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31 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184-3804

“Your products and customer service are exceptional. You backed your product 30 years after I purchased it... How many companies today would do that? You are the best, Symmons. Please never change!””

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FAQs

My Temptrol® shower valve started dripping, can it be repaired?

Yes, easily! Simply replace the hot and cold washer parts using a genuine Symmons TA-9 Washer Repair Kit. It has everything you’ll need, including installation instructions. Don’t forget to shut off the water first!

Why isn't my shower or tub water hot enough when the faucet in the same bathroom provides plenty of hot water?

This is a problem that typically arises during the colder (winter) months when the incoming cold-water temperature starts to drop due to the colder ground temperatures. In most cases the hot water to the house being affected is supplied by a tankless (on demand) hot water system. Tankless (on demand) hot water heating systems are capable of producing a fixed amount of hot water per minute based on certain incoming cold-water temperatures. To provide a comfortable shower or tub/shower temperature during the colder winter months a larger amount of hot water is needed to compensate for the lower cold-water temperature being mixed in the valve. Also depending on the area, a tankless water heater must raise the cold-water temperature from 40°F to 120°F in the winter months, whereas in the warmer (summer) months the cold-water temperature might be 65°F. This increase in demand for hot water typically outstrips the ability of the water heater to produce enough hot water resulting in a luke-warm shower or tub temperature. The reason that the bathroom faucet appears to provide adequate hot water is because the faucet contains an aerator that restricts the amount of water that flows between 0.5 gallons and 2.0 gallons per minute. While the Temptrol valve will produce 5 to 7 gallons per minute from the tub spout and 2.5 gallons per minute if equipped with a newer flow-restricted showerhead. You can conduct a test to see if the overall temperature of your hot water decreases during continuous use. First, turn on the hot water in your bathroom faucet and take a temperature reading with a thermometer. Then while leaving the faucet running, open your Temptrol valve to the hottest position. Let both run for five minutes and monitor the temperature in both. You’ll notice that the temperatures may start out quite different; this is due to the Temptrol valve always mixing cold with the hot water. But over time, you’ll observe that the hot water coming from both outlets will start to decline in temperature due to the condition described above. The only solution we can offer to help with this water heater problem is to supply a reduced flow spindle (TA-10-3HL), which cuts down the flow of water from the valve. This may help with the symptoms of the problem but will not correct the underlying cause of the problem.

Why can I get only all hot or all cold water out of the Temptrol® shower valve?

The pressure-balancing piston housed in the spindle has become blocked from free movement by foreign matter. Open the valve to the halfway position, remove the handle and firmly tap end of spindle (TA-10) with a plastic or wooden hammer. If the problem is not solved, remove the spindle assembly (TA-10) from valve. After spindle assembly has been removed from valve, tap the handle end against a solid object to free the piston. Soaking the entire piston assembly in household vinegar will also help free the piston. If this does not solve the problem replace with a new TA-10 spindle.

Why can't I get any hot water out of my valve, only lukewarm?

All Symmons pressure-balancing shower valves come equipped with a handle limit stop to set the handle rotation. If you are not having a problem with hot water elsewhere in the house, it is possible that the limit stop feature has been set too low, or the incoming supply temperatures have changed requiring an adjustment of the limit stop. It is not necessary to turn off the water to set or adjust the handle limit stop.

CAUTION: Never remove this screw without turning off the hot and cold water supply.

  1. To set the shower valve handle limit stop, remove the screw holding on to the handle and remove the handle.
  2. Remove the round dome cover by turning in a counter-clockwise direction. At this point you will see a small slotted screw head that is visible in the valve cap.
  3. Place the handle back on the valve stem (loosely) and open the valve turning the handle until the maximum desired position is reached. This may require turning the limit stop screw (T-34) counter-clockwise (see CAUTION above). To most accurately and safely verify the temperature of the hot water, place a thermometer in a tumbler of water filled from tub outlet.
  4. Shut off valve and re-attach dome and handle.
If following the above procedure has not rectified the problem then there is substantial wear within the valve, and the spindle assembly (TA-10) needs to be replaced. Under certain circumstances you may need to replace the TA-4 also.

