Why Does My Electric Shower Keep Cutting Out?

You’ve just jumped into a nice hot shower when — mid-lather — it cuts out. Although it’s annoying, it’s actually a common scenario for homeowners with electric showers.

However, there are ways to fix the issue. If you’re wondering why your electric shower keeps cutting out, it could be a result of low water pressure. In our blog, we explain where the problem lies and how to rectify it.

How Does Water Pressure Affect My Electric Shower?

Your home’s water pressure plays a large part in how your electric shower operates. Connected to a cold water supply, the shower uses an electrically powered heating element to warm the water. Here’s how it works in more detail:

• When the shower is switched on, the flow control valve allows cold water to enter the unit. If there is sufficient water pressure, the pressure switch turns on and activates the heating element.
• As water passes through the heating element, it heats up. The slower the water flow, the longer the water is in contact with the heating element, so the hotter it will be. Fast flowing water is usually cooler.

From faulty parts to age, there can be a number of reasons why your electric shower cuts out. However, if you do have an electric shower and low water pressure in your home, it could be the source of the problem. If your water pressure does not meet and maintain the minimum pressure level to turn on the heating element, your shower may cut out.

You can use our handy water flow test to check your shower’s water pressure or you can use interactive flow calculator to work out the flow rate of a single outlet.  If you think you have a problem with low water pressure, you can always ask a plumber to confirm your suspicions before looking for a solution.

How Do I Stop My Electric Shower from Cutting Out?

When the problems with your shower arise from low water pressure, you should consider installing a shower pump to improve its performance. We recommend the RP80SU pump, as it has been designed to handle some showers’ minimum pressure requirement and deliver the necessary amount of water. A positive head shower pump should be avoided, as some electric showers are unable to supply the required amount of water to activate them.