No hot water from shower
A cold shower on a chilly morning is nobody's idea of fun, and it's one of the most common complaints we hear about. The good news is that when only your shower runs cold whilst other taps work fine, you're usually looking at a straightforward fix rather than a whole-system issue. This problem typically stems from a few specific culprits: a temperature limiter that's been adjusted too low, a tripped electrics circuit on an electric shower, or a worn mixer cartridge that's lost its knack for blending hot and cold water properly. Whether you've got a fancy thermostatic mixer, a basic manual mixer, or an electric shower unit, this guide walks you through the checks you can do yourself before reaching for your phone to call a professional.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Check whether hot water is available from other taps — if all hot water is out, see the No Hot Water category.
For thermostatic mixer showers: check the temperature limit stop on the valve — a plastic disc inside the handle that can be adjusted.
For electric showers: check the consumer unit for a tripped circuit breaker. Also check the shower's own reset button.
If the mixer shower cartridge is worn, it may not be mixing correctly — replacement cartridges are widely available.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my shower cold when other hot taps work fine?
When your kitchen tap runs hot but the shower doesn't, the problem is almost certainly with the shower valve itself rather than your boiler or pipework. This could be a temperature limiter set too low, a faulty cartridge, or on electric showers, a tripped safety cut-out. The good news is that these are usually quick fixes you can tackle without calling anyone out.
Can I adjust the temperature on my thermostatic mixer shower?
Yes — most thermostatic mixers have a plastic disc or collar inside the handle that acts as a temperature limiter for safety. You can usually adjust this by removing the handle or trim collar and rotating the disc to allow hotter water through. If you're uncomfortable doing this, a plumber can adjust it in a few minutes.
How often do shower cartridges need replacing?
A well-maintained shower cartridge typically lasts 5–10 years, but this varies depending on water hardness and usage. If your shower gradually produces less hot water or won't mix properly, the cartridge is likely worn out and replacement cartridges are inexpensive and widely available from plumber's merchants.
Is it safe to keep resetting my electric shower?
Most electric showers have a thermal cut-out that trips if the unit overheats — this is a safety feature and should be respected. If it keeps tripping, there's likely an underlying fault rather than just a one-off issue, so it's worth getting a Gas Safe engineer to check it over rather than repeatedly pressing reset.