A: It sounds as though you may have a problem with your shower valve. The possibility of a stoppage in the copper piping system is remote. Unlike galvanized steel pipes of old, copper pipes rarely corrode on the interior of the pipe. Therefore, other than some minor oxidation, the pipes stay free flowing.

I would look to the shower valve for the cause of your problems. When the rubber parts in the valve get worn and distorted from old age, they can also swell up causing restrictions in the waterways of the valve. This condition (swelling) increases as the temperature of the water traveling through the valve increases. It's not uncommon for these rubber parts to also break off from the valve components, and travel into an orifice or port in the valve.

At this point you (or your plumber) will have to flush out the valve, remove any debris, lubricate all moving parts and replace all worn components and washers.

A word of caution: the body of the shower valve is hidden in the wall, and not readily accessible, so care should be taken not to cause any damage to the valve body. Unlike a kitchen or sink faucet, replacement of the shower valve is much more difficult and requires a higher level of skill.

If required I suggest this would be a job for a professional plumber.

To locate some reputable plumbers to consult, visit Home Advisor, type "Install or Repair a Small Plumbing Fixture," into the search box, submit a service request and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

This information is brought to you by Vince McDonald of McDonald's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Sacramento, CA.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com