Help! Shower has stopped heating up

BlushingRose

Electric shower was fine yesterday but today, no heat. All lights are on and it produces a little heat for a short time but then stops and it's icy cold.
We have no money and so I'm worried that this will be costly.
Any idea what it might be please?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

BlushingRose wrote: »

Electric shower was fine yesterday but today, no heat. All lights are on and it produces a little heat for a short time but then stops and it's icy cold.
We have no money and so I'm worried that this will be costly.
Any idea what it might be please?

Has it got a switch to change according to the season? (summer/winter)

Perhaps someone accidentally toggled it?

SailorSam

Things like that happen when the water flow is reduced 'cos you're using something else, like the washing machine or running water in the sink, i presume it's not that. Could it be a blockage in the pipe feeding the shower.

Update,
I've not read all this yet Rose but it looks like it may give a lot of help

http://timwolverson.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/how-an-electric-shower-works-common-electric-shower-faults/

macman

Any idea?
Not unless you tell us the make and model...

BlushingRose

macman wrote: »

Any idea?
Not unless you tell us the make and model...

It's a Mira Vie - we're not sure which kw though.
oh, and it was installed in 2011

muckybutt

There are a number of possible causes :
Thermostat faulty
Low flow
Heating element faulty
Wiring burnt out on heater

Unless you are competent at electrical work and plumbing work then best leave alone to someone that does and don't use it in the meantime, Isolate the electrics and water to it if you can as well.

BlushingRose

Thanks folks.

I have a feeling that a new shower will be out of our price range. It's possible that creditors might not get any money again this month.

pinkteapot

Electric showers need at least 1-1.5bar of mains pressure to function (exact minimum depends on the model). If they detect that the incoming pressure is too low then the heating element will cut out. However, most models have a light to tell you that's what happened (a low flow warning light, or the power light might flash).

If you know anyone with a mains pressure tester (see link below), you can borrow it and put it on a tap that runs off the mains (outdoor tap or kitchen tap), then see what your pressure is. If the pressure is good then you know the shower is definitely faulty.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-tools-mains-water-pressure-test-gauge/82412

We paid to replace an electric shower in October, only to find that the problem had actually been that our mains pressure was too low.

sparkieguy

Just a little pointer....if you do get a new shower then make sure you get one of the same kw! Ive been to fit them only to find that the cable needs upgrading....try to get one the same so its a straight forward replacement otherwise plumbing and electric could be on the wrong side