Replacing A Triton Electric Shower: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace a triton electric shower

Replacing an electric shower is an investment of time and money, so it's important to choose a quality shower that will last for years. If you're replacing a Triton electric shower, you may be able to simply replace it with a newer Triton model. If you're upgrading to a more powerful shower, you may need to consult a Part P registered electrician. If you're replacing your shower with one of a similar power, you may be able to replace it yourself, but you must be suitably qualified.

Characteristics Values
Installation Ensure the new shower has the same installation and fitting points as the old one to minimise disruption to tiles, walls and plumbing.
Cable and water entry points Models with flexible cable and water entry points may require some reworking.
Water and electrical entry points Same-side water and electrical entry points (left or right-handed) are recommended for replacement showers.
kW rating Upgrading the kW rating may require inspection by a Part P registered Electrician and potential shower circuit upgrades.
Screw holes New screw holes may be required for the shower unit and fittings kit.
Electric and water inlet connections Alterations to electric and water inlet connections may be necessary.
Thermostatic control Consider whether a thermostatically controlled shower is required.
Cable size Check the cable size to ensure compatibility with the new shower.
Water pipes and electrical connections All main infrastructure, such as water pipes and electrical connections, will already be in place.
Cable and pipe entry points The new shower should have cable and pipe entry points at the top, bottom, side and rear for flexibility in routing cables and pipes.
Independent electric circuits Ensure the new shower can be connected to independent electric circuits.
Isolation Disconnect the power supply and water supply before beginning any work.
Electric qualifications Ensure you are suitably qualified to work with electrics; otherwise, contact a Part P certified plumber or qualified electrician.

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Ensure the power and water supply are disconnected

Before you start replacing your Triton electric shower, it is crucial to ensure that the power and water supply are disconnected. This step is essential for safety reasons, as electricity and water can be a dangerous combination. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Disconnecting the Power Supply:

  • First, locate the isolating switch, which is usually found near the shower unit or in the airing cupboard. This switch allows you to turn off the electricity supply to the shower without affecting the rest of your home.
  • Disconnect the power supply to the shower. If necessary, use an electrical tester to verify that the electricity is indeed turned off. An electrical tester typically has a small neon bulb that illuminates when a current is flowing.

Disconnecting the Water Supply:

  • Turn off the water supply to the shower. Depending on the model, you may need to turn off the hot and cold water supplies at the isolating valves.
  • Take special care when disconnecting the water supply connections. You may need to remove the front of the old shower unit to access these connections.

Additional Considerations:

  • Mark the position of the new unit on the shower wall with a pencil before beginning any work. This will ensure that you have a clear idea of where to place the new unit.
  • If your Triton shower has a front cover, remember to remove it before proceeding. This is important, especially if you need to adjust any settings or switches inside.
  • If you are not trained or qualified in electrics, it is strongly recommended to seek professional assistance. Contacting a Part P certified plumber or a qualified electrician is advisable to ensure a safe and proper installation.

By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the power and water supply to your Triton electric shower, making it ready for replacement. Remember to exercise caution and seek help if you are unsure at any point during the process.

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Check the kW rating and water supply

When replacing a Triton electric shower, it is important to check the kW rating and water supply to ensure that your new shower is compatible with your existing setup and to avoid any potential issues.

The kW rating of a shower indicates its power, with a higher kW rating providing hotter water or a faster flow rate. When upgrading to a higher kW-rated shower, it is crucial to consider the electrical supply and ensure that the cable, circuit breaker, and consumer unit are compatible and can handle the increased load. For example, upgrading from an 8.5 kW to a 10.5 kW shower may require upgrading the shower circuit and protecting it with a Residual Current Device (RCD). It is recommended to consult a Part P registered Electrician to inspect the installation and determine if any upgrades are necessary.

The water supply is another critical factor to consider when replacing a Triton electric shower. Electric showers typically draw water from the mains cold water supply, and the minimum water pressure and flow rate requirements vary depending on the kW rating of the shower. For instance, a 7 kW to 8.5 kW shower requires a minimum running pressure of 1 bar at a minimum flow rate of 8 litres per minute, while a 10.5 kW shower requires a minimum running water pressure of 1.5 bar at a minimum flow rate of 11 litres per minute. If the mains water pressure is insufficient, a pump can be used to boost the water supply, such as the Triton T450i single impeller pump or an integral pumped shower like the T90xr. However, it is important to note that pumped showers must be fed from a cold water cistern and not connected directly to the mains cold water supply.

To find the kW rating of your current Triton shower, you can refer to the rating label located on the underside of the unit, which includes the kW rating, model name, and manufacture date code. Additionally, there is usually a product rating label inside the unit with the same information, along with the serial number. This information is valuable when selecting a replacement shower to ensure compatibility and to make informed decisions about any necessary upgrades.

When replacing a Triton electric shower, it is essential to consider the dimensions of the new unit, ensuring that it covers existing tiles and screw fixings, as well as the cable and water entry points. By taking these factors into account, you can minimise disruptions during the replacement process and ensure a smooth transition to your new shower.

