Umair Gaines
Electric showers are susceptible to seasonal temperature changes, so it's important to know how to adjust their settings to suit your preferences. The temperature dial on an electric shower controls the flow rate of the water passing through the tank, with a slower flow rate resulting in warmer water, and a faster flow rate leading to cooler water. If your electric shower is too hot, you can turn down the temperature dial or switch to a Medium or Eco power setting. Conversely, if it's not hot enough, you can turn the dial clockwise or use the High power setting. Outside of adjusting the temperature dial, you can also reduce the demand for hot water elsewhere in your home while showering, ensuring your showerhead is free of mineral buildup, and insulating your pipes to minimize heat loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Determine the current temperature of the water | Turn the shower on and let it run for a few minutes to reach its normal temperature |
| Locate the water heater | Check the current setting on the thermostat, which is usually set at 120°F (49°C) for safety |
| Adjust the thermostat | Use a wrench or pliers to gradually increase the temperature up to 140°F (60°C) to avoid scalding risks |
| Insulate pipes | Use foam pipe insulation to minimize heat loss during cold months |
| Reduce hot water demand | Avoid activities that use hot water, like running the dishwasher or washing machine, while showering |
| Clean the showerhead | Soak the showerhead in vinegar and water to remove mineral buildup and improve water flow |
| Adjust the shower valve | Identify the type of valve (single-handle, dual-handle, or thermostatic) and adjust the temperature by rotating the cartridge or spindle |
| Electric shower settings | Adjust the temperature dial on electric showers to alter the flow rate of water passing through the tank |
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What You'll Learn
Adjust the thermostat on your water heater
Adjusting the thermostat on your water heater is a simple process that can increase your comfort and safety while reducing energy bills. The ideal water heater temperature is 120°F (49°C), which is the manufacturer-preset for most modern water heaters. This temperature is a balance between safety, health, and efficiency, as it lowers the risk of scalding while still being high enough to kill waterborne bacteria.
To adjust the thermostat on your water heater, first determine the current temperature of your water. Turn on your shower and let it run for a few minutes to reach its normal temperature, then use a thermometer to measure it. This will be your baseline temperature.
Next, locate your water heater and check the current thermostat setting. If you have a gas water heater, look for the temperature dial on the gas valve near the bottom of the tank. Electric water heaters usually have two thermostats, one at the top and one at the bottom of the tank, hidden behind access panels. Before adjusting an electric heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
Use a wrench or pliers to adjust the temperature dial. For electric heaters, use a flathead screwdriver to adjust both thermostats to the same temperature. Then, replace the insulation and panels, restore power, and wait 24 hours before testing the new temperature with a thermometer.
Avoid setting the temperature above 140°F (60°C) to prevent scalding risks. If you do increase the temperature above 120°F, install Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use and set them to 120°F or lower to reduce the risk of scalding.
In addition to adjusting your water heater's thermostat, you can also improve your shower's water temperature by reducing the demand for hot water elsewhere in your home. Avoid using appliances that require large amounts of hot water, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, while showering. You can also improve heat retention by insulating your pipes with foam pipe insulation.
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Insulate your pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes is a great way to increase the temperature of your electric shower. It reduces heat loss, allowing you to raise the water temperature by 2°F–4°F. It also helps to maintain the water temperature as it travels from the heater to the showerhead. This means your water heater doesn't have to work as hard, reducing energy consumption and utility bills.
Before you begin, you'll need to purchase some insulation material for your pipes. Common options include foam pipe sleeves, foam tape, fiberglass wrap, and rubber insulation. Foam sleeves and foam tape are DIY-friendly options, especially for pipes with irregular shapes or in tight spaces. Foam sleeves are affordable and easy to install, while foam tape is flexible, adhesive-backed, and can be wrapped around pipes, fittings, and valves. Fiberglass wrap is suitable for high-temperature pipes but requires protective gear and is often best left to professionals. Rubber insulation is durable and moisture-resistant but can be more expensive and challenging to install.
To get started, measure the length and diameter of your pipes to determine the amount and type of insulation material needed. For electric water heaters, pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam are commonly used. When using fiberglass pipe-wrap, wear protective gear, including gloves and long sleeves, and use scissors or a utility knife to cut the insulation to the required length.
Once you have the insulation material and have measured your pipes, it's time to start insulating. Start by locating all the pipes that would benefit from insulation, focusing on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Both hot and cold water pipes should be insulated to prevent heat loss and protect against freezing. Ensure that the pipes are clean and dry before applying the insulation. Place the pipe sleeve with the seam facing down on the pipe and secure it every foot or two with tape, wire, or a cable tie. Make sure the insulation remains snug and fully covers the pipes, adjusting as needed.
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Install a thermostatic shower valve
Installing a thermostatic shower valve can be a great way to increase the water temperature in your electric shower. This device regulates water temperature by automatically adjusting the hot and cold water pressure balance, ensuring a consistent temperature. It also helps prevent sudden temperature drops when someone else in the house uses a faucet or flushes a toilet. While it may require professional installation, it can be worth the investment for a steady and higher water temperature.
