01-28-2013, 02:17 PM
Good news, bad news! The water pressure problems in the shower and kitchen sink don't have a common source.
While checking the shower valves in the common plumbing bay, I noticed there was almost no water pressure at the shower head when only cold water was turned on in the plumbing bay. The shower valve is a temp regulating type. I found the Grohe manual on line and there are two strainers in addition to the temp reg valve. I took the valve apart & found that Newell had left no room to get at the strainers without removing the washer dryer. With a little selective use of a drill & a combination socket wrench I got the valves out from the front and the hot strainer was clean but the cold was almost completely blocked and filled with gunk. I cleaned the strainers, reassembled the valve, and voila, water pressure is now good at the shower head. The feeble pressure was caused by the temp valve trying to cool down the hot with almost no cold available. Victory!
Alas, such is not the case with the kitchen. The plumbing bay valves are OK. The lines are clear from the bay to the sink. Equally low pressure on hot & cold. The cartridge has been changed and there are no separate strainers. Next, I'm going to try the hose from the faucet to the spray head.
Phil & Judy Horton
98 Newll #470
While checking the shower valves in the common plumbing bay, I noticed there was almost no water pressure at the shower head when only cold water was turned on in the plumbing bay. The shower valve is a temp regulating type. I found the Grohe manual on line and there are two strainers in addition to the temp reg valve. I took the valve apart & found that Newell had left no room to get at the strainers without removing the washer dryer. With a little selective use of a drill & a combination socket wrench I got the valves out from the front and the hot strainer was clean but the cold was almost completely blocked and filled with gunk. I cleaned the strainers, reassembled the valve, and voila, water pressure is now good at the shower head. The feeble pressure was caused by the temp valve trying to cool down the hot with almost no cold available. Victory!
Alas, such is not the case with the kitchen. The plumbing bay valves are OK. The lines are clear from the bay to the sink. Equally low pressure on hot & cold. The cartridge has been changed and there are no separate strainers. Next, I'm going to try the hose from the faucet to the spray head.
Phil & Judy Horton
98 Newll #470