Removing an electric shower generally involves a straightforward process, but requires careful attention to safety, particularly when dealing with water and electricity. Most electric shower units are secured to the wall with four screws, which are the primary fixings to undo. After removing these screws, the unit should pull away from the wall. It's very important to pay close attention when disconnecting the water and electricity connections.
Here is a step-by-step process:
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Turn off the Power:
- First and foremost, switch off the circuit breaker supplying electricity to the shower unit at your main consumer unit (fuse box). This is crucial to prevent electrical shock.
- Test that the power is off by attempting to turn on the shower.
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Turn off the Water:
- Locate the isolation valve for the water supply to the shower and turn it off. This will prevent water from flowing and causing a mess.
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Remove the Shower Unit:
- Locate the four screws that hold the shower unit in place. They are generally visible on the face of the shower unit or under plastic caps.
- Using a screwdriver appropriate for the screw type (usually a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver), carefully remove all four screws.
- Once the screws are removed, the shower unit should gently pull away from the wall. If there is some resistance, double-check that all screws are removed and avoid using excessive force.
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Disconnect the Water Supply:
- With the shower unit pulled slightly away from the wall, you will need to carefully disconnect the water inlet pipe, usually a compression or push-fit fitting.
- Have a bucket and old towels ready to catch any remaining water in the pipe.
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Disconnect the Electricity Supply:
- Carefully expose the electrical terminal block. Do not touch this area until you are 100% sure the electrical power is completely off.
- Take a picture of the wiring configuration before you disconnect any wires.
- Using a screwdriver, disconnect the electrical wires from the terminal block.
Important Note: If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps, particularly the electrical connections, consult a qualified electrician. Mistakes can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
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Remove the Unit:
- Once the water and electrical connections are safely disconnected, you can fully remove the old electric shower unit from the wall.
Caution: Remember that the majority of shower units are fixed with four screws and should pull away from the wall after these are removed. When disconnecting the water and electricity supply, proceed with extreme caution. (Reference date: 11-May-2022).
