Otis Singleton
Low water pressure in electric showers can be caused by a variety of factors, including plumbing issues, such as closed valves, low-flow showerheads, or faulty pressure regulators. Mineral deposits and limescale buildup in the showerhead can also disrupt water flow, leading to reduced pressure. The heating element in electric showers may also contribute to low pressure by slowing down the water flow to heat the water sufficiently. Outside factors such as the temperature of the mains water supply and the size of the showerhead nozzles can also play a role in reducing water pressure. In some cases, a water pump or pressurised cylinder can be fitted to the existing system to boost water flow and improve shower performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating element | The heating element in the shower might be worn down, causing the water to come out with less force. |
| Water pump | Fitting a water pump or pressurised cylinder can boost the flow and improve the showering experience. |
| Limescale build-up | Limescale build-up can clog the showerhead or hose, requiring a replacement. |
| Blocked showerhead | Mineral deposits and debris can block the showerhead, reducing water flow. |
| Solenoid coil | A faulty solenoid coil can cause low water pressure. |
| Mains water temperature | Colder mains water needs to be heated more, which reduces water flow. |
| Mains supply | Low pressure in the mains supply can cause low water pressure in the shower. |
| Mains piping | Old piping in the mains water system can cause low water pressure. |
| Supply piping | Undersized supply piping can restrict the amount of water coming into the home and the shower. |
| Shut-off valve | An obstructed shut-off valve can cause low water pressure. |
| Power | Higher power (rated in "W") results in better water flow and pressure. |
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What You'll Learn
Blocked showerheads
If you are experiencing low water pressure in your electric shower, there are several factors at play that could be causing this issue. Firstly, it is important to understand what causes low water pressure. Water pressure is the amount of force pushing water through the plumbing system, and it is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The maximum allowed by the 2021 International Residential Code is 80 psi. The water pressure in your home is influenced by various factors, such as the source of water and the configuration and material of your piping system.
One of the most common causes of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead due to limescale or mineral buildup. This buildup can obstruct the water flow, leading to reduced pressure over time. To fix this issue, you should start by cleaning your showerhead thoroughly with a damp, non-abrasive sponge and mild soap, then buffing it dry with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning will help prevent mineral buildup. If your showerhead is beyond repair due to limescale buildup, you may need to replace it.
If your showerhead is clean but you still experience low water pressure, the next step is to inspect the shower arm for obstructions. Remove the shower arm and look inside for any mineral buildup or other debris that may be hindering water flow. If you find any blockages, ensure you clear them out.
Another factor that can influence water pressure is the volume valve system on a single-handle shower faucet. Over time, this part may wear out and compromise your water flow. As it is difficult to repair, it is recommended to hire a plumber to handle the replacement.
In some cases, low water pressure can be caused by an in-line shutoff valve on the water lines supplying the showerhead. These valves act as emergency stops and are usually located near the supply point. Ensure that these valves are fully open by turning them counterclockwise all the way for full water pressure.
If you have tried all the above steps and are still experiencing low water pressure, there are a few other things you can try. Firstly, limit water use elsewhere in the home while someone is showering. Avoid running appliances that use water, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, at the same time as your shower. You can also try upgrading your showerhead to a high-pressure model that can deliver a stronger water flow, even at lower flow rates. Look for WaterSense®-labeled products that are third-party tested to ensure water efficiency without compromising performance.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and suggest further alternatives.
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Limescale and sediment buildup
To address this issue, it is recommended to regularly clean the showerhead by removing it and soaking it in vinegar or a descaling solution for several hours to dissolve the limescale. Afterwards, gently scrub the nozzles with a soft brush to remove any remaining buildup and then rinse the showerhead thoroughly before reattaching it. This maintenance routine can help prevent limescale buildup and maintain optimal water flow.
In addition to the showerhead, limescale can also accumulate in the pipes, particularly in hot water lines. This buildup can restrict the diameter of the pipes, reducing water pressure. To address limescale in the pipes, it may be necessary to install a water softener, which can prevent limescale buildup and protect plumbing fixtures, pipes, and water-using appliances.
