[V Lord58]

I recently had my bath taken out and a quadrant shower fitted. The shower has as normal shower head plus a much larger fixed one above. I love it and am happy with the work my chosen company did. There is only one problem which I have asked about but am not sure I am being told the truth. Can you please advise me?
Sometime after my shower (can be 10 minutes to a few hours) the shower will start running again on its own, not just a few drops but probably a litre or so will trickle, usually from the larger head. This happens nearly every time I shower and sometimes more than once each day, lasting a couple of minutes each time. On contacting the firm who supplied and fitted my shower I was told that all these showers are the same and the problem is caused by air in the system. The man told me that there was nothing they could do to stop it and that his own shower at home had the same problem much to his wife's annoyance. Is this man telling me the truth or is his answer a load of bull because I am a Woman?Please advise
Vanessa Lord.

[hkstroud]

From the wording in your post I am assuming that you are in the UK or Eu. While plumbing is plumbing, we do some things a little different in the US.
I don't know what kind of shower valve was installed but I would not be inclined to accept the reasoning of the plumber. The valve is an inanimate object and does not do things with out reason.

I find it hard to believe that the manufacturer of the valve would put out a product that would perform as you describe.

Therefore, the valve is either defective or is not installed properly.
My response to the plumber would be , "Fix it. If it is a known defect why did you install it. If it is not a defect, you did not install it properly. Fix it."

As to whether the plumber handed you this line of BS because you are a woman, I of course don't know. People who BS tend to BS anyone they think they can, regardless of gender.

[V Lord58]

Hi again. When I replied to thank you for your advice, I should have mentioned that this shower is not electric. I usually heat the water first from the emersion heater and the water is pumped to the shower via a pump which operates when I switch the shower on. Would this make any difference to your answer?
Vanessa

[hkstroud]

the water is pumped to the shower via a pump which operates when I switch the shower on.

That implies an electrical fault. Not being familiar with the valve and set up I cannot suggest specifically what that fault is. Electrical connections of appliances like this are usually very simple so I am inclined to believe it is a faulty device or control.
I still don't accept the "air in the line" explanation. Perhaps that explanation is not so much BS as it is the plumber just doesn't know any better.
Just what the fault could be all depends on the complexity of the device. If the controls are such that the valve and heater are "programmable", that is you can choose temperature, time of day and things like that, the fault is probably in the circuit board or in the initial set up.
If the control is simply an on/off/temperature selection button or knob then the fault would simply be a physically faulty control device.
It is possible that there could be an over temperature safety built into the system where by if the water gets to hot some hot water is released so cold water can enter the system. If the installation calls for the installer to set the temperature, (separate for your use temperature) perhaps that is the problem. If there is no maximum temperature setting or the installer does not select an maximum temperature upon installation then the fault would be in the immersion heater.
I, of course, have no way of knowing if there is any kind of over temperature safety built into the system or how it functions. This is just a guess of what might cause the periodical release of water.

Knowing more about the valve and set up helps understand what could be happening but does not change my response. You paid for a shower renovation and a properly functioning valve. Your description of what is happening does not sound like a properly functioning valve.

The "air in the pipe" does not meet any kind of logic test. There is no "oh, this is air, not water" sensor. If there were air in the pipes, how would valve know it? The air is in the pipe and has not yet reached the valve.

So my response would be the same. "Either the device is defective or the installation is defective. If you knew the device was defective, and apparently you did, why did you install it. If the device is not defective, then the installation is defective"

You paid for a properly functioning shower valve. Not only is this an annoyance, it is costing you money. Money for the water and money to heat it.

Perhaps if the plumber investigated what is really happening he could make his wife happy. That is something we all need to do.

[V Lord58]

Thanks again for your advice, I do really appreciate your comments as I can approach the installer this time with more confidence. To be honest the air thing didn't make sense to me either but I wasn't sure.
Vanessa

[hkstroud]

You are welcome.
Do you know the brand and model of the shower valve? You could try contacting the manufacturer for more information. You shouldn't have to, but you could.
Post brand and model if you know.

Your position should be "This is not right. I paid for a properly function shower. I expect you to make it right".

[V Lord58]

Haven't got a clue as company did all work and didn't leave us any paperwork etc.
Vanessa