Shower Problem

[rickyt68]

Hi,

Have just moved into a house which was newly renovated. The bathroom has had a complete make over. The boiler has been changed and a new combi fitted. The shower however (new) when turned on is warm for a few seconds and then goes cold and stays that way. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Plamber]

hi ricky,

is it a elecetric shower or a mixer valve?

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

you may have cold mains over ridding the combi hot here if its a mixer shower

Try reducing the cold feed to the shower

 

[rickyt68]

I think it is a mixer but it is not attached at the taps, it is on a different wall!

Thanks tom. Im not a plumber so how difficult a job is this and do I require an expert!

 

[aggis]

Is it pipe correctly ?
Put your left hand on the left handside of the shower control, then turn it on , it should get hot/warm therefore piped ok .
If you feel the right hand side get warm it's proberly piped wrong way round. therefore req's pipes swapping over if you can get to them.
If in doubt consult shower instructions, or a plumber.

 

[Plamber]

yeah could be piped wrongly. or the cartridge is goosed. what kind of shower is it? if its new it should be under waranty

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

if its pipe correctly then try turning the shower on to maximum hot setting whilst having a few cold taps on as well (ie basin, bath, maybe flush toilet) and see if it heats up

 

[Phil]

I've known showers that have worked fine when tank fed, then have erratic temperatures when changed to mains pressure combi.

Try running the cold bath tap with the shower on, if that works I would fit a pressure reducing valve on the mains.

Sorry Plumbstar Tom I've just realised we've given the same advice. Doh! 😛

 

[spanner]

Hi, what make is the combi and is it sited on the same floor as the shower, or sited downstairs?
Absolutely no idea as, the boiler should deliver enough hot water to the shower.. if its a manaual mixer, what happens if you turn and 'select for the hot water only' ! Is there any hot water from the shower outlet??
And if its a thermostatic mixer shower, the only thing I can think is faulty blender.

 

[aceplumber]

yeah could be piped wrongly. or the cartridge is goosed. what kind of shower is it? if its new it should be under waranty

90% of shower mixing vales work with cold always on the right , you could check by pulling some water through strainers if fitted , i made this mistake on a friends shower but didnt find out until shower cubicle was completely tiled with granite slate tiles , thank god hans grohe do a reversable cartridge for foolish plumbers , my mate still takes micky now , it was over 10 years ago

 

[Big Ted]

If it has been fitted correctly, there should be a service valve in the cold water line, try adjusting the cold water flow with this valve