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The likely culprit is an air lock somewhere in your pipes. This is especially true if the warm water upstairs is accompanied by a decline in water flow. Other causes of this issue include frozen pipes, leaks, damaged supply lines, and more. There’s a simple DIY fix to try for air locks: Turn the hot water and cold water faucets on for a minute, then turn off the cold water and then the hot water. Repeat this process two or three times. 

There are three main types of shower valves: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves are both considered mixing valves because they regulate water flow and temperature, but they do so in different ways. A pressure-balancing valve senses changes in water pressure, such as from a flushing toilet, and adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to maintain a consistent temperature; these typically use a single knob. A thermostatic valve uses a thermostat to precisely control the water temperature and requires a separate control to adjust the water volume. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, such as switching from a tub faucet to a showerhead in a tub-shower combination.

If your pipes are suddenly making loud noises, it could be due to any of the aforementioned issues. A water hammer is a common cause of this problem. Other potential causes include water pressure issues, loose pipes, air bubbles, and worn-out fixtures. Mineral buildup in the pipes can also cause loud noises. 

There are several reasons a shower could lose pressure, including clogs in your showerhead, leaks, corrosion in your pipes, or faulty components like a shower valve or shower diverter. Issues with your water heater or water pressure regulator can also cause a drop in pressure, so it’s important to hire a licensed pro to diagnose the problem.