Electric shower has stopped working
Check the steps below first — if you're not confident, get it fixed safely today.
Post a job — we'll find you an engineer →⚠️ Electric showers combine electricity and water. Do not attempt internal repairs yourself. Only a Part P registered electrician or qualified shower installer should work inside the unit.
Electric showers are self-contained units that heat cold water on demand using an internal heating element. When they stop working the fault is usually electrical — a tripped breaker, failed solenoid, or burnt-out element. Here is how to diagnose the problem safely.
Not sure if this matches your problem?
Use our interactive tool — answer a few questions and get a personalised diagnosis.
Most likely cause & what to check
Check your consumer unit (fuse box) for a tripped MCB or RCD. Electric showers have a dedicated high-amperage circuit (usually 40A or 45A). If it has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again immediately, there is a fault that needs an electrician.
Check there is cold water supply getting to the shower — turn on a cold tap nearby to confirm mains pressure is normal.
If the unit powers on (light on) but no water comes out: the solenoid valve or micro-switch may have failed. This requires a qualified engineer to repair or replace the unit.
If the unit runs but the water is cold: the heating element has failed. This is an internal repair requiring replacement of the element or the whole unit.
If the unit is over 8–10 years old and developing faults, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair. A new electric shower can be fitted in a few hours by a qualified installer.
Not confident doing this yourself?
Post the job and we'll match you with vetted local engineers. Free, no obligation.
🛠 Tools & materials you may need
🔗 Some links above are affiliate links — if you buy through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This keeps the site free.
Was this guide helpful?
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace an electric shower myself?
Connecting the electrical supply must be done by a Part P registered electrician. The shower unit itself can be swapped over by a competent DIYer, but most people get an electrician to do the full job.
How long do electric showers last?
Typically 7–12 years. Hard water areas significantly reduce lifespan due to limescale build-up on the element.