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Consider the cable and pipe entry points

If you are replacing your Triton electric shower, it is important to consider the cable and pipe entry points. The cable and pipe entry points of your new shower should ideally be flexible, with multiple entry points at the top, bottom, side, and rear. This flexibility will make it easier to route cables and pipes during installation.

Before beginning any installation work, disconnect the power supply to the shower and verify that the electricity is indeed off by using an electrical tester. This is an important safety precaution as electricity and water do not mix. Once the power is off, you can then switch off the water supply.

When selecting a replacement shower, it is important to consider the electrical supply. Older showers were typically less powerful, and your new shower may require a higher electrical load. If you are upgrading to a higher kW rating, it is recommended that you consult a qualified electrician to inspect the installation and determine if any upgrades are necessary.

Additionally, pay attention to the cable size and distance from the consumer unit. The cable size will impact the maximum kW rating your shower can handle, and an insufficient cable size may overload and cause issues, including the risk of a house fire.

Finally, consider the pipe entry points and whether you need to make any alterations to the water inlet connections. Depending on the setup, you may need to use flexipipes or copper pipes. If you are competent with water and electricity and the necessary preparations are made, replacing a Triton electric shower can be done as a DIY project. However, if you are not trained or qualified, it is recommended to consult a Part P certified plumber or a qualified electrician.

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Assess the need for new screw holes

When replacing a Triton electric shower, one of the first things to consider is whether you will need to drill new screw holes. This will depend on whether you are replacing the shower with the exact same model or a different one. If you are replacing the shower with the same model, then the screw holes will likely line up and you won't need to drill new ones. However, if you are replacing it with a different model, there is a possibility that the new shower will require new screw holes. This is because the new shower may have a different shape or size, and the screw holes may not line up with the old ones.

To assess the need for new screw holes, you can start by measuring and comparing the dimensions of your old and new showers. Pay close attention to the distance between the screw holes on both showers. If the screw holes on the new shower line up with the existing screw holes on the wall, then you may not need to drill new holes. However, if the screw holes do not align, you will need to decide whether to drill new holes or choose a different shower model.

Another factor to consider is the type of screws that will be used to secure the new shower. The screws should be long enough to penetrate the wall and provide a secure hold. If the new shower requires longer screws, you may need to drill deeper holes to accommodate the longer screws. This may involve drilling into different materials such as wood or metal studs behind the wall, so it is important to be cautious and aware of what's behind the wall before drilling.

In some cases, you may find that the new shower comes with a different mounting system or brackets that require additional screw holes. This is especially true if you are upgrading to a newer model with more features or a different design. It is important to carefully review the installation instructions and requirements for the new shower to determine if any modifications to the wall are necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to drill new screw holes will depend on the specific models of the old and new showers, as well as the condition and structure of your walls. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with drilling new holes, it is always best to consult a professional installer or seek advice from the manufacturer or a knowledgeable salesperson.

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Check for alterations to electrical and water inlet connections

When replacing a Triton electric shower, it is important to check for alterations to electrical and water inlet connections. This is because the electrical supply may pose a problem, as older showers were typically less powerful than newer models, and the cable, circuit breaker, etc. may not be suitable for a new shower.

If you are upgrading to a higher kW rating, for example, from 8.5 kW to 10.5 kW, the installation will need to be inspected by a Part P registered Electrician, and your shower circuit may need to be upgraded. Your shower circuit will also need to be protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD).

If you are replacing your shower with one that has the same rating/power as the old one, you still need to pay attention to the electrical connections when mounting the new shower. Make sure the power is off and disconnect everything.

The current arrangement should also be assessed for suitability, even if it is a like-for-like replacement. The circuit may be unsuitable, or the required safety measures may not be in place.

Before starting any work in your bathroom, disconnect the power supply to the shower and use an electrical tester to check that the electricity is indeed disconnected. An electrical tester usually features a small neon bulb that lights up when a current flows through it. Once you've disconnected the power supply, switch off your water supply.

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Frequently asked questions

It's not too difficult, but it's not the easiest job in the world either. It's easier than installing a new shower because the infrastructure, such as water pipes and electrical connections, will already be in place. However, if you're upgrading to a more powerful shower, the cable, circuit breaker, etc. may not be suitable for a new one.

If you're trained or qualified in electrics, you can replace the shower yourself. If not, it's best to hire a Part P certified plumber or a qualified electrician.

Make sure the power and water supply are disconnected before starting any work. Check that the electricity is disconnected using an electrical tester. Also, ensure that your new shower has cable and pipe entry points at the top, bottom, side, and rear for more flexibility when routing cables and pipes.

Yes, you can replace a Triton electric shower with a different brand. However, it's important to select a quality brand that will last for years. Some recommended brands include Mira, Bristan, Aqualisa, and Gainsborough.

One common issue is that the new shower may have a different form factor, which can make the replacement complicated. The electrical and water inlet connections may also need to be altered. Additionally, if you're upgrading to a higher kW rating, you may need to inspect the installation with a Part P registered Electrician and upgrade your shower circuit.

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