Sediment and debris from the water supply can also accumulate in the water inlet filter, preventing water from entering the shower properly and affecting shower performance. It is important to periodically inspect and clean the water inlet to remove any blockages or buildup that may be slowing down the water flow.
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Faulty solenoid valve
A faulty solenoid valve is one of the most common issues with electric showers. The solenoid coil, which is part of the solenoid valve assembly, generates magnetism when an electric current passes through it. This magnetism attracts a metal pin inside the valve assembly, allowing water to enter the shower unit.
When the solenoid coil breaks down, the water stops running. This could be due to the copper gauze in the valve, which is too weak and flimsy, eventually breaking down and clogging up the valve. The breakdown of the coil could also be due to voltage drops below 230V during peak hours.
To test the solenoid coil, use a standard multimeter. Ensure the shower is switched off, set the multimeter to Ohms, and place the probes on the two coil terminals. A resistance reading between 3.5-4.0 kilo Ohms indicates a functional coil.
If the solenoid coil is faulty, it can be replaced. However, it is worth noting that some manufacturers do not sell the coil or the valve separately, so you may need to replace the entire assembly.
In some cases, the issue may not be with the coil itself but with the valve getting stuck open. Turning the shower on and off a few times might free up the valve and close it properly.
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Heating element issues
If your electric shower is not producing hot water, it could be due to a faulty heating element. The heating element in an electric shower is similar to the one in a kitchen kettle. It heats up the water as it passes through, providing instant hot water.
Over time, the heating element can become worn down, weakened, or damaged, resulting in reduced heating efficiency. This can cause the water to come out at a lower temperature or with less force, leading to low water pressure.
To determine if the heating element is the culprit, you can refer to your shower's manual for guidance on checking and replacing it. Some troubleshooting steps may include calibrating the temperature controls and resetting any tripped safety features, such as thermal cut-outs or safety thermostats.
If your electric shower exhibits fluctuating temperatures, it could also indicate an issue with the heating element. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a qualified electrician or plumber to diagnose and address more complex problems.
It is important to note that electric showers have safety features like thermal switches that monitor the water temperature. If the water gets too hot, the thermal switch will cut off the power supply to the heating element to prevent scalding. However, a faulty thermal switch can lead to inconsistent temperatures, and it may need to be replaced.
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Low mains pressure
Low pressure in the mains supply is one of the most common reasons for poor water pressure in electric showers. The mains water pressure is influenced by various factors, including the distance from the source, the topography of the area, and the water usage of neighbouring properties.
Old piping in the mains water system, particularly in city and town centres, can also contribute to low pressure. Local governments may find it challenging to replace these pipes due to disruption it would cause in densely populated areas.
Additionally, your home's water system may have undersized supply piping, which is a common issue in older houses with original plumbing systems. This restricts the water flow to your home and shower. Replacing these pipes can be disruptive, so previous homeowners may have left the issue unaddressed.
Another potential cause of low mains pressure is a faulty pressure regulator. This device regulates water pressure within a safe range, but when it fails, the water pressure can drop. Sediment buildup inside the regulator valve is a common cause of regulator malfunction.
To address low mains pressure, you can try improving the water flow at the showerhead by cleaning or replacing it. Modern showers often feature "flow restricting" or "water-saving" showerheads, which can be adjusted or replaced to increase water pressure.
If these solutions do not resolve the issue, consider consulting a professional plumber to explore more advanced options, such as installing a water pump or pressurised cylinder to boost the water flow.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons for low water pressure in electric showers. The plumbing might have a closed valve, a low-flow showerhead, or a faulty pressure regulator. A common cause of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead due to limescale build-up. If you live in an older house, your home water system may use old, iron piping that is vulnerable to rusting and obstruction.
If you've recently had plumbing work carried out, the mains stopcock valve could be partially closed, slowing the water flow. Clean your showerhead thoroughly and ensure the shower hose isn't kinked or damaged. Check if the water isolators are fully turned on. Try turning down the temperature control to increase the water flow.
Fitting a water pump or pressurised cylinder can boost the flow and improve your showering experience. However, ask a professional for advice before investing in a pump, as not all shower installations can accommodate them. Consider replacing your showerhead with one that has fewer and finer holes, giving you a stronger water flow.
