Poor flow from electric shower, water pressure seems ok, any ideas on how to improove?

Question

2 year old gainsgrough 9.5. fed from rising main. pressure seems ok - cold tap on bath is like a jetwasher on full. Sometimes if I turn the temperature up slowly it's ok but others the water just falls out.

OK its not a power shower, but other peoples seem to work better.

I have a very old boiler that works fine. hot water cyl downstairs with a header in the loft, which works fine. no cold water header.

Just wondering if I'm missing something simple?

A simple quick fix would be great, what with the credit crunch and all. If the boss gets her way and phones a plumber I'm gonna have to fund a dolphin bathroom and a 13 rad ch system (which incidentally works fine at the moment)

But how about a cold water header in the loft and a pump into the gainsborogh? -will the pump help? Can I use one with an electric shower?

Obviously a power shower would be better but at least this way last years tiling gets to stay on the wall.

Answer 1

Quick test. Take off the shower head and run the shower. Good flow = blocked head. Descale or get a better head as suggested. Some you can rub to descale.

If the problem persists you will have to dismantle and descale the shower. Use a mild descaler as for kettles as anything else may be too agressive.

Answer 2

change the shower head,quite easy to buy from B & Q etc,universal size screwthread,try & find one that will give different flows.....jet,rain, etc.Can get one for under £10 & may have multiple flow simply adjusted by turning head ring to flow of your choice

Answer 3

Clean the shower head with descaler, (available in such places like Robert Dyas etc..read the instructions), then try cleaning the small filter inside the shower, look up the location in the operating and maintenance booklet, it should be in line with the cold water inlet pipe...but don't forget to isolate the water and the power first!!!

Answer 4

Take of the shower head and clean out the holes.make sure the mains tap is turned fully on.Make sure no one else in the house is using water.If using central heating make sure it is bled.Make sure you are not using auto washer or dishwasher.

Answer 5

if the shower is fed from mains pressure (Good in your house) then the shower itself may have a blockage due to hard water. It could be something simple like a sticking valve or solenoid. If you are up to it, take the thing apart and clean it all up (not forgetting to disconnect the mains).

Answer 6

have you tried to descale the shower head?