Aqualisa Shower Problems: Resolved

By Ben Victor

Updated: 20th August 2023

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Aqualisa showers are excellent showers – so much so that we featured them on our best power showers and best digital showers roundups. No matter how great they are, unfortunately, as with all things, they can develop issues.

If you’re having Aqualisa shower problems, we can help you resolve them.

In this article, we will explore several solutions to get your shower back up and running again.

After lots of research on forums and online, we have found that the most common cause for most Aqualisa shower problems is an air lock.

What is an Air Lock?

An air lock is the restriction or blockage of water flow, caused by air (hence the name) trapped in your shower system. Air or vapous being gas, and therefore less dense than water, causes it to rise to any high points in the system. In a nutshell, the air is “locking” the water flow.

Air locks typically occur on gravity water systems, typically within the pipes of your hot water supply, since hot water can cause the build-up of air or vapour. According to Aquilisa, if your shower is struggling to output water – especially hot water, and spits or splutters while in use, the most common cause is an air lock.

Fortunately, this is a very straightforward fix.

How do I fix an Air Lock?

In order to fix air lock and thereby resolve the problem with your Aqualisa shower, follow these steps:

Remove the shower head whether it’s from the end of the flexible shower hose or if it’s a fixed head, remove the head from the shower arm.
Start the shower from the coldest setting while slowly turning the temperature dial towards hotter settings.
If your shower starts to splutter or spit then stop turning the temperature dial and simply wait for the air to clear before you continue towards the hot settings.
In order to make sure you aren’t turning the dial too quickly, try to go from cold to hot slowly, taking a minute or so in total.
You may need to repeat this process several times before it is fixed.

If you have tried this several times and your Aqualisa shower is still not working, it could be something else like a build-up of scale causing a blockage or cavitation, as well as other things listed below.

How do I fix a filter scale blockage?

Most shower systems like Aqualisa, have a filter to ensure that the water is extra safe as it passes into your shower system. Over time, this filter can because dirty and distort any water flowing into your shower. To resolve this:

First, turn off your cold water supply.
Grab something to catch the water with like a bucket.
Locate your control box for your shower and unscrew the cold water inlet, catching any water with the bucket.
Clean any scale or grime build-up on the filter and re-attach.
Turn back on your cold water supply.
Re-test the shower.

What is Cavitation?

Cavitation is the term given to the process of air bubbles that get released into the pipe-work of your shower system. When these bubbles pop, they cause small shock waves that can damage your shower system, which could mean you’d need to replace it. This damage could be the reason for the spluttering and spitting.

How do I stop cavitation?

This fault is usually the result of having your hot water temperature set far too high. The advised temperature for Aqualisa shower systems is a maximum of 65ºC. Double-check your temperature setting isn’t over this limit and if so make sure you correct it.

Aqualisa Shower Temperature Problems

Another common problem that can occur is Aqualisa shower temperature problems. This could include your Aqualisa shower not getting hot enough, too hot, being too cold, or not changing temperature correctly. The temperature light also usually stops working or doesn’t work correctly.

The most common cause of this problem, according to several troubleshooting forums, is the control unit needs replacing. The control unit is also fairly easy to install, having just a few screws holding it in place. If in doubt always contact a certified professional to help with this.

If you do not want to replace the control unit, or are looking for a temporary fix, holding down the boost button while powering on the shower sometimes helps with the issue.

Aqualisa Start/Stop Button Not Working

If the start/stop button on your Aqualisa shower isn’t working, there could be several potential causes.

Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps:

Electrical Issues:

Power Supply: Ensure that the shower unit is receiving power. Check the shower switch, circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that the circuit hasn’t tripped or a fuse hasn’t blown.
Wiring: There might be a loose or damaged wire inside the unit. If you suspect this, it’s best to call a professional unless you’re comfortable with electrical work.

Button Mechanism:

Physical Blockage: Dirt, grime, or mineral deposits can accumulate over time and prevent the button from being pressed properly. Try cleaning around the button with a soft cloth.
Wear and Tear: The button mechanism might be worn out or damaged. In this case, you might need to replace the button or the associated component.

Internal Components:

Valve Issues: The valve inside the unit might be stuck or malfunctioning, preventing the shower from starting or stopping.
Electronic Control Failure: The electronic components that interpret the button press might be malfunctioning. This could be due to moisture, age, or other factors.

Water Supply:

Ensure that the water supply to the shower is turned on and that there are no blockages or issues with the plumbing that might be affecting the shower’s operation.

Other Problems

Even though most Aqualisa shower problems are caused by an air lock, a filter blockage, or cavitation, there are still some other potential issues that could arise. Let’s explore these along with their solutions.

Drips or Leaks

If you are experiencing drips or leaks then you first need to identify if it is constant or if it stops over time. A blown pressure relief device (PRD) can cause leaks and poor flow. You can easily grab a cheap replacement. If it is not this, then try removing the shower head and hose from the shower (and arm if required). If it still drips then it means your Aqualisa shower is faulty and will need fixing or replacing – you will need to contact their customer service team to get sorted.

Low water flow/pressure

Low water flow or pressure can be caused by a number of things. If you didn’t always have this problem then it could be the result of a shower head can be blocked by the build-up of limescale or grime, which is easily resolved with a good shower cleaner. It could also be a faulty shower head or hose. Also quite often it could be caused by your shower hose being twisted or kinked. If you have always had a lower water pressure then you’d need to invest in a shower pump, or depending on your water system, a decent power shower.

Bursts of Scalding Water

If you find that you get scalded each time someone flushes the toilet or runs the tap, unfortunately, you might need to get a new shower. Thermostatic showers are ideal for this as they quickly adjust the temperature. Alternatively, you can upgrade your toilet flush to be more efficient and use less water when flushing.

Rattling Sounds

If you hear a rattling sound when you turn on your shower, it is usually associated with your mixer valve needing adjustment. This is fairly straightforward but is something you can get a plumber to do if you aren’t feeling confident.

Conclusion

If you’re unable to determine the cause of your Aqualisa problem or fix the issue yourself, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional plumber or the manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.

They might be able to provide further troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary.

Hopefully, this article has helped resolve your Aqualisa shower problems once and for all.