While taking a shower the other night, I noticed that the water temperature was not as hot as I like it even though the handle was turned all the way up. I wrote about this problem and how to adjust the temperature years ago but I could not remember how to do it. I looked up the old Ask the Woodchucks article and was able to set the shower temperature up about 4 degrees in about 15 minutes.
Moen shower faucets have a feature called Posi-temp that allows you to set the maximum temperature. The temperature was set on installation so that when the handle is turned all the way counterclockwise the temperature is ideal for showering. If this temperature has drifted you can adjust it to suit your needs.
Follow these steps to set the temperature of your shower:
1. Unscrew the Allen screw on the bottom of the shower handle with a 5/64″ Allen wrench by using a counter-clockwise direction (Figure 1). It needs to be unscrewed further than you may think. Keep testing the handle to see when it comes off easily. When the screw is loose enough it slides off very easily.
2. Gently pull the handle off the shower stem. You should see a 1½” diameter metal disk secured with a Philips screw (Figure 2). Moen calls this the lever handle adapter. Unscrew the Phillips screw recessed in the center of the disk and remove this disk.
3. Beneath this disk you will see two white plastic pieces that are used to set the maximum temperature when the handle is turned all the way counter-clockwise. To set the temperature hotter pull out the outer plastic piece and rotate it one detent counterclockwise and push it back into the inner plastic piece (Figure 3). Each detent is 2°-3°. To set the temperature cooler rotate this piece clockwise one detent.
4. You are now ready to reassemble the faucet and test. Put the lever handle adapter (metal disk) back onto the plastic temperature adjustors and reinsert and tighten the Phillips screw. Slip the handle back on and tighten the Allen screw. Turn the handle counter-clockwise all the way to the stop. Wait a couple of minutes for the temperature to stabilize and test the temperature. You can use a thermometer or if you don’t know what temperature you want just test it with your hand. If you think the temperature is too hot or too cool just repeat the steps above until you are happy with the temperature.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
