Why Is My Electric Shower Cold?

A cold electric shower can be a frustrating issue. It's often a sign of something wrong with your shower and should be fixed by a plumber or electrician.

One common cause is a thermal cut-off switch, which shuts the shower down if it overheats. This can easily be tested by using a multimeter.

1. Check Your Water Pressure

If you've ever stepped in the shower and noticed your water is cold or even dripping, it could be an issue with your water pressure. Low pressure can be caused by a number of different things, including limescale build-up in the pipes or a blocked tap.

Your water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything below this is considered too low and can cause damage to your pipes and other household plumbing.

You can check your water pressure with a water pressure gauge. You can get one for around £20 at any DIY shop.

When checking your water pressure, make sure that your meter valve is fully open by turning the T-bar handle in line with the pipe. If it's not, then there may be a leak somewhere and this should be fixed.

It is also important to make sure your shut-off valve is fully open too, which you can find under the kitchen sink. This is usually obstructed by debris, so it's worth giving it a good look and making sure it's properly closed.

This can be a common problem in older homes, especially those with narrower pipes than modern ones. Older properties are more prone to mineral build-up which can reduce water pressure, particularly in the showers and taps.

If you have low water pressure in your home, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of your problem and will then be able to fix it for you. They will also be able to help you keep your water bills down and ensure that your home stays safe from water-borne diseases.

2. Check Your Electrical Connection

If you're experiencing a cold shower, there could be a problem with your electrical connection. You should check that all of the wires that connect to your electric shower are properly connected and covered with electrical tape or conduit caps before using the shower.

You'll also want to make sure that the switch that controls your electric shower is properly connected. Ideally, you'll need to use a double pole pull cord type wall or ceiling mounted switch with neon indicators that indicate whether it is on or off.

Another option is to have your wiring checked by an electrician. An electrician will be able to check that all the wires in your bathroom are covered well and are not connected incorrectly. They should also be able to test that your breaker is turned off before working on your electrical connection.

Having a professional check your electrical connection is an important part of any installation, so it's worth asking around for quotes. An electrician can also help you choose the right kilowatt rating for your home, as this will affect how much power the shower uses and how long it takes to run.

You should also consider getting a shower with thermostatic control to ensure that the water temperature remains at the perfect level. This is especially useful if you have low water pressure. It's also a good idea to get one with a safety cut-out so that it automatically stops the flow of water if the water is too hot. In any case, you'll be able to save time and energy with your new electric shower. In fact, many people are switching to these types of showers because they are so efficient!

• Read more: Cold Water Shock – the Facts - RLSS UK

3. Check Your Heating Element

The first thing to do if your electric shower is constantly running cold, or you're getting hot water that runs out after a few seconds is check the heating element. This is the part of your shower unit that converts cold water to hot water and is almost 100 percent efficient at doing so.

The heating element sits inside the water tank of your electric shower unit and is designed to heat up the water as it passes through it. It has a built in thermal cut off switch that shuts it off if the temperature of the water rises too high.

A faulty heating element can be a major problem for an electric shower because it's usually one of the most costly parts to replace. It's important to check that the heating element is working properly before replacing it, and it's a good idea to have an electrician examine it as well.

Another common reason that your electric shower is running cold is because of a build up of limescale in the pipes and filters. This can happen if you live in a hard water area and can lead to limescale deposits building up around the heating element and restricting its ability to heat up the water that passes through it.

To test the heating element you'll need to turn off the water supply and electrical supply to your electric shower. Then use a multimeter to check that the blue and black wires connected to the heating element are both connected. If they're both a single colour and in the same range you'll have a heating element that is working correctly. If they're different colours or in the opposite range you'll have a faulty heating element and you'll need to replace it.

4. Check Your Water Filter

If you have a water filter, you may want to check it for issues. Some filters are designed to remove contaminants that may be affecting your water's quality, like chlorine or chloramine. Others remove heavy metals, or reduce chemical compounds that cause cancer.

To determine which type of filter is best for you, check the manufacturer's label. Some filters are NSF-certified, which means they have been tested to remove a variety of harmful compounds from your water supply. You can also use an online NSF database to learn what types of contaminants are eliminated in a particular filter.

You may also choose a filter that gets rid of sediment, which can be a problem in many areas. Sediments can clog pipes, make your faucets work harder, and lead to health problems for you and your family.

A good way to see if sediment is in your water is to order a water testing kit from a reliable source. It'll tell you if your water contains iron, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, manganese and silica, as well as tannins and turbidity.

Whether you have a water treatment system installed in your home or not, you should always check your tap water for contaminants. This is especially true if you have young children in your home, as lead exposure can be particularly harmful.

If your tap water has high levels of lead, you may want to install a lead-removal filter. This type of water filter works by removing the corrosive metal from your shower water, which can help prevent lead-related health problems.

5. Check Your Pressure Relief Valve

If you have checked the water pressure, electrical connection, heating element and filter and still find your shower running cold, there might be a problem with your pressure relief valve. It might be stuck shut, it could be leaking, or it could be blocked with debris.

The pressure relief valve discharges water out of a tube in your water heater to relieve the pressure built up inside. It’s important for a safe and comfortable shower experience, so it’s best to replace your pressure relief valve when you notice it’s not functioning properly.

There are many different types of pressure relief valves available to fit a wide variety of applications. Each has specific requirements in terms of material selection, compatibility with the fluid and operating temperature range, and spring rate.

For example, the seal material needs to be compatible with a variety of corrosive and non-corrosive fluids and it must also be able to function at high temperatures. Stainless steels are often used for these reasons, but there is also a wide choice of materials that are suited for different operating environments.

Another consideration is the weight and durability of the valve. Generally, brass and aluminum are favored for their durability. However, plastic and perfluoroelastomer are also commonly used when low cost is a priority.

To check your pressure relief valve, you can use a bucket underneath the discharge tube and pull the valve open until it snags in the pipe. When you let go of the lever, if water comes out of the tube into your bucket it means your valve is working as it should and isn’t leaking or stuck. If you don’t hear a hissing sound when you let go of the valve, it’s time to replace it.