Electric Shower Not Working

Electric Shower Not Working? Here’s What You Can Do

ByScott Robillard Updated:

The best perk of an electric shower is that it will never run out of hot water, despite a lengthy shower. But that could sometimes lead to the electric shower not working.

In that case, you should inspect the power supply, temperature settings, and water flow. You can try cleaning the showerhead and hose as well. Also, ensure no safety features are triggered.

There may be other underlying issues that are making your electric shower non-functional. Take this enlightening tour with me to figure out what to do.

Why Is My Electric Shower Not Working?

While electric showers are highly convenient in modern households, they can be a pain in the neck when they do not operate properly.

Many possible factors can lead up to this point. Even I had to do some painstaking research before finding the root cause.

You see, most homeowners are used to the traditional water supply that relies on a boiler or central heating system. As complicated as it is, the former option is familiar.

However, electric showers consist of a control unit that goes on the wall next to the shower head. It is unaccustomed territory for homeowners with fewer electrical skills.

So, the owner begins to wonder, “Why has my electric shower stopped working, and how do I get it right?”

Common Reasons for Electric Shower Malfunctions

Well, let me provide you with the typical reasons for electric shower malfunctions to boost you up:

  • Always start with the power supply. A fuse can blow, or a circuit breaker may have tripped.
  • There may be some faulty electrical connections that are preventing the shower from functioning.
  • Perhaps the water supply is turned off.
  • There can be a malfunction of one or more components. Electric showers comprise thermostats, pressure switches, heating elements, and control units. Take your pick.
  • Most electric showers have built-in safety features. One of them may have been triggered.

Troubleshooting Steps for Electric Shower Issues

The troubleshooting steps below encompass all the common causes mentioned above. All you have to do is inspect, assess, and apply the right knowledge to fix it.

Do not hesitate to keep an experienced assistant with you if possible!

1. Lack of Water Supply

Just when the jets of water begin to wash away your stress and dirt, the water flow ends. It can be a frustrating moment, especially if you still have soap or shampoo suds to clean.

Possible Causes

  • The main water shut-off valve or isolation valve is off or partially closed.
  • Water supply issues in the neighborhood or disruptions in the main line.
  • Blocked or clogged plumbing connections.
  • A pressure-reducing valve (protects the plumbing fittings from bursting or stress due to high water pressure) is malfunctioning or faulty.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Inspect the main water shut-off valve or isolation valve. Open it fully if closed.
  • Verify if your area has encountered any water supply issues by contacting the local water provider.
  • Examine the plumbing connections or the pipes for any obstructions and clear them.
  • If the suspect is a faulty pressure-reducing valve, allow a professional to diagnose and replace it if possible.

2. Pipe Blockages

Did you know water is not plain at all? It sounds funny, but water contains minerals and other elements that flow alongside it.

For instance, your Glacier Bay shower faucet has a low flow, which can turn a relaxed day into a restless one! However, the water flow was perfectly fine a few months earlier.

All the components and units are functional, and there is no electrical issue either. Then what is causing you to lose your mind over a mere shower faucet?

Possible Causes

  • The area probably supplies hard water, causing limescale buildup and mineral deposits in pipes and showerheads.
  • Do not rule out the possibility of debris or sediment in the water supply.
  • The pipes have corrosion or rust.
  • There may be hair or soap scum accumulation in the showerheads or pipes over time.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Soak the showerhead in a vinegar-water mixture after removing it. It helps dissolve years’ worth of deposits. A good scrubbing with a brush will eradicate the remaining buildup. Be gentle, though.
  • Clean the pipes by running high-pressure water through them.
  • You can also apply the baking soda and vinegar solution to remove the blockages.
  • Consider removing the rusty or corroded pipes and fittings.
  • If the deposits and buildups happen too soon, try installing a water filter/softener.
  • Clean and maintain the showerhead regularly after your shower. A simple rinse with water will do.
  • If the obstructions persist, you should consult a plumber for assistance.

3. Temperature Fluctuations

When the temperature in an electric shower delivers instabilities, you need to understand why.

Possible Causes

  • The water flow or water pressure is low.
  • There may be scaling or mineral buildup on the heating element.
  • The installation is incorrect, or the wiring is improper.
  • It can be a broken thermostat.
  • A faulty valve inside the shower.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Ensure the water pressure and flow are sufficient by checking their settings thoroughly.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to descale buildups from the heating element.
  • Verify that you have installed the shower properly after ensuring all wiring connections are correct.
  • If you have a thermostat in the electric shower, check it for malfunctions and replace it if necessary.
  • You may have to replace the flow valve with a matching one.

4. Addressing Water Pressure Problems

You can experience more than a single water pressure issue. The point is to address these immediately before calling a pro.

For example, some symptoms include inadequate water flow, inconsistent temperature control, water temperature sensitivity whenever other water outlets in the house are in operation, and a slow heating rate.

Possible Causes

  • Blocked or clogged pipes.
  • A faulty pressure regulator.
  • Possible water leaks.
  • Issues with the municipal water supply.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Check the pipes for any visible obstructions and clear them.
  • Clean the showerheads, aerators, filters, etc., or replace them if there are too clogged.
  • Inspect the pressure regulator and change it if it malfunctions.
  • Look for the leak source and repair or replace the plumbing fittings or pipes if needed.
  • Inquire about any recent ongoing issues with the municipal water supply.
  • You may even install a pressure-boosting pump if everything else looks efficient.

