Shower won't turn off

[jimdoodson]

When an electric shower is turned on it works fine but the cold water still runs when it is turned off.
The only way to stop the shower working is to turn the stop cock off.
What is wrong and how can it be rectified?.
Cheers
The Friendly Plumber
Sorry forget to tick the check box for a reply

 

[Agile]

I was going to say ask a plumber but then I saw that you signed off as "The friendly plumber".

As this is a DIY site perhaps you would have better success if you posted on the Institute of Plumbing website?

As you did not mention the make and model of shower I dont see how anyone would have much of a chance of guessing what the problem might be.

Are you new to plumbing as one would expect a plumber to already know all about shower etc.

Tony Glazier

 

[Bahco]

Faulty flow switch for a guess but THESE will be able to help you.

About time they gave me some commission

 

[kevplumb]

who the "institute of plumbing"

 

[chrishutt]

I agree with Tony. You don't sound as if you should be offering to repair electric showers (on a professional basis) in the first place. Repairs should only be attempted by those with a good understanding of the principles of operation and the potential dangers of working with electricity, especially in association with water.

 

[Agile]

I did not actually say that Chris, although I might have thought it!

Kev see ...

http://www.iphe.org.uk/index.html

I thought you had a full list of all the sites on the web as well as all the pictures in the universe.

Tony

 

[kevplumb]

been there tony dont interest me

for reasons i would sooner not go into try here
now this does interest me

 

[Agile]

I went there too once before but I found it full of scruffy people!

Tony

 

[kevplumb]

yeah well bit like the IOP being full of pretentous pratts

 

[cozzmic]

If it's a Mira sport or zest it could be the pilot valve. They are known to scream (noise), let only a trickle of water through or not shut off.
It doesn't take the brains of britain to change just make sure leccy and water are isolated first.

 

[kevplumb]

PHAM
page nine is that a scruffy person then

 

[jimdoodson]

I am simply a bit of an odd job man who does small plumbing jobs and the shower is a Mira sport in my own home.
Any help is always appreciated.
Best wishes
Jim Doodson

 

[Agile]

Right, now we know who you ar we will try to help.

I am not an expert on showers but some are electrically controlled and use solenoid valves to turn on the water. These are similar to the ones in washing machines.

Similarly to washing machines, the valves can be held on by a bit of dirt under the diaphragm. Not all can be taken apart. If water flows when the coil is not activated then its faulty.

Some use a reed switch to detect water flow. This is activated by a moving magnet encased in plastic. Sometimes these stick and need to be replaced or cleaned out.

I do have to say that a reed switch does not usually turn water on/off its normally used for pumps or heaters.

There is a suggestion of a "pilot" valve above. I dont know about that but he seems to be familiar with your model. I only look at them for VERY good friends.

Finally a combination of water and electricity is VERY dangerous. I am NOT in any way encouraging you to do work you are not safe to do! Better to let a professional electrocute himself.

Tony Glazier