🕑 4 minutes read
There’s nothing to compare a warm shower with when in the midst of winter. It's refreshing and invigorating and sets you up for the day, providing it is fully functional and at the right temperature. None of us wishes to be a cold water warrior, but sometimes we have no option if the shower packs up!
No doubt about it, winter can be a real pain, from the cold weather to the endless scraping of car windscreens to shovelling snow from the driveway. We just have to endure and wait for spring and warmer weather. Plus, we are dealing with a double whammy, i.e., the drop in temperature and the rising cost of keeping warm.
If pipes freeze or partially freeze, water pressure will reduce, which affects the usual shower pressure and possibly the water temperature you are accustomed to. So, before we move on, just check to make sure any external pipework (and pipework in the loft) is adequately insulated. Just remember, a pipe is likely to burst when temperatures drop dramatically, when is this - mainly in the middle of the night! In preparation for winter, make sure you know where the stop cocks/isolation valves are so you can isolate the water within minutes to prevent excessive water damage.
Water performance and temperatures are naturally affected during colder weather conditions.
Showering in winter when the water is only tepid is no fun, but what is the cause of it? It could be down to a faulty micro switch, which could be damaged, restricting the power to the elements. If an element has burnt out, the water won’t be at the expected temperature; it may only reach 50% of the usual temperature.
You may be experiencing a water temperature fluctuation between hot and cold.
First, check if all the valves to the property and the valve feeding your shower are both fully open to ensure enough water is reaching the shower. If they are and the problem still exists, it might be down to the shower’s flow valve (inside the shower). If this is the case, it will need replacing.
You can get help from a serviceteam plumbing engineer for any type of shower repairs.
Also, a shower head clogged with limescale can be the cause of this problem. This is easily remedied with lashings of a limescale remover and a vigorous scrub with a study scouring cloth or brass wire brush. If the problem is persistent, it might be a malfunctioning solenoid valve.
• Water leak.
Water not reaching the shower head due to a loose connection or a kinked hose can be easily cured with an adjustable wrench or by replacing the hose if it’s damaged or kinked beyond repair.
• Water is freezing cold.
If your shower is freezing cold, it could be down to the Thermal Cut-Out (also known as TCO), and if the shower overheats, this device cuts the power to the elements. If it does cut off, there’s a reason for it, and it’s worth calling a plumbing engineer to investigate.
• Extreme hot water only.
The micro switch may be the cause of extremely hot water temperatures. It could also be due to a faulty element/s inside the heating tank not being able to balance the water temperature.
• Electrical problem.
If you smell burning when you turn on the shower, this almost certainly indicates an electrical problem. Contact and have the problem professionally diagnosed.
• Shower doesn't work at all.
If your electric shower doesn't come on, the solenoid valve coil could be the problem, which will need replacing. An electrician can easily fix the problem; some plumbers with electrical qualifications can repair electric showers (always check first when you engage a plumber).
• Shower stays on.
Electric showers can occasionally fail to shut off, leaving the water running continuously (not ideal if you are on a water meter). The cause might be a defective solenoid valve that isn't shutting off. A replacement solenoid should cure the problem; again, an electrician or plumber will be able to rectify the problem.
To preserve your health and safety, it’s advised to engage a qualified plumbing engineer to undertake those plumbing repairs.
There might be a problem with water coming into contact with the electrical circuitry, which trips out the fuse. This is potentially dangerous, and you must call an electrician/plumber immediately.
Electric showers are popular for many people because they generate hot water immediately, with no waiting 20 minutes for the water to warm up before you can shower. Not only that, but if your gas boiler breaks down, you can still have a warm shower.
Since water and electricity are not good bedfellows, it’s best to leave shower installation, repairs or replacement to the professionals. Call serviceteam Ltd, and our qualified tradespeople will be with you to solve your shower problems.
Need a plumbing engineer, then call us now to arrange a visit or book us using our online booking platform.
No doubt about it, winter can be a real pain, from the cold weather to the endless scraping of car windscreens to shovelling snow from the driveway. We just have to endure and wait for spring and warmer weather. Plus, we are dealing with a double whammy, i.e., the drop in temperature and the rising cost of keeping warm.
