The tub/shower handles have been a real nuisance for a while now. They keep getting more and more difficult to turn. Even better, the cold water handle sometimes turns itself off, which makes for a REALLY HOT shower. The only way to prevent the cold water from turning itself off is to turn it on full blast, which makes for a REALLY COLD shower. If I fiddle with the handles enough -- five or even ten minutes -- I can finally get them to settle down and provide water of a tolerable temperature.
I had the same problem about two years ago. In an adventure much like the one TanteFledermaus posted about here and here, I tried replacing the faucet stems. This was tricky, especially trying to work with mechanisms inside a wall, and eventually I had to call in a professional. The new handles worked fine for a year or so, then started up with their old tricks. :( I don't want to have to constantly replace the stems. I want to install a newer type faucet that is easier to use and doesn't wear out so quickly. That is definitely a job for a pro.
As if "auto-scald" handles weren't enough, things got even more interesting last night. See the hose and the showerhead here...
They are supposed to be connected to each other. And until last night, they were. I was holding the showerhead when suddenly the hose broke free and started writhing around spraying water like an out-of-control firehose. That was fun. :P
It could have been much worse, though. I had dyed my hair, and the hose and showerhead stayed attached long enough for me to rinse it. Whew!
Luckily, showerheads are an easy DIY replacement. Good thing, too, because washing my hair in the kitchen sink is not an appealing prospect.
I have to say... reliable, comfortably hot showers are something we often take for granted. Until they're gone. :/
There's literally nothing in a house I value than a good shower. You're very lucky it didn't collapse on you during washing out the dye!
ReplyDeleteI finished rinsing maybe 30 seconds before it broke. I was very lucky indeed!
DeleteThe upside of this is that there are pretty Victoriana inspired faucets and shower arrangements out there, so it can be another Gothification project :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed! In fact, I already purchased Victorian style cross handles some time ago. I look forward to having them installed! :)
DeleteI'm glad the timing for such a mishap was right - it would have been awful if it had occurred before the dye rinseout! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to living in a house with a shower for the first time in my life since I moved out of my parent's place, which was a very LOOOOOOONG time ago. ;)
No kidding! A head full of dye and a broken showerhead... not a good combination!
DeleteWow, that will be a nice change for you. My college dorm (built around 1910) did not have showers, and it got tedious trying to wash my hair in the bathtub. :P
Our water heater also had some troubles but since we rent our flat, the owner had it repaired by a professional within 3 days. But three days of cold showers are a long time, so I can imagine your pain!
ReplyDeleteRenting can be a definite advantage in those situations! My water heater is ancient, and I just keep hoping it will hang on until I can afford to replace it.
Delete>cackling< Oh good, it's not just me! Welcome to The Boat, the steward's name is Armando, and all the drinks have umbrellas.
ReplyDeleteI had to replace my shower head unexpectedly when the old one split in two while I was rinsing my hair. The parts hit me in the back of the dome. The physical damage was less of a problem than the damage to my dignity.
Nope, it's not just you. Another umbrella drink over here, Armando! :D
DeleteYikes! I suppose I was lucky to be holding mine when it broke, so all I had to contend with was a flailing hose.
As a person who has been getting their hair washed in the kitchen sink for years, it really isn't a picnic. The top of your shirt gets soaked and you gotta make sure water doesn't get into your nose.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I usually manage to get water on the floor as well. :P
DeleteMy mother manages to keep the floor dry when she washes my hair.
DeleteAwesome! Sounds like you are one handy goth! When the showers start to go it is always a real pain but it sounds like you have everything under control and know what you are doing. Such an interesting read and I thank you for posting about your do it yourself adventure.
ReplyDeleteCarmelo @ PRO Hot Water Service
I’ve been caught with nothing but frigid water in the tank while rinsing out hair dye – not fun! I’m going to try to replace my showerhead soon, and I’m glad to hear it’s easy. Your post was funny and encouraging. I am new to DIY, but I want to start doing whatever I can. Baby steps!
ReplyDeleteLovella Cushman @ Perfection Plumbing