Top shower problems and how to fix them
30/11/2023
Most of us take a shower every day. It's not just cleaning time, it's singing time, thinking time, and ME time! So, a shower problem is not only inconvenient but can be costly.
Did you know, the average adult will spend 416 days in the bathroom in a lifetime?
Keep your shower in proper working order by keeping your eye out for common shower problems.
Plumbed in showers
1. Low flow/low water pressure
If you have a temporary dip in water pressure, the build-up of limescale on the shower head could be your culprit. Descaling the shower head can restore the normal speed of flow of water. If that doesn't resolve things, however, you might need a more permanent solution like replacing the shower.
Also, there are various factors to consider when addressing this issue.
Limescale Build-Up: If you notice a temporary dip in water pressure, limescale might be the culprit. Limescale is a mineral deposit that accumulates over time from the minerals in your water. To tackle this issue, follow these steps:
Cleaning the Shower Head: Start by removing the shower head and soaking it in a solution of vinegar and water. This will help dissolve the limescale build-up. After a good soak, rinse and reinstall the shower head.
Regular Maintenance: Preventing limescale build-up is just as important as cleaning it. Consider installing a water softener in your home to reduce the mineral content in your water, which will, in turn, decrease limescale formation.
Consider a New Shower Head: If descaling doesn't fully resolve the issue, it might be time to invest in a new, more efficient shower head. Modern shower heads come with features designed to optimize water pressure and flow while minimizing limescale build-up.
Permanent Solutions:
If you find that limescale build-up is a persistent problem and descaling doesn't resolve the issue, you might need to explore more permanent solutions. In some cases, replacing the entire shower system may be necessary to ensure consistent water pressure and a more enjoyable shower experience.
By addressing limescale build-up and considering long-term solutions, you can enjoy a rejuvenating shower experience with optimal water pressure.
2. Infrequent bursts of scalding hot water
Left with scalding hot water in your shower when someone, elsewhere in the house, flushes the toilet? Ouch!
This is caused by the cold water that was being used to temper the hot water of your shower rushing away to fulfil this flush. Installing high-efficiency toilets is one way of avoiding this painful problem. It reduces the amount of cold water that the toilet needs to flush, meaning the shower has enough cold water to temper the hot water.
High-Efficiency Toilets: Installing high-efficiency toilets in your home is one effective solution to prevent these temperature fluctuations. These toilets use less cold water for flushing, ensuring that an adequate supply of cold water remains available for your shower.
Balancing Water Usage: Another approach to mitigating the problem is to educate your household members about the importance of balancing water usage. Avoid running other water-using appliances or fixtures, such as dishwashers or washing machines, simultaneously with the shower to reduce the risk of sudden temperature spikes.
Adjustable Thermostatic Valves: Consider installing adjustable thermostatic valves in your shower. These valves allow you to set a specific water temperature, reducing the risk of sudden changes due to fluctuations in the water supply.
Addressing the issue of infrequent bursts of scalding hot water involves a combination of smart plumbing choices and household coordination. By implementing these solutions, you can ensure a more consistent and comfortable shower experience for everyone in your home.
Remember to consult with a professional plumber if you encounter persistent issues that cannot be resolved through these solutions. They can provide expert guidance and perform any necessary repairs or installations to improve your shower experience.
3. Noisy shower
Is an overly loud shower interrupting your angelic shower-singing voice?
Fortunately, a noisy shower isn’t a terrible problem to have and is a pretty quick one to fix. Make sure that each unit is properly secured to the wall and the pipes that provide the water needed are secured with brackets.
Check that the blanking plugs have been inserted into spare inlet fittings inside the unit, and the problem should be resolved.
Thankfully there are some more ways you can resolve this issue if the above method doesn't work, a noisy shower isn't a catastrophic problem, and you can resolve it relatively easily. Here's how to tackle the issue of a loud shower:
Secure the Shower Unit: Noisy showers can often result from loose or improperly secured components. Check to ensure that the shower unit is securely fastened to the wall. Loose fixtures can vibrate and produce unwanted noise. Tighten any loose screws or mounting hardware to eliminate this source of noise.
