-IN FIXTURE ANTI-SCALD VALVES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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POINT of USE ANTI-SCALD WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUST Pfister at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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