Digital Showers - Cold Weather Advice

Some customers may experience problems with their digital showers in extreme cold weather. We have created the guide below to explain why this happens and what steps can be taken.

This guide is applicable to the following models:

  • Opto Digital
  • Visage Digital
  • Quartz Digital
  • Axis Digital
  • Rise Digital
  • HiQu Digital
  • Ilux Digital

If you aren't sure which model you have or if your shower is a digital shower, please look at our digital shower guide.

Symptoms

  • Lights illuminate on the controller but there is no water.
  • No response from the start button and no lights on the contoller.
  • Shower starts briefly, and then shuts off.

If the digital processor box is located in your loft area or a location that is subject to the cold, then please refer to the information below.

What is the processor?

The processor box is the mixer part of your digital shower or bath filler; it is where the hot and cold water are blended. Your processor box will look like this:

           

 

Why won’t it work?

Located inside the processor box is a device called a “thermistor”; this is what helps regulate the water temperature. In extreme cold conditions (0 deg. C +/- 2 deg.) the thermistor will register a fault which places the processor into a safe mode to help protect it.

How do I get it working again?

  • In some cases, it may be as simple as turning the power supply off to the processor box; leaving it for a few minutes and then turning it back on again
  • If the water supplies feeding or inside the processor are frozen; then this must be thawed. We recommend using a hair dryer or a lamp to gently defrost the processor. The power will need to be turned off and then back on again after a few minutes to reset the processor box and clear the fault.

How do I avoid this happening again?

  • Ensure that the pipe work to and from the processor box is lagged (special tubular foam insulation). See images below.
  • Place a cardboard box over the processor. See Images below.

 

 Aerial image of processor with lagging

 

 

Aerial view with lagging and covering box

 

Front on view with lagging and covering box

 

Important:

  • Do not tightly wrap the processor; ensure that there is at least 2-3 inches of air clearance between the box and the processor. For pumped models ventilation holes can be made in the outer cardboard box.
  • Do not cover the processor or the covering box with insulation or items such as blanket.
  • Ensure that there is no loft insulation underneath the processor; this will help warm it from the rising heat of the room below.
  • A small piece of lagging can also be placed over the processor’s thermistor (This is for black processor boxes only). See images below.
  • Ensure that the thermistor wire is not excessively bent and that the cover fits back as it should.

                

 Thermistor                                                 Thermistor with lagging

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the warmer seasons it may be advisable to remove the covering box if ambient temperatures rise excessively.

For additional information, please speak to a member of our Customer Service Team on 01959 560010 or email us.