Low flow at tub

[Charliethyne]

I have an apartment I decided to replace all supply lines in. After replacing the supply lines I turned the water on at the tub and got very little flow (this was the case before replacing the lines as well). Getting great pressure everywhere else. I would like to avoid replacing the tub/shower assembly. The tub/shower assembly is copper. Any thoughts?

 

[havasu]

I would guess you have sediment in your valves or the pipes leading to your bath are either undersized or corroded, similar to a blocked artery.

 

[phishfood]

Have you tried removing and cleaning the cartridge in the tub valve? This is often the problem.

 

[Charliethyne]

No. What is the cartridge in the tub valve?

Have you tried removing and cleaning the cartridge in the tub valve? This is often the problem.

 

[phishfood]

Tub/shower valves vary considerably, but speaking generally, the cartridge is the part of the valve that turns the water on and off, adjusts how hot or cold the water is, and send the water to the tubspout or showerhead.

The difficulty in removing them varies, from very obvious and easy to get out, to needing to know the secret code to disassemble them.

If you can post up a picture, perhaps that would help us to help you get it apart. Or, if you know the brand name, that might get us started.

 

[Charliethyne]

Phish food,

Thank you very much for your response. I decided to replace the unit with a $62 Moen from Lowes. The old unit was sweated copper and I don't have the tools or any experience working with copper installation. Thanks again.