Why is my shower cutting out all the time?

Question

Is my shower cutting out because of water pressure in the house? It seems to happen more frequently when someone else uses a tap or flushes the toilet, which makes me think it could be that rather than a fault with the shower unit. But it even happens when I'm the only one in the house. This isn't even an old unit, installed around a year ago (mira)

William · Answer

Usually low water pressure, but if it has been happening before you may have to replace thermal cutout switch.

Kelsey · Answer

Hi. It can be a combination of things ie water flow rates and shower specs.

Harry · Answer

1. Low water pressure / flow
•	If the flow drops too low, the shower overheats
•	The thermal cut-out trips
•	Shower goes cold or shuts off
•	Comes back after 30–90 seconds once it cools

Common reasons flow is low:
•	Blocked shower head (limescale is a big culprit)
•	Partially closed isolation valve
•	Old or kinked pipework
•	Mains pressure issues (worse at peak times)

👉 Try running the shower with the head removed.
If it stays on = blocked head.

2. Overheating (even with decent pressure)
•	Electric showers are basically tiny kettles.
•	Things that push them over the edge:
•	Shower set too hot
•	Summer mains water already warm
•	Long runs on full heat
Fix:
Turn the temperature down slightly and increase flow.
Hotter better if it keeps cutting out.

3. Electrical supply issue
Less common, but serious if this is it.
Possibilities:
•	Loose connection in the isolator
•	Failing pull cord switch
•	Cable overheating
•	RCD/RCBO nuisance tripping
•	Shower goes completely dead
•	Needs isolator flicked off/on
If it’s electrical, don’t ignore it.

4. Faulty thermal cut-out or heating element
•	Pressure is good
•	Shower head is clean
•	Still cuts out randomly

Then the shower unit itself may just be on its way out.

Why is my shower cutting out all the time?

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