Wiktor Wise
There are many reasons why your electric shower may be running cold. It could be due to a problem with the water heater, a blown fuse, a faulty pilot light, or a malfunctioning thermostat. In some cases, it could be an issue with the water pressure, a blocked showerhead, or limescale buildup. If you're experiencing cold showers, it's important to check for any blockages, ensure proper pressure, and address any faulty parts. If the problem persists, it may be best to consult a professional for further guidance.
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What You'll Learn
Check the temperature setting
If your electric shower is running cold, the first thing to do is check the temperature setting on the shower unit. Most electric showers have a temperature dial that allows you to adjust the water temperature. It's possible that someone may have accidentally changed the settings, so make sure that it is set correctly before moving on.
If your shower has a choice of cold, warm, and hot water settings, try adjusting the dial to the highest temperature and lowest pressure. If this doesn't work, try the opposite: lowest temperature and highest pressure. You can also try turning the shower on and off rapidly 10 to 15 times, to see if that kickstarts it into action.
If your shower has a thermostatic mixer valve, this could be at fault, knocking the mixture of hot and cold water out of balance. If you suspect this is the case, you will need to call a plumber, as this is a complex problem to fix.
If your shower is running cold, it could also be due to low water pressure. Water pressure is essential for the smooth operation of electric showers, and low pressure can lead to poor water flow and inadequate heating. Check your water pressure and ensure it is adequate.
Finally, if your shower is not getting hot water, there may be a problem with the water heater. Check that you haven't blown a fuse to the electrical circuit and that the pilot light is still on for gas heaters. If you need to relight the pilot light, follow the instructions for your model.
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Check for leaks
If your electric shower is not producing hot water, there could be a leak in your hot water lines. Monitor your water bills; if there is a leak between the heater and the rest of the house, your bills will increase even though your water usage hasn't. Older water heaters can start to leak and lower your hot water capacity. Leaking tanks will generally need replacing. If you live in an older house, you might have a piping configuration that doesn't work well with newer shower valve designs. In this case, you will need professional help.
If you are not getting hot water from any faucet, there may be a problem with the water heater. Start troubleshooting by checking that you haven't blown a fuse to the electrical circuit and that the pilot light is still on for gas heaters. If you need to relight the pilot light, follow the instructions for your model. Older models may need a match, but newer ones have ignitors. Once it's relit, make sure it stays on. If it keeps going out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple, a safety device that prevents gas leaks. If you can't keep the pilot light on, call a professional for help; there may be a larger issue.
Next, check to see if the thermostat is working and set correctly. The water heater thermostat regulates the temperature and tells the system when the water has cooled below the proper level. A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the water from heating properly, leading to a cold shower. If your boiler shows an error code or isn't producing hot water anywhere in the house, it may need resetting or repairing. If the issue is isolated to the shower, the thermostat or mixing valve may need cleaning or replacing. In homes with electric showers, a faulty heating element could also be the culprit.
If you have hot water in other taps but not in your shower, the problem likely lies with the shower itself. The mixing valve may be stuck or blocked, preventing it from mixing hot and cold water properly. Alternatively, the shower's thermostat could be malfunctioning. Cleaning or replacing these components is often necessary. Check for limescale buildup, as it can interfere with water flow and temperature regulation.
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Check water pressure
If your electric shower is running cold, it could be due to low water pressure. Water pressure is measured in bars, with one bar of force required to push water to a height of 10 metres. By law, your water supplier must be able to supply a statutory minimum of 1 bar of normal mains water pressure to your home.
There are several ways to check the water pressure in your home:
- Call your water supplier or a plumber: A plumber will use a pressure gauge tool, which you can also buy yourself and fix to a tap.
- Use a water jug and a stopwatch: Get a water jug between one and two litres in size and a stopwatch. Put the jug under a tap, turn it on, and time six seconds. Then, turn the tap off. The amount of water in the jug in litres multiplied by 10 will give you your property’s flow rate in litres per minute. If the flow rate is less than 10 litres per minute, you have low water pressure. A flow rate between 10 and 15 litres per minute is considered acceptable, while a flow rate above 15 litres per minute is regarded as good.
