Molly Ayala
The solenoid valve is an essential component of an electric shower, controlling the on/off switch by allowing water to enter the unit or blocking its flow. When a shower is not working properly, the solenoid coil is usually the first thing to check. If the voltage drops below 230V during peak hours, the valve coil may need to be replaced. Before replacing the coil, the water supply should be shut off, and a multimeter can be used to check the coil's resistance. If the reading is below 3.5-4 kilo-ohms, the coil needs to be replaced. Replacing the entire valve is recommended to rule out any other problems, although it is often easier to swap out the coil. To replace the coil, the tube terminals are disconnected, and the wires are reattached to the new coil, which is slotted into place.
Characteristics and Values of Replacing an Electric Shower Solenoid Valve
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Replace | If the shower is not working properly, the solenoid valve may be faulty. Check with a multimeter. If the reading is below 3.5-4 kilo-ohms, the coil needs to be replaced. |
| Preparation | Turn off the water supply. Take a photo of the wires before disconnecting for reference when fitting the replacement. |
| Removal | Keep pulling and lightly twisting the coil until it is free. Disconnect the tube terminals. |
| Installation | Reattach the wires to the terminals. Slot the new coil into place, ensuring it is properly fitted. |
| Post-Installation | Turn the water supply back on. Bleed the shower to remove air from the system. |
| Troubleshooting | If the shower is stuck in the "on" position, try turning it on and off a few times to free up the valve. |
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What You'll Learn
Check if the solenoid coil is broken with a multimeter
To check if the solenoid coil in your electric shower is broken, you can use a multimeter to test the solenoid for its resistance and voltage. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Safety First: Before you begin, ensure that any power to the solenoid is turned off and that it is disconnected from the circuit to avoid electrical hazards. This is an important step as you will be working with electrical components.
- Locate the Solenoid: Find the solenoid coil. It typically has two main terminals.
- Prepare the Multimeter: Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). If you have a digital or analog multimeter, refer to the solenoid user manual or datasheet to understand the resistance values.
- Test Resistance: Touch the multimeter probes to the solenoid's terminals. A reading of continuity (low resistance) indicates that the solenoid is functioning correctly. Generally, a reading of 20-60 ohms is considered good, but different brands may have different optimal readings.
- Check for Voltage: If the resistance is within the specified range, check the voltage. The multimeter should read a voltage that matches the rated voltage of the valve. If it does not match, the coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Visual Inspection: In addition to the multimeter testing, you can also visually inspect the solenoid for any physical damage, such as cracks or burnt areas.
- Further Diagnosis: If the solenoid is not functioning properly, further diagnosis may be required. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or seek professional advice for further troubleshooting steps.
By following these steps, you can effectively check if the solenoid coil in your electric shower is broken using a multimeter. Remember to prioritize safety and follow any specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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Turn off the water supply
Before replacing the solenoid coil of your electric shower, it is important to turn off the water supply to avoid unnecessary trouble. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Locate the Water Shut-off Valve
The first step is to find the main water shut-off valve in your home. This valve is typically located in the basement, crawl spaces, or near the water meter. It is important to shut off the main water supply to prevent any further water damage and make it easier to work on the shower.
Identify the Water Supply to the Shower
In most cases, electric showers are connected directly to the mains water supply. However, if you have a shared household or a complex plumbing system, the water supply to the shower may be less straightforward. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a professional plumber or a knowledgeable neighbour.
Isolate the Water Supply to the Shower
Once you have located the main water shut-off valve, you need to identify if there is an isolation valve specifically for the shower. Professional plumbers often install an isolation valve underneath the bath or in a nearby accessible location. Closing this valve will ensure that you turn off the water supply only to the shower and not to other fixtures in the house.
Open Cold Water Taps to Relieve Pressure
After shutting off the water supply, it is a good idea to open the cold water taps in the bathroom to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes. This will help ensure that no water flows out when you start working on the shower.
