why is my electric shower pressure getting worse?

Question

Hi guys, thanks for your answers to my last question about my shower, these really helped and it could just be a wattage problem. I'd just like to point out that my shower head is not blocked, the pressure at the sink beside the shower is really good, and that the shower pressure has steadily being getting worse over the years. Just thought i'd point these out too, in case it made a difference. Could it be the unit is blocked? Ive heard this is a likely reason too. thanks

Answer 1

the shower unit has a built in filter which removes particulates from the water prior to passing over the heating element. these are usually easy to clean, remove the front cover from the shower and locate the filter using your user manual - you can download one from the manufacturers website if you've lost it. give the filter a good clean in hot soapy water using a nail brush and put it back into the shower. if this doesn't work you might have to buy a new shower unit - new ones aren't too expensive and given that your current one has been on the go for years it's not disgraced itself. wattage only refers to the rate at which the shower heats the water - more watts - more water can be heated - better output. this shouldn't degrade over time. Also you might notice that the flow is considerably less in the winter because the mains water is really cold during the summer the reservoirs warm up meaning the shower doesn't have to "add" as much heat to the water allowing you to pass more water over the element and get a better flow out of the shower head

Answer 2

Chris S has got it right but try this method.
shut off both the electric and water supplies.
Remove shower unit from wall and drain remaining water from the cylinder.
Fill cylinder with a good quality descaling chemical and leave overnight.
Check that the inlet filter is also descaled.
Clean the shower head thoroughly with the same chemical and also check the hose for particles of scale.
The next day shake out all the pieces of scale from the cylinder and keep rinsing out until the unit is empty.
replace the cylinder and re-assemble the shower unit .
Replace and re-connect and test the shower.

Answer 3

Hi! We have a worcester bosche c/c boiler and run the shower from it no problem. You need to have good water pressure, as once you get several things on the go, i.e., washing machine, someone washing up, using the loo at the same time as someone having a shower, if your water pressure is poor, the shower will struggle. Ask a reputable plumber for an estimate for both and see how it compares, but having run ours straight from the boiler, I would do it everytime. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

It may be possible that the small boiler inside your electric shower is blocked with calcium if living in a hard water area

Answer 5

Sounds like the shower valve needs servicing. You can easily pick up the parts for your shower faucet, rings, cartridges and do this yourself. They even come with instructions.

Answer 6

It sounds like the water heating tank has gotten blocked with limescale, time to get a new one im afraid.

Answer 7

I just wanted to agree with the comment about the scaling of the tank.
It can be de-scaled- but it's a hassle. It may also be a blockage in the piping.

Answer 8

your pump or element will be clogged up with limescale, time to get a new one. Downer!
Thats the toruble with living in hard water areas I'm afraid.

Answer 9

put the shower head in white vinegar for a few hours...it will be good as new

Answer 10

Wat iss thiss thing le shower......we in france don`t use them or bath....it iss against our culture