Please tell me if this is a boiler or a shower problem?

[meedermow]

Hello all,

Can someone please tell me if this is a potential boiler problem or a shower problem?

Initially we had a problem whereby the hot water in the shower would only begin if the heating was turned on as well. We've got a Vaillant TurboMax 242E and a policy with them. Engineer came round and replaced the diverter valve (?) about 6 months ago. Same thing happened last week though with slightly different issues (see below) - Vaillant engineer changes the pump and a switch. No change.

Over the past 6 months the water temperature control in the shower gradually seems to be failing whereby we have to turn it incrementally higher and higher in order to get hot water, and now we have to turn it all the way to the very top and even then only get lukewarm water. All taps (including the bath and sink taps in the bathroom itself) get hot water, just not the shower.

So the question is: is it a boiler problem or a coincidence that it's really a shower problem (I've read that it could be a thermostatic cartridge issue) and nothing to do with the recent work on the boiler?

Any help gratefully received! Many thanks

 

[MJGas]

If all the taps are hot, it points to a problem with your shower. What make is it?

 

[meedermow]

Thanks for the reply MJGas.

I'm afraid I don't know. We didn't buy the unit and it has no discernible branding. Is there anyway to find out?

Here's some pictures:

Untitled

• meedermow
• 16 Jun 2013
• 1

Untitled

• meedermow
• 16 Jun 2013
• 1

 

[Charnwood]

Looks very Trevi to me.

 

[AlanTownend]

Hi
If the hot water is ok in the rest of the property, then the issue lies with the shower unit. Normally these showers incorporate a check valve or a non return valve, possibly need to have a look at this

 

[meedermow]

Many thanks all. I had a bit of a fiddle and managed to remove the front plate and twist the temperature control past where it typically cuts off and got hot water (actually scalding!) out of it - so certainly doesn't seem to be the boiler issue (which I guess is preferable!).

I'll get a pro to come and have a look at it, but reading around a lot of people seem to solve the problem by just getting all debris out from around/behind the cartridge. Fingers crossed!