Electric shower problems

**Damien** · 22-08-2011, 14:21

We have an electric shower and it's been having some issues.

It was three settings; hot, eco and cold - each of which have a heat dial to increase/decrease how hot the water is. The higher the temperature the lower the water pressure, although I am presuming that is standard?

Anyway a number of months ago the 'hot' setting would always kick out very hot water no matter what temperature it was. Ignoring this annoying issue I found sticking it into 'eco' and putting the temperature at about 50%, half way, was acceptable even if the water pressure left a lot to be desired. Now though eco is ice cold no matter where I set the dial! So setting it to hot leaves the water intensely hot, any other setting and the water is ice cold.

Any advice into what would be the cause?

**Kymmy** · 22-08-2011, 14:23

Sticking valves due to hard water deposits??

**Damien** · 22-08-2011, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Sticking valves due to hard water deposits??

Is that something I can fix?

danielf · 22-08-2011, 14:36

If you're renting, the landlord should have this fixed.

Sasha222 · 22-08-2011, 14:46

Sounds like the temp gauge might need to be replaced or the pump. Better to get a plumber to have a look in case you try and do a D.I.Y and make the problem worse for yourself

martyh · 22-08-2011, 14:47

Usually with electric showers the higher the pressure the the cooler it will be ,the hotter the temp the less water passes through .It is a drawback with some electric showers and it sounds like the heating element is on the blink with yours as it is not heating the water sufficiently in the eco setting .Only in the hot setting will it heat the water simply because less water is passing through .As Kymmy says it maybe a build up of lymscale deposits around the heating element .If there is anyway to open up the area with the heating element in some kettle de scaler will clean it

**Rob** · 22-08-2011, 15:11

Most electric showers have the heating element either on or off. By turning the dial to regulate the temperature you are in fact adjusting the flow rate of water over the element, so less flow is hotter water.

If you are getting no heat on the eco setting that might imply the element has failed. If the hot setting always set the same temparature, regardless of the flow adjusting, then I'd suggest the temperature dial had disconnected in some way from the flow valve.

Bottom line it seems like your shower is in a bad way. I'm not sure if there are any user serviceable parts in the shower. You may be able to download a manual from the manufacturer's website. Electrics and water aren't a good mix. If you aren't competent, don't go near it yourself.

**Kymmy** · 22-08-2011, 15:21

Limescale build up round the heating element reduces the throughput but lowers the temp. This sound like the heat setting is controlled by the water flow, if the water flow valves are sticking then the flow itself will be low and the result will be a very hot shower.

As it's electric I'm not sure it's even legal for you to look at it yourself and you might need a certified person to check it over..

**Damien** · 22-08-2011, 15:25

Get a plumber then. Cheers.

thenry · 22-08-2011, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

Get a plumber then. Cheers.

Well its completely dead, everything needs replacing. Do expect a fix to take around 15 years. Heres your estimate, thank you SuperPlumbers

Good luck dude, your going to need it

**Chris** · 22-08-2011, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Limescale build up round the heating element reduces the throughput but lowers the temp. This sound like the heat setting is controlled by the water flow, if the water flow valves are sticking then the flow itself will be low and the result will be a very hot shower.

As it's electric I'm not sure it's even legal for you to look at it yourself and you might need a certified person to check it over..

Building regs in England don't compel you to use an electrician (except in certain circumstances) but do compel you to do the work to the same standards as any competent electrician.

You would need to notify the local council if making alterations to circuits in the bathroom but it seems you would not need to notify if simply repairing.

Nevertheless, if in doubt, get someone in who knows what they're doing ...

Taf · 22-08-2011, 15:55

I have seen this with an airlock in the heating chamber, this sometimes happens when you let the shower head get too low down.

Raise the head as high as you can get it and let the water in on a cold setting to see if it gurgles out a lot of air.

**Kymmy** · 22-08-2011, 16:00

I wasn't sure whether a shower was covered by the new regulations as to electrical wiring in the bathroom. Hence I wasn't sure if it was legal or not, thanks for clarifying Chris

raging bull · 22-08-2011, 19:28

Damien- It isn't a Triton shower by any chance is it?
Just had the same problem with my T80si, I ended up replacing the 'temperature stabilising valve'. (The control valve behind lower control knob)
Took about 20 minutes to do.
Brian

raging bull · 23-08-2011, 21:08

As a follow on from previous posts.
All you have to consider is:
1) Shut off water to shower, draining off any water in system.
2) Turn off power to shower at fuse box.
3) Have any tools required to do job available.
4) Do not rush the job, recheck all work before restoring power.
5) Consider yourself a good worker for saving 50pounds labour charge!
Brian