Water is leaking out from around the diverter/volume handle. How do I repair it?

The spindle o-ring (T-24) is worn and needs to be replaced.

How do I take my Temptrol® valve apart to repair it? I can't seem to get the Temptrol® valve apart to repair it, the cap won't come off.

Click here for instructions.

How do I replace a Temptrol® spindle, washers, and/or seats? *Turn off the water to the valve before proceeding!

**Before removing the handle, open the valve as if you were going to take a normal shower (approximately half a turn).

CAUTION: Failure to open the valve before removing the cap assembly (TA-12A) will result in damage to the cap and spindle.

Removing valve trim

  1. Remove the plug button (T-33) from the temperature control handle (T-31).
  2. Remove the handle screw (T-32) and remove the temperature control handle.
  3. Remove the two escutcheon screws (T-28). Remove the dial [T-29(A,B,C)] and escutcheon (T-27).
  4. Remove the dome cover (T-19/20) by unscrewing in a counter-clockwise direction.

Opening valve

  1. Remove the cap assembly by using a wrench and turning in a counter-clockwise direction, the spindle assembly will come out with it. Separate the cap from the spindle by unscrewing the cap in a counter-clockwise direction.

Replacing washers or spindle

  1. At this point you can rebuild or replace the spindle. To rebuild use the TA-9 washer kit. Hint: Place the handle on the spindle so that you can hold it stationary. Remove the hot washer screw (T-5) and the hot washer (T-6). Remove the cold washer (T-8) by using adjustable pliers turning counter-clockwise on the cold washer retainer (T-7).
  2. Reverse the above steps to reassemble the spindle with the new parts.

Replacing seats

  1. To replace the seats you will need to use the seat removal tools (T-35A/B) and TA-4 seat kit. Insert the larger seat tool (T-35A) into the valve until it engages in the notches of larger cold seat near top of valve. CAUTION: Use extreme care to make sure the wrench is engaged into the notches in order to prevent stripping of the notches. Remove by unthreading in a counter-clockwise direction.
  2. Next insert the smaller tool (T-35B) until it engages in the small hot seat located at the back of the valve. Remove by unthreading in a counter-clockwise direction.
  3. Reassemble with new seats from TA-4 kit, reversing steps 9-8. Tighten both seats to 15 foot-pounds of torque.
  4. Reverse the above steps 5-1 to reassemble your valve and trim. Be sure the spindle assembly is drawn close to the cap before screwing the cap back into the valve. CAUTION: Failure to do this will cause damage to the cap and spindle.

What is a handle limit stop and how do I set or adjust it?

All Symmons pressure-balancing shower valves come equipped with a handle limit stop to set the handle rotation. The limit stop is used to limit the valve handle from being turned to excessively hot water discharge temperatures. CAUTION: Never remove this screw without turning off the hot and cold water supplies.

  1. To set the shower valve handle limit stop, remove the screw holding on the handle and remove the handle.
  2. Remove the round dome cover by turning in a counter-clockwise direction. At this point you will see a small slotted screw head that is visible in the valve cap.
  3. Place the handle on the valve stem (loosely) and open the valve turning the handle until the maximum desired position is reached.
  4. Turn the screw in a clockwise direction until it seats to set the handle limit stop.
  5. Shut off the valve and re-attach dome and handle.

How do I replace the diverter/volume spindle?

As long as you do not turn the valve on during this repair, it is not necessary to turn off the hot and cold water supplies to the valve before proceeding!

