How do I test the solenoid valve in a power shower?

Thank you very much. Now I know just what to do.............

Stephen
February 2013

This device is to be found as the first component the inlet water flow meets, and this is how you spot it, along with its two wires to the top of it. This device has two distinct parts; the electrical coil of copper wire (called solenoid) and the plastic cased rubber tipped plunger which alters, or stops, the flow of the water (called valve). To test, apply 240volt directly to it and see if it opens.Make sure 240v is actually at the two terminals, by ,as I did recently, undoing the plug from a bedside lamp and touching the two wires across the terminals. The lamp will light of course if theres 240v there. If the valve does not open either the coil (solenoid) is faulty, due to a break in the copper wire, or the plastic plunger (valve) has stuck shut. Usually the coil has failed and a new coil (the solenoid) is needed. But sometimes they will only supply the complete solenoid valve unit, not just the coil component.

alan maytum
May 2009

If you ain't got a multimeter use a torch bulb and battery to test continuity of the coil. If it fails you can just lever the coil off the valve and replace with the coil off a cheap washing machine inlet valve.

Owen
March 2008

do a ohms test should be 3.4 ohms or above anything below is faulty.

hi-spec plumbing & heating
March 2008