Another shower problem

[Tringa]

This mains fed shower has worked with no problems for a few years but recently, when it is turned on, the low pressure light comes on and therefore no water come through it.

I don't think there is a problem with the water pressure in the house as another shower on the floor above this shower one works fine.

I had a look this morning and it appears the problem is with yellow bit marked by the arrow. As far as I can tell it should be moved up by the water pressure and make contact with the black microswitch directly above it. If I ease it up the contact is made and the water flows. However, this isn't a practical solution.

Does anyone know if

(a) the yellow part and any associated bits can be replaced,

(b) how easy that would be to do, and

(c) is it worth the effort given the shower is a few years old.

I don't know if it is important but we live in a hard water area.

Thanks

Dave

 

[boogie man]

I reckon the clue is that you’re in a hard water area and that the switch has got scaled up. Our water is very hard too and I’ve had problems with both our shower and toilet, both were caused by lime scale building up. I’d try taking the switch out and see if it can be cleaned, either by soaking it in descaler or scraping any scale off.

If that doesn’t work and it’s a popular brand like Triton or Mira then you should be able to get spares easily enough.

 

[stevetiler]

Its probably not worth the hassle of trying to repair it - if its a known brand ie Triton then they may be able to supply the part but seeing as these electric showers are relatively inexpensive then I would go for a new one
I have fitted loads of these over the years and I normally fit the Triton easy-fit , the easy-fit shower allows you to turn the water inlet and electric connection through 180 degrees to line up with the existing supply positions
All quite painless really
Btw make sure you turn off electric supply before doing any repairs- I would recommend isolating at the main fuse board aswell to be double safe !

 

[srichards]

Top right there is something in there that is rusty and corroded as anything. Check out when you bought it as some of the showers come with 3 year warranties. I'd be inclined to replace the whole thing if it was out of warranty to be honest.

 

[MatBin]

Top right there is something in there that is rusty and corroded as anything.

That will be the heat exchanger ;-)
The part marked with the arrow should be easily replaceable, looks to me like the water comes in the back, goes through the arrowed component (which confirms water is flowing), micro switch tells heater to go into on position, water goes into the rusty thing (which I think may not be rusty but copper, and flows out the bottom having been heated.
Although what may have happened is there's a calcium build up in the heater element and its dropped down into the arrowed component, so you may need to replace both, which may be easier/cheaper than replacing teh whole shower given a new one may have different entry points and shape, thereby messing up your existing tiling.
Matt

 

[stevewestern]

I agree with much of the above, but if you want to do some investigating before replacing it, you might find an inline mesh filter on the water inlet which could be partially blocked...

 

[boogie man]

I agree with much of the above, but if you want to do some investigating before replacing it, you might find an inline mesh filter on the water inlet which could be partially blocked...

Good point and that’s well worth checking out. That was one of the problems with our shower mixer, the hot side inlet filter was virtually blocked solid with crud.

 

[kendo1]

I'd reckon Steve is correct. Clean the filter at the inlet (after turning the water and power off of course!) , it should be removable.

 

[stevewestern]

I'm feeling the love here guys!
Not often do people think I may be right - ever since I became a parent .....

 

[Tringa]

Thanks for the answers, all.

Dave