There may be times when you need to replace your entire shower unit, but usually if a fault occurs it can be fixed simply by identifying the component responsible and fitting a new one.
Most electric showers contain eight to ten main components that, although they may look slightly different, perform the same job. The part you will need to replace will depend on the problem you are experiencing.
This guide will give you a general idea of what to do if you need to replace one of your shower's components. It doesn't matter what make or model of shower you have or what part is being replaced, these general rules will still apply.
Safety precautions
Before you carry out any kind of work on an electric shower you must ensure it is isolated from the electrical mains. Do this by turning it off using the pull cord or isolation switch and then shutting off the power at the fuse board.
The tools you'll need
You won't need anything particularly special to replace a part inside an electric shower. A well-stocked toolbox will probably contain everything you require.
- A range of screwdrivers
A few flat head screwdrivers and a few PosiDrive screwdrivers should be enough for some shower models, although you may also need a T10 torque screwdriver too. Torque screws mostly appear in Mira showers, although some other brands use them too.
- Pliers
A pair of fine-nosed pliers will be useful for removing screws or getting into clips, while occasionally you'll need a pair of coupling pliers or a big key, but only if you need to disconnect the incoming supply from the water mains.
- A camera
Your camera is the most important tool you'll need at your disposal when replacing a part inside an electric shower. It will allow you to take decent quality images both before and during the repair process, which you can refer back to when reassembling your shower.
Replacing the part
The video that accompanies this guide shows you how to replace the flow valve, but it will also give you a good idea of where all the other components are located and how to get to them.
When removing screws, make sure you set them aside carefully so that you don't lose them. It's good practice to pop in the plug or place a rag over the plug hole, as tiny screws can very easily slip down it if you drop them.
Remember that the screws holding one component in place may be different from those holding another part, so if you have to remove a number of components to get to the one you need to replace, make sure you keep your screws separate and remember where they all go.
You should also lay out the parts in the order you take them out. This way you can simply work your way back along the line when reassembling everything.
When replacing the screws, don't tighten them fully until you have replaced them all and you've checked that everything is firmly and properly back in its rightful place.
Before you turn the power back on and test your shower, you need to make sure it is set to cold. This will help to clear any air in the system and ensure there is no power to the elements.
Turn the shower on and wait for the water to come through for around ten seconds or so, making sure there is a steady stream of water. You can then turn up the temperature until there is hot water coming through, then switch it off.
Before you finish, go and switch the power off again. Take the cover off the unit and have a close look around to make sure there are no drips or leaks anywhere inside. If not, replace the cover, switch the power back on and you're all done.
You may find it useful to refer to our electric shows explained video guide as well as this guide, as it will give you a broader understanding of what each of the components in your electric shower do and what can happen when they fail.
And remember, you can purchase all of the shower spares you need from The Shower Doctor. If you need help identifying a problem, or you are unsure about what part you need to buy, then get in touch with our advisors, who will be happy to help.