How can I unclog a mixing valve in the shower?

Question

My parents shower has apparently clogged itself only on the hot side. If the water is set on cold only the pressure comes through fine. I am sure it is calcium build up from well water. Obviously they need to install some kind of filtering or softening system. Does anyone have any information on something that can be ran through the water to unclog this? I am trying to avoid cutting a hole in their wall to unclog it myself. I have heard of people using vinegar, but only in shower heads etc.. not running it through the whole water line.

Answer 1

turn the water off to the shower ,
there's 2 screws that hold a cover plate on the handle,
and a screw that holds the handle on, remove these, and then remove the mixer valve, turn water on for a second to Blow any lime out of mixer seat, [watch you don,t loose the little rubber seats,& springs,
put it back to gether,

Answer 2

You have to remove what ever is clogged and use some thing like CLR to clean the deposits. There is nothing you can run through the piping. Just do as others have suggested here and yes a water conditioning system would help a lot not only with minerals but also with water quality.

Answer 3

cut water off . then take the handle off ,then the two screws then pull the mixing value out. you can soak this in vinegar or only cleaning solution . the mixing value needs to be able to move back & forward as you shake it. when you can get it to do this it is really to go back in. if you can not get it to move back & forward you can just get the stem.

Answer 4

how do you take the mixing valve apart

Answer 5

unscrew the showerhead and soak it in C.L.R. That will take out any hard water deposits.