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Why Is There No Hot Water Coming From My Electric Shower?

Electric showers are a great solution for homes with limited access to hot water or older plumbing systems. Because they don’t rely on a central heating system or hot water tank, you can install them virtually anywhere in your home, as long as there’s an electrical supply. This makes them ideal for loft conversions or bathrooms located far from your central hot water source. While electric showers eliminate the risk of running out of hot water due to someone else using it, they’re not entirely immune to issues. If your electric shower suddenly stops heating water, there could be several reasons behind it. You’ll need a heating engineer or an electrician (not a plumber) for this issue, which typically involves repairing or replacing the heating element of your electric shower. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes and solutions.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure might be the cause of your electric shower not heating properly. Checking this is a smart first step. If the water pressure is too low, the shower may not activate the heating element effectively.

This is something you can check yourself if you’re comfortable doing so. Here’s how to check whether your water pressure is consistent and sufficient:

How to Check Water
Pressure at Home

  • Turn on your shower and observe the water flow. If it’s a weak stream, you might have low water pressure.
  • Check other taps in your home (especially the kitchen and bathroom). If they also have low flow, the issue is likely with the overall water pressure.
  • Fill a measuring jug from a cold tap (preferably the kitchen tap) and time how long it takes to fill 1 litre. If it takes more than 6 seconds, your pressure may be low.
  • Look for pressure-reducing valves near your water meter or boiler. Ensure they haven’t been accidentally adjusted.
  • Check your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or where the water pipe enters your home) is fully open to allow maximum water flow.
  • If you have an isolation valve on your shower supply, make sure it’s fully open too.

If everything seems fine but the pressure still feels low, or you’re unsure, calling a professional is the next step.

Faulty Heating Element

The heating element is the part that actually heats the water (like the metal coil in a kettle) and is often the most common cause of no hot water coming from an electric shower. Cold showers are obviously the biggest indicator of a faulty element with the water staying cold no matter what temperature setting you have it on. Another sign of a damaged element is when taking a shower trips the fuse or cuts out when turned on. For a professional, replacing a faulty heating element is quite a straightforward job (it may just need a little patience).

Faulty Thermostat

Heating elements and thermostats are often confused, but they serve different purposes in an electric shower:

  • The heating element heats the water.
  • The thermostat controls how hot the water gets.

The thermostat works like a temperature regulator by signalling to the shower to stop heating once the water reaches the desired temperature. This prevents the water from becoming dangerously hot.

Signs of a faulty thermostat are typically:

  • Sudden and unpredictable changes in water temperature
  • Water gets very hot quickly or doesn’t maintain a steady temperature
  • Turning the temperature dial has no effect

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a qualified professional can test both the thermostat and the heating element to identify and replace the faulty part. If the thermostat is the culprit, it is often the sensor that is malfunctioning and is quickly and easily resolved.

Electrical Supply Malfunction Or Wiring Problem

It could be an electrical supply fault or wiring problem that is responsible for a shower running cold. In this scenario, a qualified professional will check that the shower is getting the right power, nothing’s come loose or burnt out, and the wiring is safe and secure. They will likely follow the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Turn off the power to work safely.
  • Check the circuit breaker or fuse to see if has tripped or blown.
  • Test the power supply to the shower to check if electricity is actually reaching the shower unit (this will help them understand if the problem is inside the unit or in the wiring.
  • Inspect internal connections by opening the shower casing and look for loose or burnt connections/signs of overheating or corrosion/damaged terminals or melted insulation.
  • Check for continuity in the wiring and look for any voltage drops (using electrical testers) that could signal a fault of weak connection.
  • Test switches and isolators are functioning efficiently.

Once the fault is found, they’ll repair, retest and ensure it’s safe to use.

Limescale Build Up

Sometimes, the system just needs a really good clean up. Limescale build up can be a common offender when it comes to an electric shower running cold, especially in hard water areas where mineral deposits are common. Over time, limescale coats the shower’s heating element, clogs up the showerhead, internal filters, and narrow inlets inside the shower unit, all of which can affect the showers’ ability to heat water efficiently. Plus, if mineral deposits cause the water to heat unevenly or too slowly, the shower might overcompensate or trigger a thermal cut out, leading to a sudden cold-water flow.

If limescale is causing a problem, a qualified professional would inspect and descale the internal parts of the shower as needed and consider installing a limescale filter or water softener to protect the system from future build-up.

Top Tip:

Descale the showerhead regularly (soak in white wine vinegar or use a limescale remover) to prevent limescale building up in the first place.

Faulty Shower Unit

A professional will always inspect the shower unit itself for any signs of damage or wear and tear. They will check all the parts inside, test what is working and what’s not, and then either fix or replace what’s broken. If the whole unit is failing or unsafe, they’ll suggest investing in a new one.

If you’d like help with getting your Electric Shower up to scratch, our team of qualified electricians would be happy to help you. Contact us at your convenience.

Electric Shower FAQs

Electric showers heat cold water on demand using a built-in heating element, similar to a kettle. They don’t rely on your boiler or hot water tank, making them ideal for homes with limited hot water. Read more in our blog.

You should maintain your electric shower every 6–12 months, especially if you live in a hard water area. Regular cleaning and descaling can help prevent limescale buildup and keep it running efficiently.

It depends on your water system and needs. Power showers boost pressure and use hot water from a tank, while electric showers heat water instantly from a cold supply. See our comparison guide.

  • Keep showers short (5–10 minutes)
  • Use the eco or lower temperature setting
  • Clean the showerhead regularly to maintain efficiency
  • Turn it off fully after use

Yes, but it’s usually unnecessary. A combi boiler already provides hot water on demand, so adding an electric shower doesn’t offer much benefit and could be less efficient.

Leaving it on when not in use wastes electricity and can be a safety risk. Always switch it off at the isolation switch or unit after use to stay safe and energy-efficient.

Common reasons include a faulty heating element, water ingress, wiring issues, or an overloaded circuit. A qualified electrician should inspect and fix the problem.

Possible causes include a faulty thermostat, limescale buildup, or restricted water flow. These issues can prevent proper temperature regulation.

Yes, low water pressure can cause the shower to run cold or shut off the heating element entirely. Some electric showers require a minimum flow rate to work correctly.

Oliver Osmore has been at the helm of Happy Dog Plumbing since it became part of the Maintracts Services family, bringing with him decades of experience in plumbing, heating, and electrical services. As Managing Director of both companies, Oliver is dedicated to ensuring Happy Dog Plumbing continues its proud tradition of delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to customers.

Oliver’s approachable nature and problem-solving expertise allow him to work closely with customers, offering tailored solutions to even the most complex challenges. He is passionate about upholding the high standards that Happy Dog Plumbing has become known for, ensuring every job is handled with professionalism and care.

Since its founding, Happy Dog Plumbing has been a trusted name in installation, maintenance, and repair services. Under Oliver’s leadership, the company thrives as part of a larger, customer-focused team, staying true to its roots while benefiting from the expanded resources of Maintracts Services. 

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