Whenever you hear Grohe, you expect a premium product made with expert precision and excellent German engineering. The brand’s faucets and shower valves are designed to be sustainable, durable, and futuristic. And no wonder they are costlier than most comparable bathroom solutions from other companies.
But they’re not perfect. Some people have been complaining about the effectiveness and reliability of their Grohe shower valves. If you are one of them, today’s article is for you. Let’s delve in and look at the most common Grohe shower valve problems.
1- Grohe Shower Valve Leaking
Grohe shower valves are of good quality and will serve you for extended periods without being problematic. However, like any other mechanical system, they’ll eventually wear out and start leaking. When a leak happens, the result is a noticeable dripping sound that may irritate some people. You’ll also have to pay more for your ever-rising water bills.
The good news is that Grohe shower valves are simple to fix, and you might not need professional assistance to get the job done. Ensure that you have the right tools, including a screwdriver, Allen wrench, and a replacement Grohe faucet cartridge.
Below are the steps to follow:
- Locate the water supply that feeds water to your shower faucet and turn it off. Understanding how the faucet looks on the inside can help you with reinstallation. You might even film or photograph the uninstallation procedure.
- Remove the cover and then use an Allen key or screwdriver to unscrew the handle from the center screw. Here, the type of tool you’ll use varies depending on the type of screws holding the handle in place.
- Remove the two screws that keep the flange cover in position. Afterward, remove the flange and inspect the valve.
- Next, unscrew the screws and remove the metal brass cover that keeps the cartridge in position. Ensure that you note where the o-rings are positioned within the cartridge assembly.
- Check the cartridge for defects or blockages. If you notice any damage, replace it with a similar model while being mindful of the orientation. Also, ensure that you install the valve in the right direction.
- Install the valve stem and the other components of the faucet using your early video or images as a guide.
2 – Clogged Grohe Cartridge/ Diverter Valves
The Grohe shower diverter valves direct the water to your showerhead or your tub. When it is open, water runs directly through the faucet and into the tub. When you want to shower, the diverter valve closes and allows water up the showerhead.
Unfortunately, shower diverters occasionally develop difficulties and must be replaced even though they are normally straightforward equipment. If yours has a problem, you don’t need to worry. Here’s all you need to do:
- First, shut off the water supply and use an Allen key to unscrew the handle from the cartridge assembly.
- Remove the screws holding the trim plate to your shower wall. Additionally, unfasten and remove the screws from your cartridge collar.
- Open the cartridge using the lock pliers, then remove the diverter valve.
- Clean out all the dirt and debris by soaking the valve and cartridge in vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes. Vinegar’s acidic nature is strong and dissolves mineral deposits, filth, grime, and grease that you may miss if you clean yourself.
- Use water to flush the shower opening as you wait for the cleaning period to elapse. Sometimes, debris accumulates behind the cartridge leading to further blockages.
- After the 30 to 60 minutes soaking period elapses, inspect your Grohe shower diverter valve for any noticeable debris. If there are none present, soak the valve assembly in water for around 5 minutes to rinse off any debris and vinegar.
- Replace the Grohe shower valve assembly and secure it in place using the right screws.
3 – Insufficient Hot Water
We all enjoy a warm bath, especially during cold days. For this reason, Grohe designs its shower assemblies with efficient thermostatic valves that use sensors to determine water temperature and regulate its flow accordingly.
However, as efficient as they are, Grohe shower valves may start to malfunction and fail to regulate the amount of hot water down your shower head. If you’re experiencing such a problem, here’s what you should do.
- First, remove any clips from the shower head, if there are any, using your flat-head screwdriver. Next, employ a head screwdriver to remove any screws hidden behind the clip’s rod. After that, use an awl to remove the screw.
- Afterward, turn off the water supply and remove the handle and handle faceplate. It would be best if you closed any stop-check valves you come across. If not, start shutting off the main water supply to your home. If you don’t, water may leak into the bathroom’s flooring.
- Next, unscrew any screws that may be holding the cartridge in position. At this point, we recommend cutting off the water supply to the entire thermostatic system. Hose, valve, and showerhead components should be part of this system. Just be cautious about where you store all components as you go. This will ensure that there are no issues while reassembling the parts.
- Replace your old valve with a new one. In this step, reassemble the parts in the reverse sequence from how you took them apart.
- Additionally, reinstall the faceplate and handle after turning on the valve.
- Now turn on the water and wait a short while. Check the temperature once more to determine whether the issue has been fixed.
Final Remarks
Grohe shower faucet assemblies are made from proprietary high-quality materials; hence, expect the valves to last you for up to 15 years. Some valves last even way beyond 20 years. However, some components, like the rubber seals and o-rings, will wear out quicker, leading to leaks.
Also, if you live in an area whose water supply has a lot of debris, expect your valve assembly to misbehave. When you experience any of the challenges we’ve gone through, follow the steps we’ve highlighted, and all shall be well.
