Shower temperature problems

batesy2000

Hi.
Have had to replacement old shower with a Gainsborough 8.5w Stanza.

The problem is the temperature is either cold or hot. No warm.

What's weird is if I remove the shower head then go from cold to hot and vice versa then it seems to be fine.

How important is it I use the head that came with the shower? Could it be as simple as limescale as I live in a hard water area or is it the signs of a more sinister problem? t's

DavidFx

From The Gainsborough Website Q&As

My shower fluctuates between very hot and very cold

The shower incorporates an Over Temperature Protection safety device that protects the bather. If the flow of water through the heater is too low and the water gets too hot this device will cut out the heater elements. The hot water will then be flushed out and the element reconnected. If there is still insufficient water flow the unit will overheat again and the cycle will continue.
Try the following steps:
Increase the water flow by turning the water control knob in the cold temperature direction.
Ensure the shower head and spray plate are clean and free of limescale.
Are the original shower head and hose being used? The shower will only function correctly with the hose and head provided. Find the correct head and hose in our online parts store.
Are other water outlets in use? The temperature will fluctuate if other water outlets in the premises are being used or if there is fluctuating mains water pressure.

batesy2000

Thanks. I had already read that but was hoping for actual experiences as some companies say you HAVE to use their components but it's just a ruse to get you to buy theirs

casper_g

If the temperature control works with no shower head attached then try getting a shower head with a high flow rating. Last time I bought a shower head the flow rates stated on the Wickes site ranged from about 6 to 25 litres/minute.

Obviously higher flow rate means higher running costs, but some showers won't work properly if the flow is too restricted and mine was one of them.

Not everywhere states the flow rate (Wickes does, Screwfix doesn't etc.) so try a few places near you to see.

DavidFx

You have to have a minimum flow rate of 8 litres/min.
If you are not achieving this then you have either: insufficient inlet pressure or an outlet restriction or a combination of both.

batesy2000

Thanks all for shining more light on the situation.