ProfessionalAnti-Scald Valve Adjustment

Most shower valves have a built-in scald protection limit — a small plastic stop that prevents the handle from rotating fully into the hottest range. If your shower runs too hot or you've just moved in and want to set a safe maximum temperature, we adjust the limit stop to the right position without replacing the valve.

Also known as: anti-scald valve, scald protection adjustment, shower temperature limiter, hot water limiter shower, pressure balance valve adjustment, shower limit stop, anti scald valve adjustement

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What you get

What’s included

Remove shower handle to access the anti-scald limit stop
Adjust or reposition the rotational stop to the correct temperature setting
Test maximum temperature at the showerhead after adjustment
Confirm cold-only position is still reachable after adjustment
Reinstall handle trim and escutcheon

Simple & stress-free

How it works

Remove the handle

We shut off the shower, pop the handle cap, remove the screw, and pull the handle to expose the cartridge and limit stop underneath.

Adjust the stop

We rotate the plastic limit stop ring clockwise to reduce maximum temperature or counterclockwise to increase it, making incremental changes.

Test and confirm

We reinstall the handle temporarily, run the shower at full hot, and measure or judge the temperature — repeating the adjustment until it's in the safe range before doing the final reassembly.

We can help

Problems we fix

Shower running scalding hot because a previous repair moved the limit stop
Shower in a home with small children that was never set below a safe maximum
Limit stop so far restricted that the water never gets warm enough for a comfortable shower
Valve where the limit stop has deteriorated and no longer holds its set position

Good to know

Anti-Scald Valve Adjustment — FAQ

What is a safe shower temperature?

Most guidelines recommend a maximum of 120°F (49°C) at the showerhead. This is warm enough for a comfortable shower while eliminating the risk of scalding for children or adults with reduced sensation.

Does this work on all shower valves?

Most single-handle pressure-balance valves (Moen, Delta, Kohler, Price Pfister) have a rotational limit stop accessible behind the handle. Some older two-handle valves don't have this feature.

Will this affect the water heater?

No — adjusting the limit stop only changes the maximum the faucet handle can reach, not the temperature of the water heater itself. The heater setting remains unchanged.

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