My shower isn’t hot enough. What can I do?

Q: We went to considerable expense to remodel and upgrade our primary bathroom, only to learn upon completion that the shower is not hot enough. The contractor told us that the manufacturers now have guards on the hot water handle to prevent children from being scalded. It’s a primary bath, presumably used for adults, and there are no small children in our home. The contractor didn’t tell us about this “new” regulation before starting the project. How can these manufacturers unilaterally decide that no one can have a hot shower?

A: First, the change isn’t really “new.” And second, there may be a way to adjust the water temperature via your hot water heater or within the shower valve so that you can take a shower that’s satisfyingly hot but not dangerously so.

Before you give up on being able to enjoy a comfortable shower, test what is happening in your house.

Turn the shower handle so as much hot water as possible is coming out. Let the water run until the hot water pipe is clear of any water that cooled in the pipes since the last shower, then measure the temperature. If it’s far below 120 degrees, one possible solution is to adjust your hot water heater’s thermostat. Wait two hours, then recheck the shower temperature. Also measure the water temperature at other faucets or showers to make sure no flows exceed 120 degrees.

If the new setting causes temperatures that are too high elsewhere but not at the shower, you may be able to adjust the shower’s pressure-balancing valve so it draws more water from the hot tap and less from the cold tap when the handle is all the way on (to the left). You need to partially disassemble the faucet and change the alignment on a part called the “temperature limit stop.” Check the installation instructions for the shower control you have, or do a Web search for something like “how to adjust the temperature on a XX shower valve,” with the XX being the brand you have. If you can’t figure it out, ask a plumber. But be aware that even if you love hot showers, you probably don’t want to shower at 120 degrees. A good maximum might be 110. Skincare experts often recommend much lower.