If your thermostatic control valve (TCV) is stuck, hard to turn, or no longer mixing hot and cold correctly, the cause is almost always mineral buildup on the cartridge and intake screens. Calcium, iron, sediment and other heavy particles in the water supply collect inside the valve over time. In most cases a careful TCV cartridge cleaning restores full function, and when it does not, a replacement cartridge can be ordered through a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support. This article explains what the TCV does, what the warranty says about it, and the exact service steps shown in the official video.

What the TCV Does

Depending on your faucet configuration, your Ella walk-in tub may include an Ella Thermostatic Control Valve that blends hot and cold water to your set temperature. It locks into place to maintain a safe temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and with a push of the button on the control handle you can increase the fill temperature to your preference. Not every faucet configuration includes a TCV; the dual-lever 5-piece fast-fill faucet, for example, is non-thermostatic, and the water temperature is simply set at the faucet like a conventional tub. If you are not sure whether your tub shipped with a TCV, the team can confirm it from your serial number, and the thermostatic control valve explained covers which faucets have it. If your configuration does not include a TCV, a qualified contractor can add an external temperature-control valve to the hot water line, though this may reduce flow and extend fill time.

Important Warranty Facts for the TCV

Keeping the inline filter in place and cleaning it periodically protects the cartridge and keeps your coverage intact. Our article on hard water and the inline filter explains how to fit and clean one, and warranty exceptions for the TCV and faucets covers the fine print.

Watch the Service Procedure, Then Follow the Steps

These are the steps shown in the video. They apply to cleaning the cartridge and to installing a replacement cartridge.

1. Shut off the water supply to the tub.
2. Remove the control handle by loosening the Allen bolt and lifting off the handle.
3. Loosen and remove the cover plate, then slide off the TCV governor.
4. Remove all the washers, then remove the escutcheon plate.
5. Loosen the metal collar. You may need channel locks or vice grips. Grip only the unthreaded flat wrench area to prevent damaging the threads, then completely unscrew the metal collar.
6. Unscrew the cartridge.
7. Check and clean the intake screens. Sediment, salt and other debris can build up on these screens. Use a soft brush with some CLR to clean them.
8. Check the bottom of the cartridge to make sure it is also free from debris and sediment.
9. Lightly lubricate the gaskets with a lithium grease, then replace and re-tighten the cartridge.
10. Carefully replace the outer collar and tighten securely. Do not over torque.
11. Replace the escutcheon plate, the washers, and the TCV governor.
12. Put the control handle back on and secure it with the Allen bolt.

Whenever you service the TCV, also inspect the water intake screen on the bottom of the valve, and check the screen and the check valve. Calcification and debris can impede proper water flow, and a soft brush with some CLR cleans this easily.

Setting the Temperature After Service

The video above shows the TCV temperature adjustment. If the water is not as hot as the preset allows after reassembly, the governor and limiter under the handle may have gone back on one notch off. Replacing an older TCV covers the governor button, the hidden deck-plate screw and the 1/2 inch versus 3/4 inch supply inputs on legacy valves.

Ordering a Replacement Cartridge

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your serial number, a photo of the valve, and a short description of the behavior you are seeing. The team will confirm the correct cartridge for your faucet set and arrange the order, or set up the cartridge cleaning service if you prefer. Replacement TCV regulators for legacy models are also available, so an older tub is not left without options.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your model or serial number, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850. The team is glad to help, including by live video.