Forum Discussion

readytow's avatar
readytow
Explorer
Jan 15, 2014

Hot and cold shower

Recently upgraded to a 2006 Sunnybrook 31BWKS. When taking a shower, with a full and hot, hot water tank. The shower starts out hot, then, the water pump kicks on, and it goes very cold. Water pump turns off, gets hot again, water pump turns on, goes very cold.
The dealers service department has looked at it twice, they say all the valves in the water lines are open as they should be. They claim it is part of the water saving feature, that the pump does NOT run constantly when the shower is on. And also claim the hot and cold is because my shower head is not mixing the water properly. I replaced the shower head and still have the same issue.
Is this normal, and can someone please please please give me a clue as to what is going on?
Thanks!
  • Your pump is reaching shut off pressure and turns off then pressure drops and pump turns back on. Cold water system has less restriction then hot so when pump turns back on cold flows first then hot catches up.

    Either the pump pressure switch is set too low or the flow restrictor in shower is causing the pump cycling.
    Remove shower hose from faucet and remove the restrictor in end of hose (may be in handle of shower wand). Might even have to drill it out to a larger size.

    If it continues to short cycle..then you can increase the pressure set point.
    On the end of pump center of head is a screw. Turn it 1/2 turn clockwise then check pump operation. Don't turn adjustment screw more than 1 1/2 turns total.

    Folks have reported good showering with an Oxygenics Shower Head

    Just for giggles...check the water heater valving.
    Make sure the bypass valve is closed. Bypass valve connects cold and hot lines right at backside of water heater.
    • JDmouse's avatar
      JDmouse
      Explorer

      Thanks for your information! Turns out my bypass valve was open....no wonder my faucets were playing games with the hot and cold.

  • Sorry I did not clarify, I am not on city water. Using what is in my holding tanks. And the outside shower is off. It only seems to do this in the bathroom shower.
  • First, is this operating from the tank or on "City water" with the pump On? If on city water you don't need the pump ON. If operating from the tank I would check the outside shower faucet and make sure both hot and cold faucets are OFF. If they are left on and the shower head is turned off at the head itself, hot and cold water can mix through the valves and cause cold water at your inside shower. Let us know which way you are operating, from tank or city.