Is It Normal For A Mixer Tap (The Shower Diverter Knob Section) Not To Work For Cold Water?

[Treacle71]

I recently had a mixer tap installed by my council to replace my faulty one.  However, instead of a push up/push down knob to operate the shower on it, I have to turn a diverter to the left and upwards in order to get the water to come out through the shower part.  Also, now the shower part of the mixer tap will only work with hot water and will not stay up with cold water alone. I used to use cold water all the time to wash my bath out using the shower part, as it saved money on hot water.  

[Old_Geezer]

Sounds faulty to me.

[Treacle71]

I think you're right, Old_Geezer.

[mjwman]

These are kept on by water pressure. Maybe your pressure is too low. Has your bathroom got a good head ow water supply? Tank in the loft is usually sufficient. If it is too low you will need either a different mixer or a shower pump that comes on with the water.

[Treacle71]

Thank you, mjwman.  Yes, our home is always renowned for low pressure, but I should be able to have cold water alone come out of a shower?  Surely?  I have contacted my council to tell them and now just waiting to hear back.  My council seem to be on the side of the plumber and not me!

[The Builder]

Depends on your hot water system Treacle. I'm guessing you have a conventional boiler/immersion cylinder/roof tank?

If it were a combi, then the H and C pressures would be the same.

It does sound like you have the wrong mixer/diverter for your low mains pressure.

[Treacle71]

Thank you so much all.  I'm just waiting to hear back from my council.  It's taking ages.  I still can't get any cold to come out of the shower.  Not right really.