Before installing a thermostatic shower valve, it is important to determine the current temperature of your water. Turn on your shower and let it run for a few minutes to reach its normal temperature. Then, use a thermometer to measure the temperature, which will serve as your baseline. Most water heaters are set at 120°F (49°C) by manufacturers for safety, but you can gradually increase it to a comfortable level.
To adjust the temperature dial on your water heater, use a wrench or pliers, being careful not to exceed 140°F (60°C) to prevent scalding risks. Keep in mind that heat loss can occur as hot water travels from the heater to your shower, especially during colder months. To minimize heat loss, consider insulating your pipes with foam pipe insulation, covering as much of the pipe as possible.
When installing the thermostatic shower valve, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions. Some valves may require specific fittings, such as compression fittings, and it is important to ensure proper sealing to avoid leaks. Additionally, you may need to adjust the scald guard, a plastic disk with notches, to balance the hot and cold water valves. This can be done by removing the single handle and loosening the screws with a wrench before adjusting the temperature controls.
By installing a thermostatic shower valve and following these steps, you can effectively increase the water temperature in your electric shower, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable showering experience.
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Reduce hot water demand elsewhere
One way to increase the temperature of your electric shower is to reduce the demand for hot water elsewhere in your home. This means avoiding activities that require large amounts of hot water while you shower. Here are some ways to reduce hot water demand:
Dishwashing
It is commonly assumed that washing dishes by hand saves hot water. However, washing dishes by hand several times a day can use more water and cost more than operating an energy-efficient dishwasher. If you are going to use a dishwasher, look for one with an ENERGY STAR® label, as these are more energy-efficient. One feature that makes a dishwasher more energy-efficient is a booster heater, which increases the temperature of the water entering the dishwasher to the recommended 140ºF for cleaning. Shorter cycles also require less water, thereby reducing energy costs.
Clothes washing
Unlike dishwashers, clothes washers don't require a minimum temperature for optimum cleaning. You can save on energy costs by purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer.
Fixing leaks
You can also reduce hot water demand by fixing leaks in faucets, showerheads, or pipes. A leak of one drip per second can waste 1,661 gallons of water and cost up to $35 per year.
Low-flow fixtures
Installing low-flow fixtures can help reduce hot water demand. Low-flow showerheads can achieve water savings of 25%–60% and typically cost only $10 to $20. Aerating showerheads mix air with water to form a misty spray, while laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If you live in a humid climate, you might prefer a laminar-flow showerhead as it won't create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one.
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Descale your showerhead
One of the reasons your electric shower may not be heating up as much as you would like is due to mineral buildup in the showerhead. This can cause the shower to function less efficiently and result in lower water temperatures. To address this, you will need to descale your showerhead.
- Before you start, figure out how bad the blockage is. If water is still coming out of the nozzle and most of the holes appear clear, you probably won't need to remove the showerhead for deep cleaning. If the water flow is very restricted and the buildup seems severe, you might need to remove the head from the shower arm.
- If you need to remove the showerhead, use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the showerhead to the feed pipe. Be careful not to damage the fixture's finish. Cushion your tool with a rag while you work to avoid scratching.
- Once loosened, use your hands to unscrew the showerhead completely.
- Check the threaded interior portion of the showerhead and remove any debris with your finger. You can also flush this area with water.
- Remove the filter screen inside the showerhead with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Clean the filter screen by rinsing it with water or using a cleaning brush and an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap for stubborn, sticky debris.
- Fill a large plastic food storage bag with about one cup of distilled white vinegar. You can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the vinegar for extra cleaning power.
- Place the showerhead inside the bag, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Use a zip tie or tape to secure the bag in place.
- Leave the bag in place overnight or for about eight hours.
- Remove the bag and turn on the hot water at full pressure to remove any remaining deposits.
- If there are still blocked holes in the showerhead, use a needle, thumbtack, paper clip, or toothpick to open them.
- Reinstall the showerhead and filter screen.
In addition to descaling your showerhead, there are several other ways to increase the temperature of your electric shower:
- Adjust the thermostat on your water heater. Most manufacturers set the thermostat at 120°F (49°C) for safety, but you can increase it gradually to a comfortable level, being careful not to exceed 140°F (60°C) to avoid scalding risks.
- Insulate your pipes with foam pipe insulation to minimize heat loss as the hot water travels from the heater to your shower.
- Install a thermostatic shower valve, which automatically adjusts the hot and cold water pressure balance to maintain a consistent water temperature.
- Reduce the demand for hot water elsewhere in your home while you shower by avoiding activities that require large amounts of hot water, such as running the dishwasher or washing machine.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature dial on electric showers controls the flow rate of the water passing through the tank. To increase the temperature, you need to slow down the flow rate by turning the dial anti-clockwise.
First, locate the temperature dial on your shower. This is usually found on the right-hand side. Remove any protective caps and use a screwdriver to unscrew the temperature control cover. Place the temperature control over the spindle and turn it in the direction indicated for hotter water. Secure the cover and replace the protective cap.
You can reduce heat loss by insulating your pipes with foam pipe insulation. You can also reduce the demand for hot water elsewhere in your home while you shower, by avoiding activities that use a lot of hot water, such as running the dishwasher or washing machine. You can also install a thermostatic shower valve to help regulate the water temperature and adjust the water valves and scald guard.