If pipes freeze or partially freeze, water pressure will reduce, which affects the usual shower pressure and possibly the water temperature you are accustomed to. So, before we move on, just check to make sure any external pipework (and pipework in the loft) is adequately insulated. Just remember, a pipe is likely to burst when temperatures drop dramatically, when is this - mainly in the middle of the night! In preparation for winter, make sure you know where the stop cocks/isolation valves are so you can isolate the water within minutes to prevent excessive water damage.
Water performance and temperatures are naturally affected during colder weather conditions.
The most common fault with electric showers.
• Tepid or intermittent water flow.Showering in winter when the water is only tepid is no fun, but what is the cause of it? It could be down to a faulty micro switch, which could be damaged, restricting the power to the elements. If an element has burnt out, the water won’t be at the expected temperature; it may only reach 50% of the usual temperature.
You may be experiencing a water temperature fluctuation between hot and cold.
First, check if all the valves to the property and the valve feeding your shower are both fully open to ensure enough water is reaching the shower. If they are and the problem still exists, it might be down to the shower’s flow valve (inside the shower). If this is the case, it will need replacing.
You can get help from a serviceteam plumbing engineer for any type of shower repairs.
Also, a shower head clogged with limescale can be the cause of this problem. This is easily remedied with lashings of a limescale remover and a vigorous scrub with a study scouring cloth or brass wire brush. If the problem is persistent, it might be a malfunctioning solenoid valve.
• Water leak.
Water not reaching the shower head due to a loose connection or a kinked hose can be easily cured with an adjustable wrench or by replacing the hose if it’s damaged or kinked beyond repair.
• Water is freezing cold.
If your shower is freezing cold, it could be down to the Thermal Cut-Out (also known as TCO), and if the shower overheats, this device cuts the power to the elements. If it does cut off, there’s a reason for it, and it’s worth calling a plumbing engineer to investigate.
• Extreme hot water only.
The micro switch may be the cause of extremely hot water temperatures. It could also be due to a faulty element/s inside the heating tank not being able to balance the water temperature.
• Electrical problem.
If you smell burning when you turn on the shower, this almost certainly indicates an electrical problem. Contact and have the problem professionally diagnosed.
• Shower doesn't work at all.
If your electric shower doesn't come on, the solenoid valve coil could be the problem, which will need replacing. An electrician can easily fix the problem; some plumbers with electrical qualifications can repair electric showers (always check first when you engage a plumber).
• Shower stays on.
Electric showers can occasionally fail to shut off, leaving the water running continuously (not ideal if you are on a water meter). The cause might be a defective solenoid valve that isn't shutting off. A replacement solenoid should cure the problem; again, an electrician or plumber will be able to rectify the problem.
Can a keen DIY-er repair all shower defects?
Possibly, if the issue is minor, i.e., removing limescale or blockages. However, the minute the shower casing is removed, you are entering unknown territory (maybe). However, if you have removed the shower unit casing, it’s because you’ve tried all other means to fix the shower (which haven’t worked), and your investigations are now taking a deeper route, be careful! Is it worth the risk, probably not. Then it’s time to call the professionals for your repair to be managed safely.To preserve your health and safety, it’s advised to engage a qualified plumbing engineer to undertake those plumbing repairs.
Possible reasons for electric shower malfunction?
A switch on the electric shower keeps tripping.There might be a problem with water coming into contact with the electrical circuitry, which trips out the fuse. This is potentially dangerous, and you must call an electrician/plumber immediately.
Electric showers are popular for many people because they generate hot water immediately, with no waiting 20 minutes for the water to warm up before you can shower. Not only that, but if your gas boiler breaks down, you can still have a warm shower.
Since water and electricity are not good bedfellows, it’s best to leave shower installation, repairs or replacement to the professionals. Call serviceteam Ltd, and our qualified tradespeople will be with you to solve your shower problems.
Need a plumbing engineer, then call us now to arrange a visit or book us using our online booking platform.