- Use a pressure gauge: You can purchase a water pressure gauge from home improvement stores or online. Attach the gauge to the spigot near the main water supply, which is usually located inside the front-facing wall of the house if you have a basement or crawl space. Once you've taken a reading, turn off the valve and unscrew the gauge. The average house should have around 40 to 70 psi, and ideally, your home water pressure should not exceed 60 psi. If the pressure is much higher or lower, you may have a problem.
- Check the distance between your water tank and the tap: Measure the distance or drop between your water tank and the tap in metres. The base measure is that one bar of force is required to push water to a height of 10 metres.
- Check the height of your shower head: Showers require a minimum height of one metre between the shower head and the water level in your water tank. The higher the head, the greater the water pressure.
- Check your shut-off valve: If your shut-off valve is obstructed or closed, you will experience low water pressure. The valve is usually found under your kitchen sink and can become obstructed by debris.
- Check for limescale: Limescale can build up over time, so regular cleaning is important. Remove the shower head and clean it, or use a bag. You can also clean your taps, removing limescale and any dirt that may be on them or in the water outlet.
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Clean or replace the thermostat sensor
If your electric shower is not heating water properly, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat sensor. The thermostat sensor measures and monitors the temperature of the shower water, and if it is dirty or faulty, it will not be able to signal to the heater when it needs to heat up more water.
Before attempting to clean or replace the thermostat sensor, it is important to turn off the power to the shower unit to avoid any accidents. Then, with a Phillips-head screwdriver, unscrew the housing on the electric showerhead. Remove the casing to locate the thermostat. You should then remove any insulation around the thermostat to get a clear view of its terminals.
The thermostat will have three terminals: one with a white wire, one with a black wire, and one with a small screw. To clean the thermostat sensor, use a small flat-head screwdriver to adjust the temperature settings by turning the small screw. Turn the screw until the temperature is turned all the way up. Then, with a multimeter set to RX1, touch one probe to the white wire and the other to the small screw. If the multimeter does not read zero, it indicates that your thermostat is faulty and needs replacement.
If you decide to replace the thermostat, loosen the wires connected to each terminal with a Phillips-head screwdriver. After disconnecting the wires, remove the thermostat from the casing. Purchase a new thermostat with identical dimensions and specifications, and install the wires in the same manner as before. With a small flat-head screwdriver, turn the screw on the new thermostat until it reads 120 degrees. Finally, screw the electric showerhead back in place and restore the electricity to the unit.
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Call an experienced plumber
If your electric shower is malfunctioning, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Firstly, check the temperature settings on your shower unit and adjust the temperature dial if needed. If the temperature setting is correct, try cleaning or replacing your thermostat sensor, as a dirty or malfunctioning sensor can prevent your shower from producing hot water. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace your heating element.
However, if you are uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself, or if the problem persists, it is best to call an experienced plumber. Electric showers can be complex, and attempting to fix them without the proper knowledge could be dangerous. A qualified professional will be able to diagnose and solve the problem quickly and safely, preventing further damage. They will also be able to perform any necessary maintenance checks and ensure your shower is running efficiently.
In some cases, the issue may not be with your shower but with your home's plumbing or electrical system. For example, if you are not getting hot water from any faucet, there may be a problem with your water heater or a blown fuse. If you suspect an issue with your water heater, it is important to consult a professional, as attempting to fix it yourself could be dangerous.
Additionally, if you live in an area with hard water, mineral sediments can build up on the heating element, reducing its efficiency over time. This can result in your shower water gradually getting colder. A plumber will be able to identify and resolve this issue, ensuring your shower returns to the desired temperature.
While it may be tempting to try and fix your electric shower yourself, calling an experienced plumber is often the safest and most effective course of action. They will have the knowledge and tools to quickly identify and rectify the problem, saving you time and potential further issues down the line.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Firstly, check the temperature settings on the shower unit and adjust the temperature dial if needed. Secondly, check your water filters for any blockages and clean or replace your thermostat sensor. Finally, if the above steps do not work, replace your heating element.
Other reasons could include a leak in your hot water lines, a problem with the water heater, or a faulty thermostatic mixer valve.
Firstly, identify whether it is just your shower that is failing to produce hot water or if there is an issue with the hot water throughout the house. If your taps also stay cold, check your gas, electric, and water supplies. If your taps become warm, you can be confident that the issue is with the shower system.
