Shower

It’s possible that draining and refilling your water system could have affected your water pressure, especially if there are airlocks or debris in the system. Here are some potential reasons for the issue you’re experiencing with the new shower:

1. Airlocks in the Pipes

When the system is drained and refilled, air can get trapped in the pipes, especially if the water wasn’t bled properly after being refilled. Airlocks can affect the flow of water and cause irregular pressure, which could be why your shower cuts out when you switch to hot water.

Solution: Try bleeding the air out of your system. You can do this by:
• Opening all taps: Open both hot and cold taps in your house (including the shower) to allow air to escape.
• Start with the lowest taps (e.g., kitchen sink), then work your way up to the highest (e.g., bathroom taps or shower).
• Check the shower valve: Sometimes air can get trapped specifically in the shower valve, so turning the shower on and off several times might help.

2. Water Pressure Issues

If the water system was drained improperly or there was a malfunction when refilling, it’s possible the water pressure is too low, particularly for hot water, which can cause the shower to cut out when you turn the temperature to hot. This could be due to:
• Cold water supply working fine but hot water pressure low.
• Valve issues where hot and cold water aren’t mixing properly.

Solution: Check the pressure on both the hot and cold sides. If you have a combination boiler, make sure the pressure gauge is within the correct range (usually 1-1.5 bar). If the pressure is low, you might need to re-pressurize the system (this can typically be done using the filling loop on the boiler).

3. Faulty Shower Valve or Installation

If the shower was newly installed, it could be a fault with the shower valve or installation. If the valve is not correctly mixing the hot and cold water, it might shut off or cut out when adjusting the temperature.

Solution: Ensure the shower valve was installed correctly and check if the flow restrictors or filters are clear. You may also want to double-check that the new shower is compatible with your current water pressure and system.

4. Thermostatic Shower Issues

If your new shower is thermostatic (i.e., it automatically adjusts the temperature), it may have issues with its temperature sensor or the mixing valve inside.

Solution: Try resetting the shower or ensure that both the hot and cold supplies are properly balanced.

5. Sediment or Debris in the System

If the system was drained quickly, debris or sediment may have been dislodged, causing blockages in the pipes or the shower valve, which could affect the water flow.

Solution: Check if there’s debris or sediment blocking the showerhead, shower valve, or pipes. You might need to flush the system or have a plumber check for any blockages.

Next Steps:
• Bleed the air out of your system by running the taps.
• Check the water pressure on both hot and cold sides and adjust if necessary.
• Test the shower valve and ensure it’s installed correctly and functioning properly.

Yes, draining and refilling your water system can sometimes affect water pressure, which could be causing your shower to cut out when switched to hot. Here are a few possible reasons and solutions:

Possible Causes & Fixes:
Airlocks in the Pipes
If air has become trapped in the system, it can block water flow.
Fix: Try running all taps (both hot and cold) for a few minutes, starting with the lowest tap in the house and working your way up.
Low Mains Water Pressure
If you have a combi boiler or unvented system, low mains pressure could be the issue.
Fix: Check the pressure gauge on your boiler (if applicable). If it’s below 1 bar, you may need to repressurize it.
Blocked or Partially Closed Valves
When refilling, a valve may not have fully opened, restricting water flow.
Fix: Check that all isolation valves and stopcocks are fully open.
Faulty Shower Installation or Thermostatic Mixer Issue
Some thermostatic showers need a balanced hot and cold supply. If the pressure difference is too high, it may shut off.
Fix: If you have a gravity-fed system, you may need a pump. If it’s a mixer issue, adjusting pressure regulators or fitting a pressure-equalizing valve might help.
Debris or Blockages in the Shower Filter
Draining the system can dislodge debris, which might clog the shower filter or valve.
Fix: Check the shower head and inlet filters for blockages.