Secure Water Pipes with Brackets: Water pipes that are not adequately supported can rattle or vibrate against the wall, floor, or other components, creating noise. To address this, use pipe brackets or clips to secure the water pipes in place. This will prevent them from moving and causing noise during water flow.
Check Blanking Plugs: Many shower units have spare inlet fittings with blanking plugs to cover them. If these plugs are missing or not properly inserted, they can create noise as water flows through the openings. Ensure that all blanking plugs are in place and secure to eliminate this source of noise.
By following these steps to secure the shower unit, and water pipes, and checking the status of blanking plugs, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the noise emanating from your shower. This will allow you to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil shower experience, free from unwanted disruptions to your shower-singing or contemplative moments.
4. No water at all
If you are getting no water at all or it stops when you are showering the problem might be the solenoid valve.
This valve is operated by a coil. When the coil breaks, the valve will not open and allow water into the shower. You can replace the coil to solve this issue but if this fails the shower will need replacing.
This issue often stems from a malfunctioning solenoid valve, a critical component in the shower's plumbing system.
However, you can also dig deep into this problem by understanding the main problem -
Understanding the Solenoid Valve: The solenoid valve is a crucial part of your shower's water control system. It is operated by an electromagnetic coil. When the coil receives an electrical signal, it generates a magnetic field, which in turn moves a plunger inside the valve. This plunger opens the valve, allowing water to flow into the shower. However, if the coil is damaged or no longer functioning, the valve remains closed, resulting in no water flow.
Solving the Issue:
When faced with the problem of no water in your shower, you can attempt the following steps:
Coil Replacement: If the issue is indeed a malfunctioning coil, you can replace it. Consult your shower's manufacturer or a professional plumber to find the appropriate replacement part. Replacing the coil can often resolve the problem and get your shower working again.
Professional Help: If replacing the coil does not restore water flow or if you are unsure about the cause of the issue, it's advisable to seek the assistance of a professional plumber. They can diagnose the problem accurately and address any underlying issues in the shower system.
When to Consider Replacing the Shower: In some cases, particularly if your shower is older or has experienced multiple issues, it might be more cost-effective and practical to replace the entire shower unit rather than continually addressing individual components. Consult with a plumber to determine whether a full shower replacement is the best course of action.
Dealing with a complete loss of water flow in your shower can be frustrating, but by understanding the function of the solenoid valve and taking appropriate steps to address the issue, you can enjoy a functional and consistent shower experience once again.
Electric showers
The water is tepid or there is not enough power
Your issue in this case is usually the microswitch. It might have burnt out inside and not allowed the power through to the elements. Alternatively, it could be an element itself. If one of the elements has burnt out, then the shower will only be working at half power.
My shower is going hot & cold
So first of all check that the valve coming into your house is fully open and the valve in line with the shower is fully open. If they are both fully open, then it could be a problem with your shower's flow valve, that comes into the shower. If this is the case, they will need replacing.
My shower is cold
The Thermal Cut-Out (TCO) could be your culprit here. If the shower overheats, it cuts off the power to the elements. If this keeps happening, or the shower gets far too hot and it cuts out completely, this will need replacing.
There is water coming from the bottom of my shower
It is possible that the PRD has activated (Pressure Relief Device). All manufacturers have them and they slightly differ. Usually, it’s a ball inside that gets ejected when the pressure builds up inside the heating tank. A blocked shower head or the hose being kinked is what normally causes this.
There is no water coming from the shower at all (or it stops and starts)
This is the number one fault with electric showers. The solenoid valve. If you find the shower stops working completely or cuts off, this is the culprit. The coil, when working, lifts a plunger inside the solenoid valve and allows the water into the shower. When the coil breaks down, the water stops running and that’s what causes the problem.
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