5. Leaks or Dripping

We are all familiar with bathroom shower water leaks in one way or another. Plus, many of you have probably fixed these bad boys on more than one occasion. So here are the plausible theories:

Possible Causes

  • If you notice leakage from below the electric shower, the PRD (Pressure Relief Device) may have been activated. When the heating tank builds up excess pressure due to a blocked shower hose/head, the PRD ball gets ejected.
  • Damaged or worn-out gaskets or seals.
  • Possible cracks in one or a few components.
  • Mineral buildup or a rusted showerhead or hose.

How to Fix the Issue

  • It is better to replace the PRD after letting an expert examine it. The device comes in various shapes and sizes, so pick one that best fits your shower model.
  • Turn off the water supply before inspecting the seals and gaskets; replace them if required.
  • Check all the connections in the hoses, fittings, and showerhead. Tighten them a notch if they are loose.
  • Clean the mild corrosion and mineral buildup using a vinegar-water mixture.
  • Replace any component that appears cracked or damaged.
  • Apply the plumber’s tape to the threaded connections to form a tight seal.

6. Major Leaks

So, do I need an electrician to fix an electric shower? If the leaks are serious, along with other electrical problems, you might want to sit back and let a professional handle them.

Nevertheless, you can still learn the probable causes behind major leaks and how to repair them.

Possible Causes

  • Faulty valves
  • Improper installation
  • Ruptured seals
  • Cracked or damaged pipes

How to Fix the Issue

  • Begin by turning off the main water shut-off valve.
  • Assess the leak’s origin and identify the specific area or component that is causing the issue.
  • Repair or replace the faulty components.
  • Install the electric shower and secure its connections properly.

7. Lukewarm Water Issues

Tepid water is flowing out of your showerhead when it should be hot. You keep increasing the temperature, but it is ineffective.

What should you do?

Possible Causes

The micro switch is probably faulty (it is a sensor that activates heating water only when it is flowing). Signs include delayed heating, no hot water, tepid water, inconsistent temperature, buzzing or clicking noise, intermittent heating, etc.

How to Fix the Issue

If you notice the signs occurring more than usual, you need to replace that microswitch after letting an electrician inspect it.

8. No Hot Water

The moment you blast that hot shower faucet, it blesses you with cold water instead of soothing warmth. So, you get goosebumps rather than relaxed muscles. There is a solid explanation for this.

Possible Causes

When the shower overheats, the TCO, or Thermal Cutout, cuts off the power to the element. It is normal to prevent injurious accidents.

However, if this keeps happening, it indicates a complete cutout.

How to Fix the Issue

It is better to hire an electrician instead of a plumber to examine the issue and replace the TCO if necessary.

Also, address if there are other heating element faults to repair.

9. Power or Trip Switch Problems

At this point, you may ask yourself, “Is there a fuse in an electric shower?”

Yes, and it is susceptible to damage or blowout over time! So, when do you suspect a power or trip switch?

If your electric shower fails to work even after cleaning everything, clearing all buildups, and ensuring the components are in good condition, it is time to look at a bigger scale.

Possible Causes

  • Overloaded/faulty fuse or circuit breaker.
  • Electrical connections are loose or damaged.
  • The trip switch or safety device has worn out.
  • Water has intruded into electrical parts.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Turn off the main power switch to prevent electrocution.
  • Reset the breaker after checking.
  • Replace the fuse if the current one is blown.
  • Tighten any loose electrical connections and replace those that look damaged.
  • If there is evidence of water or moisture droplets inside, allow the components to dry completely before trying to restore power.
  • See if the trip switch is malfunctioning and install a replacement.

10.  Burning Smells or Strange Odors

No burning smell is good, whether from a dish in an oven or an electric device connected to an outlet.

Therefore, the instant you smell the strange burning smell, you run up to the main power line and shut it off.

Possible Causes

The odor is a sign that something serious has happened in the electric shower. Mainly, it is the wiring that needs to be looked at ASAP.

How to Fix the Issue

  • Turn off the main power switch immediately.
  • Inspect if any wiring connections are burning.
  • Contact a professional to repair the issue.
  • You can replace the wiring yourself if you are skilled in the electrical field.
  • Check the surrounding components for any damage and replace them if necessary.

Tips for Electric Shower Maintenance

Maintaining your electric shower is highly significant if you wish for an interruption-free daily rinse. Everyone hates it when the water goes off or turns into a trickling line amidst a warm rinse.

Then there is the constant stress of potential malfunctions because it is electric. It means the hot water can turn cold without warning.

All these problems are easily avoidable with a handful of maintenance tips:

  • Keep the shower area clean and moisture free by wiping it off with a cloth.
  • Make it a habit to conduct periodic inspections of various parts of the shower fittings.
  • Try to fix a shower head that doesn’t work or replace it if it is beyond repair.
  • Clean the mineral buildup and limescale from the showerhead and hose.
  • Opt for a mild cleaner with a brush instead of an abrasive one. You can also use baking soda or vinegar for cleaning purposes.
  • Test the safety features once in a while to confirm their functionality.
  • Do not let sediment, debris, or other buildup settle in the showerhead for too long.
  • Keep in mind that certain gaskets or seals can wear out with time. Try to change them before leakage occurs.
  • Watch out for any loose or striped threaded connections when sealing tightly.

Final Thoughts

The electric shower not working is not uncommon these days, thanks to the dependability of electrical, smart systems. And it has a few drawbacks if you look closely.

That does not mean the shower setting is unreliable. On the contrary, I find this type more convenient as it is energy and water efficient. Plus, you will not have to wait for the water to get hot!

Lastly, if you read the reasons for an electric shower malfunction, you will notice that each issue has a solution.

Opt for the suggested maintenance tips to extend its durability. And good luck!

Hi, Scott Robillard here! I represent the small team of plumbers behind FaucetFam.com who love to write what we have learned. Common problems and easy fixes are the main topics we discuss on this site – as knowing these surely helps!

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