Trystan Casey
An airlock in an electric shower can be a frustrating issue to have, especially if you don't know how to fix it. The problem is usually caused by a drop in water levels in the attic tank, which can occur during winter when water pressure is reduced to prevent leaks after a cold snap, or in summer during a prolonged dry spell. Other causes could be a faulty ballcock or a leak in the water main. If you're experiencing issues with your electric shower due to an airlock, there are several methods you can try to fix it yourself before calling a plumber. These methods include removing the shower head, blocking the water from coming out of the hose, adjusting the temperature settings, and running the shower without the head to identify the issue. If these steps don't work, you may need to clean or replace the filter, or in some cases, the entire shower head.
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What You'll Learn
Remove the shower head and run the shower
To fix an airlock in an electric shower, you can try removing the shower head and running the shower. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the shower head: This usually involves unscrewing it from the flexible hose. Make sure to do this gently to avoid damaging the threads or any other parts. Place the shower head in a safe place to avoid misplacing or damaging it.
- Set the temperature and flow settings: Turn the heat down to a low setting. Adjust the hot/cold mixer to be halfway between the full hot and full cold settings. This ensures that you are getting a blend of hot and cold water.
- Block the hose hole: Cover the end of the hose (where the shower head was attached) with your finger or a suitable object to prevent water from flowing out. This step is crucial to creating the necessary pressure to clear the airlock.
- Turn on the shower: Start the shower and let it run for a few seconds. The water should be redirected up the cold feed line, helping to clear the airlock.
- Switch to cold water: After a short period, switch the water setting to cold and let it run. Even if the cold water line hasn't been completely filled, the siphon effect should be sufficient to push water past the airlock, restoring the normal flow of cold water.
- Reattach the shower head: Once the airlock has been cleared and cold water is running normally, you can screw the shower head back onto the hose. Test the shower with the head attached to ensure that the issue has been resolved.
It is important to note that while removing the shower head and running the shower can be an effective method to clear an airlock, there are other potential causes for shower issues. If this method does not resolve the problem, you may need to consult a plumber or refer to other troubleshooting guides for additional solutions.
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Check for collapsed tubing
If your electric shower is experiencing issues with water temperature and flow, it could be due to a collapsed tube or an airlock in the system. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to ensure that the power to the shower is turned off for safety.
To check for a collapsed tube, start by removing the showerhead from the hose. This is usually done by unscrewing it. Then, run the shower without the showerhead attached. If you can regulate the temperature without the showerhead, the issue is likely with the showerhead itself. In this case, the showerhead may need to be descaled or replaced.
If the problem persists without the showerhead, the next step is to check the tubing. In most cases, you will be able to see if the tubing has collapsed. If it is not visually apparent, try running the shower without the hose or with a different hose to determine if the issue is with the hose. If the hose needs to be replaced, it is recommended to use genuine Triton or Mira hoses designed for electric showers, as these will have the correct diameter.
If you suspect that the tubing has collapsed due to a restriction in water flow, it is important to address the underlying cause to prevent further issues. This may involve checking the pump, isolating the hot and cold water supplies, and inspecting the shower mixer valve for any issues.
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Clean the filter
Before attempting to clean the filter, make sure the power to the shower is turned off. Once you are certain the power is off, remove the cover and find the filter.
The filter is usually inside the shower. Some showers may require you to shut off the water supply before removing the filter. Clean the filter if necessary, then put it back in.
If your shower has a pump, you may need to commission it after cleaning the filter. This process is usually explained in the installation manual. After commissioning the pump, put the cover back on, turn the water on, and turn the power on.
If your shower still has the same issue after cleaning the filter, it may be clogged with limescale. In this case, you may need to replace the shower head or the entire shower.
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Check the pump
If you are experiencing issues with your electric shower, there are a few things you can do to check the pump and potentially fix the problem yourself.
First, check the pump filters. If they are dirty, clean them and see if this improves the flow of water. Next, remove the cartridge from the shower mixer, clean it, and replace it. If the temperature dial was not working properly before, test it now to see if the issue has been resolved.
If you are still experiencing problems, try isolating the pump by following these steps:
- Isolate the cold and hot water supplies to the pump.
- Remove the shower mixer valve.
- Slowly turn on the hot water valve and check the flow through to the valve.
- Repeat this process for the cold water valve.
- Reassemble and reinstate the water and electrical supply to the pump.
If the pump is functioning correctly after isolating it, the issue may lie with the shower mixer valve, which may need maintenance or descaling.
It is important to consult the installation manual for your specific shower model, as it may contain important information regarding pump issues and maintenance. Additionally, always ensure that the power is turned off before removing any covers or attempting any repairs.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult a professional plumber or shower repair specialist for further assistance.
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Call a plumber
If you're experiencing problems with your electric shower, it may be time to call a plumber. Plumbers are constantly being called out to deal with shower problems, so you're not alone! One of the most common issues with electric showers is that there's no hot water, or the water doesn't heat up properly. This could be caused by the safety cut-out device or another issue with the shower's heating element. While an electrician would typically address these problems, some plumbers are also happy to fix electric showers, so be sure to ask before hiring anyone.
Another issue that may require a plumber's expertise is blocked pipes or a blocked showerhead, resulting in no water coming out of the showerhead. Plumbers can locate and fix the blockage or advise on whether a replacement part is needed. If your electric shower won't turn off, it's likely due to a faulty solenoid valve, which a plumber can easily replace.
In some cases, an airlock in your electric shower can cause issues. This often occurs when the water level in the attic tank drops too low, which can happen during winter when water pressure is reduced or during summer droughts. Plumbers are equipped to handle such problems and can guide you through the necessary steps to clear the airlock.
When deciding whether to call a plumber, consider the potential costs involved. In the UK, a plumber's hourly rate typically ranges from £40 to £60, while an emergency call-out fee can be as high as £100-£120. Weigh the urgency of the issue and the complexity of the repair against the potential expense.
While some shower issues may be DIY-fixable, others require professional assistance. Calling a plumber is especially important if you're unsure about the cause of the problem or don't feel confident attempting a repair yourself. They can provide expert guidance, ensuring your shower is safely and effectively restored to working order.
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Frequently asked questions
If the cold water is running normally but the hot water isn't, or it runs slowly and then trickles off, you may have an airlock.
First, remove the shower head and run the shower without it. If the temperature can be regulated without the shower head attached, the issue is with the shower head itself. If the problem persists, try blocking the water from coming out of the shower head and turn on the shower.
You can try to fill the cold shower feed with the hot shower feed for a minute or so. Then, switch the water to cold on the shower and let it run. If the problem still persists, try isolating the pump, isolating the cold and hot supplies to the pump, and removing the shower mixer valve.
An airlock in your electric shower can occur if the level of water in the attic tank is too low. This often happens in winter when water pressure needs to be reduced due to leaks after a cold snap. It can also happen during a prolonged hot and dry spell.
If you are unable to fix the airlock in your electric shower, it is recommended to call a qualified plumber for assistance. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to identify and resolve the issue.
