Why would a shower control become stiffer to use?

Question

The system in the house was a boiler, hot water tank and water tank in the loft. The shower is behind the tiles with a round fitting poking through the tiles, with a silver trim. You turn the main dial for water and has an inner dial for water temp. The hot and cold feed must go into the back of it to mix.

The boiler system has been changed to a combi and where the tank was, the two pipes to the shower poke through an thus plumbed to the new system. So the shower unit has not been touched.

As from that day, turning the shower dial has become very stiff. Is this because the shower is not compatible with a combi system?

Answer 1

If you know how, take the shower body out, take it apart and grease everything, most will work fine after this, it is the increased pressure on the hot water side and is common with combi conversions.

Answer 2

Turn off the main water source for the house. Remove the inside of the shower control. Take it to the store and replace.
Probably a build up of crap.
Eric

Answer 3

if you live in a part of the country where there is lime, iron or other minerals in the water, you might consider installing a water softener. Also depending on if that little plastic of brass bushing is missing in the valve, it may be cranked down way to tight and tightening with each use.

Answer 4

Hard water could cause build up of lime deposits in the fixtures.

Answer 5

I'd guess at limescale if you live in a hard water area. Does your kettle scale up a lot?

Answer 6

lime in the water might be your problem there

Answer 7

Maybe you're stroking it the right way :-}