By following these steps, you can effectively turn off the water supply to your electric shower, ensuring a dry working environment and preventing any potential water damage. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and take your time during such maintenance work.
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Remove the old solenoid coil
Before removing the old solenoid coil, it is important to take certain precautions. First, ensure that the water is switched off and the electricity to the shower is isolated by switching off the fuse box. This is necessary to protect yourself from electric shocks and prevent water flow, avoiding damage to the shower when components are removed.
Once the necessary precautions are taken, you can start the process of removing the old solenoid coil. The solenoid is typically found at the bottom of the shower unit, forming a right angle resembling a lowercase "r". It is important to note that the coil is glued to the main part of the solenoid, so you must be gentle when sliding the coil down to avoid any damage. Keep pulling and lightly twisting the coil until it comes off.
To ensure a proper fit for the new coil, it is recommended to take a picture of the wires and their placement for reference. After that, disconnect the tube terminals. With the wires disconnected, the old solenoid coil should now be completely removed from the shower unit.
Now, you can proceed to install the new solenoid coil. Simply reattach the wires to the terminals, following the reference picture taken earlier, and secure the new coil in place.
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Fit the new solenoid coil
To fit the new solenoid coil, begin by turning off the water supply. Then, pull and lightly twist the old coil until it is free, and disconnect the tube terminals. It is recommended to take a photo of the wires at this stage to remember their placement.
Now, you are ready to fit the new solenoid coil. Reattach the wires to the terminals, referring to your photo if needed. Then, slot the new coil into place, ensuring that it is properly aligned with any notches or pins on the valve.
Some models may require you to remove the complete valve to access the coil. However, some brands, such as Triton, may have a removable plate at the bottom of the unit that provides access to the solenoid. In this case, you can use two screwdrivers on either side of the top of the coil to gently ease it forward and separate it from the valve.
Once the new coil is in place, turn on the water supply and test your shower to ensure it is functioning properly.
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Bleed the shower
Bleeding your shower is a straightforward task that helps remove trapped air, restoring your shower's effectiveness.
First, remove the shower head and place the hose in the bathtub. Next, set the control to full cold, adjust the power temperature setting to low, turn on the power to the unit, and press the start button. Wait for about 5 to 10 seconds for the water to flow through. If no water is coming out, you will need to trace the pipe back to the tank and check the section where the cold water exits the tank to ensure there is no rise in the pipe, as this could be where the airlock is located.
To identify the bleed screw, look near the top of the unit or its side, depending on your model. Loosen the head of the screw with a flat-head screwdriver so that you can remove it completely. Place a towel underneath each of the valves and open them slowly using a flat-head screwdriver until air starts coming out (you should hear a hissing sound). Once all the air has been released and only water remains, close the valves and wipe away excess moisture. Re-attach the bleed screw and test your pump.
If issues persist, consider professional help.
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Frequently asked questions
If your shower is not working properly, the solenoid valve could be faulty. This component is essential to the operation of your shower as it enables the on/off switch to function. You can check the health of the solenoid coil with a multimeter. If the reading is below 3.5-4 kilo-ohms, you will need to replace the coil.
The solenoid valve allows water from the mains to enter the unit when the shower is turned on. When the shower is turned off, the valve closes and prevents water from passing through. When you turn the shower on, an electric current creates a small magnetic field around the coil in the solenoid. The magnet moves a plunger, which opens the valve.
First, make sure you have turned off the water supply. Then, remove the old solenoid valve by pulling and lightly twisting it until it is free. Take a photo of the wires so you know where they go when fitting the replacement. Reattach the wires to the correct terminals and place the new solenoid valve.
If your shower is suddenly getting hot and cold, or the water flow cannot be switched off, your solenoid valve might be stuck open. The coil can break down over time, resulting in either constant flow when the shower is off or no flow when the shower is on.
Yes, it is important to take some health and safety precautions when working with the solenoid valve. Make sure to stop the water flow to prevent the shower from breaking. Additionally, take note of any notices or pins on the valve, as they will show you how the new coil should be fitted.
