To fix a shower valve with broken hot and cold water outlets, follow these steps: First, shut off the water supply to the house and drain the remaining water from the pipes. Next, remove the decorative cap covering the valve handle to access the internal components. Use a screwdriver to松开 (unscrew) the handle and separate the hot and cold water handles. Then, identify the faulty parts such as the stem, cartridge, or O-rings. Clean or replace these components if they are damaged by mineral buildup or corrosion. For dual-function valves, check if the diverter mechanism is stuck. Reassemble the valve, turn the water supply back on, and test the hot and cold water flow. If the issue persists, consider replacing the entire valve assembly.

This problem typically occurs due to mineral deposits from hard water or prolonged corrosion of internal parts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hard water causes 95% of mineral-related plumbing issues, and 60% of shower valve failures are linked to mineral buildup, as reported by HomeAdvisor. Additionally, DIY repair reduces costs by 70% compared to professional replacement, which averages $300-$600, per data from Fixr. Over time, temperature fluctuations and low water pressure can accelerate wear, leading to cracked stems or damaged cartridges. Regular maintenance, such as descaling the valve annually, can prevent 80% of these failures, as noted by plumbing industry studies. The repair process addresses both immediate functionality and long-term durability by resolving root causes like debris blockages or component degradation.