  1. Remove the plug button (T-33) from the temperature control handle (T-31).
  2. Remove the handle screw (T-32) and remove the temperature control handle.
  3. Remove the two escutcheon screws (T-28) remove the dial [T-29(A,B,C)] and escutcheon (T-27).
  4. Remove the dome cover (T-19/20) by unscrewing in a counter-clockwise direction.
  5. After the trim has been removed, unthread the diverter retainer nut (T-21C) at the bottom of the valve using a 5/16″ Allen wrench. At this point you will see the diverter guide washer (T-23E) that has a “Christmas tree” shape in the center. Remove this piece with the tip of the diverter handle or a small screwdriver tip.
  6. Remove the diverter/volume control spindle by threading a 5/16″ lag screw into the center hole of the spindle (only a thread or two is needed) and pull the spindle out.
  7. Place the new “Christmas tree” insert (T-23E) into the new diverter/volume control spindle. Push the new diverter spindle into the valve using the diverter handle (T-30). Be sure to keep the handle pointed down to the 6:00 o’clock position to ensure proper alignment. When the diverter spindle is fully seated into the valve replace the diverter retainer (T-21C).
  8. Replace valve trim reversing the steps 4-1 above.

How do I care for my Symmons product?

To ensure the long-lasting beauty of your Symmons product, we recommend that you use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth for cleaning. After cleaning, rinse and blot dry with a soft cloth. The use of abrasive or acid cleaners, polishes or solvents may permanently damage the finish and void the warranty.

How do I determine what parts need to be replaced in my Symmons valve or faucet?

Find the product type and model number of the product you have. Refer to the Installation and Operation Instructions (.pdf document) associated with the product to view and/or print the parts breakdown to determine the appropriate replacement parts, or call 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667) or email us at gethelp@symmons.com for further assistance.

How do I order replacement parts for a Symmons product?

To locate a local parts distributor that carries Symmons Genuine Replacement Parts, call 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667) or email us at gethelp@symmons.com.

Do I have to use Symmons Genuine Replacement Parts?

Yes! Using inferior generic parts in place of Genuine Symmons Replacement Parts will void the Symmons warranty.

Symmons manufactures every replacement part—whether it’s for a faucet, an anti-scald, pressure-balancing shower valve, or any of our other products—to the same exacting standards in its original equipment. These standards ensure that the repair parts will return the product to its original working condition. While many generic parts may appear to be similar to original Symmons parts, they do not hold to the same exact tolerances that we do.

What is ReadyStock™?

ReadyStock is one of the three stocking categories in the Symmons Stocking Program. ReadyStock items are always in stock, and they ship within three days, regardless of quantity, guaranteed. ReadyStock always has thousands of our most popular products in stock and ready to go!

What is Standard Product?

Standard Product is one of the three stocking categories in the Symmons Stocking Program. Standard Product is defined as product that’s regularly in stock, and will ship in three days. It’s recommended that customers call for availability of large orders of 10 items or more. The Standard Product stocking category includes a wide variety of showers, faucets, valves, parts, and accessories.

What is Special Order?

Special Order is one of the three stocking categories in the Symmons Stocking Program. Special Order products are generally unique or low-volume products that are built to order for projects with extended lead times of 18 weeks or more. Minimum order quantities may apply.

If you need customized products, our Design Studio™ can make your ideas a reality.

What is the warranty on Symmons products?

Click here for Symmons Lifetime Limited and 10-Year Commercial Warranties.

I need to return a Symmons product. How do I do it?

If you are an end user or consumer and want to return a product that has not been installed, take it back to the original place of purchase with your invoice or receipt. If you are a wholesaler or distributor, contact us at 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667) or email us for the appropriate Return Material Authorization. If the product is not working properly please contact us at 1-800-SYMMONS (796-6667) or email us at gethelp@symmons.com for assistance.

How do I register my Symmons product?

You may register your Symmons product(s) online by completing the online form located here. If you prefer, you may also mail back the product registration card that was enclosed in your product package. If you need assistance registering your product, please contact our Customer Service department at 1-800-796-6667.

Heard About Symmons University?

Symmons University offers in-depth, hands-on Symmons product training to plumbing professionals, engineers, designers, distribution partners, and customers.

With brief, detailed videos presented in easy-to-understand language, Symmons University is a great tool to access at any time from anywhere. It includes topics like installation, maintenance, servicing, and more.

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