12 Problems with Glacier Bay Shower Valve (& How to Fix it)

Glacier Bay is a famous shower-related product, which manufactured some durable and firm products. But no product can be free from perfection, here we list 12 common problems with Glacier Bay shower valves and give the corresponding fix method.

1 – Leaking Shower Valve

This can happen if there is a blockage in the valve or it has worn out due to age. To fix this, check for debris blocking the valve and clear it away. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the entire unit.

2 – Poor Water Pressure

If your water pressure isn’t what it used to be, try cleaning off all the sediment buildup on the faceplate using vinegar and a soft bristle brush. If this doesn’t work, you might want to consider replacing the cartridge inside of your shower valve as well as any worn-out parts.

3 – Erratic Temperature Control

This can happen when the valve’s mixing chamber gets clogged with mineral deposits, resulting in unpredictable flow and cold water. To fix this, you need to completely disassemble the valve and clean out the mixing chamber before reassembling it.

4 – Dripping Faucet

This could be caused by a worn-out washer, which would need to be replaced if that is the case. Or it could be due to a broken stem or faulty plumbing connections upstream, so you may want to call a plumber if these don’t appear to be at fault.

5 – Noisy Shower Valve

This can be caused by a worn-out pressure balance cartridge, which will need to be replaced. Or it could simply be due to air in the pipes, which is easily remedied with a few minutes of running the water.

6 – Stuck Hot or Cold Handle

The handle may have become stuck due to calcification buildup inside the valve body, so you will need to disassemble and clean the interior before reassembling it.

7 – Broken Diverter Lever

The diverter lever can sometimes break off if it gets too much wear and tears over time. To fix this, you will need to replace the entire diverter assembly with a new one.

8 – Stop water won’t stop

If the Glacier Bay faucet is not stopping the water, check the handle to ensure it is not partially open. If it is, turn the holdoff. If this doesn’t work, there may be a problem with the diverter inside the shower valve.

To access and repair this part of the faucet, you will need to access it from behind the wall via a panel in an adjacent room or through a hole. If the faucet handle is working correctly, but the water still isn’t stopping, there could be a problem with the stem or cartridge that works in conjunction with the handle.

Replacing either or both of these parts should solve the problem. To remove them, you will need to disassemble the shower valve. This may involve unscrewing and removing a decorative plate from around the handle and removing a nut at the base of the shower valve.

9 – Leaks around the faucet’s collar

Leaking water around a Glacier Bay faucet’s collar can usually be fixed quite easily by simply re-tightening the screws on either side of its collar. However, if this doesn’t work, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. If the screws are already tight, then it’s possible that the rubber washer has worn out and needs to be replaced.

To access this part of the faucet, you may need to take off a decorative plate or unscrew and remove a nut at the base of the shower valve.

If water leaks from inside the wall after disassembling the faucet, there may be an issue with either the valve stem or the cartridge. In some cases, replacing these parts can also fix leaks around the collar—otherwise, you may need to replace both for more lasting results.

10 – The water temperature is too hot or cold

If your Glacier Bay shower valve isn’t providing water at the desired temperature, it could be due to a few different causes.

The first thing to check is that the mixing valve is appropriately calibrated and adjusted for the correct pressure balance. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace either the valve stem or the cartridge. In some cases, this can also fix problems with fluctuating water temperatures coming out of the faucet.

Finally, if all else fails, you may have an issue with your home’s plumbing system or even its water heater—in which case you should contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. By replacing parts and adjusting settings on your Glacier Bay shower valve, you should be able to get it working again in no time.

11 – Only hot water is coming out

If only hot water comes out of your shower valve, then there’s a good chance the mixing valve isn’t calibrated correctly.

To fix this, you’ll need to access the internal parts via a panel or hole cut into drywall adjacent to the valve. From here, adjust the settings on the mixing valve until you get it to deliver water at the desired temperature.

In some cases, replacing either the valve stem or the cartridge can also help fix this issue. If adjusting the settings doesn’t work, you should contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.

12 – How to replace the cartridge

Replacing the cartridge is relatively easy and can be done with a few essential tools. First, you’ll need to shut off the water supply. Then, remove the handle, bonnet nut, pin retainer, and valve stem assembly. With these parts removed, remove the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.

Finally, reassemble all components in reverse order and turn on your water supply again. This should fix any issues with your Glacier Bay shower valve if done correctly.

Knowing the components of where the faucet helps a lot in assessing what the issue is when making repairs. These common issues cover most of the glacier bay shower valve problems.