You turn on the shower and nothing happens. Or it runs, but only cold. An electric shower heats water as it flows, so it needs both a good water supply and a good power supply. Here's how to work out which is the problem, safely.
Safety first
Electric showers draw a lot of power. Never take the cover off a shower unit or touch its wiring. The checks below don't need any tools.
No light and nothing happens
If the shower's display or light won't come on, it isn't getting power:
- Check the pull-cord switch on the ceiling, or the wall switch outside the bathroom. It has a small light. Pull it once and see if the light comes on.
- Check the fuse box. Look for a tripped switch marked "shower". Switch it back on once. If it trips again straight away, leave it off and call an electrician. Read our guide on an RCD or fuse that keeps tripping.
- Check the rest of the house. If nothing has power, see no power in the house.
Power is on, but no water or only a trickle
- A blocked shower head. Limescale is very common in London. Unscrew the head and soak it in white vinegar overnight.
- Low water pressure. Check the kitchen cold tap. If that's weak too, see no water or low pressure.
- A kinked hose. Straighten it, or replace it if it's split.
Water runs, but only cold
If the water flows but won't heat up, the heating element, a safety cut-out, or a pressure switch inside the unit has usually failed. That's a job for an electrician. Many showers have a cut-out that trips if the shower overheats, often because the head is blocked and water can't flow freely.
When to call an electrician
Call us if the fuse or RCD keeps tripping, you smell burning, the pull switch feels warm, or the unit is cracked or leaking. Water and electricity together are dangerous. Switch off the shower circuit at the fuse box until it's checked.
Common questions
Why is my electric shower not working with no light?
It isn't getting power. Check the pull-cord switch and the fuse box. If the shower switch trips again, leave it off and call an electrician.
Why is my electric shower only running cold?
The heating element, a cut-out or a pressure switch has usually failed. This needs an electrician.
Can a blocked shower head stop an electric shower working?
Yes. Limescale can reduce the flow so much that the safety cut-out trips. Soak the head in vinegar overnight.