Cold Weather Advice for Smart Showers

Modern loft insulation, although very effective at keeping our homes warm, can result in the loft area being much colder than normal. This therefore affects the water supplying the Aqualisa SmartValve and the air around it.

For ease of installation we do advise that the Aqualisa SmartValve can be sited in the loft area, but also we clearly state in our installation instructions (in the Important Information section under Safety information) that the Smart Valve must not be installed in situations where the ambient temperature is likely to exceed 40°C or where freezing may occur.

We have created this guide to explain what steps can be taken. This guide is applicable to all Aqualisa Smart Showers and Digital Showers.

Symptoms

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

The Smart valve is the mixer part of your smart shower or bath filler; it is where the hot and cold water are blended.

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

In some cases, it may be as simple as turning the power supply off to the Smart valve; leaving it for a few minutes and then turning it back on again.

If the water supplies feeding or inside the Smart valve are frozen, this must be thawed. The temperature of the loft space must be warmed. We recommend opening the loft hatch and allowing the warm air from the house to penetrate the roof space to slowly thaw the Smart valve and pipes. The power will need to be turned off and then back on again after a few minutes to reset the Smart valve and clear the fault.

Ensure that the pipe work to and from the Smart valve is lagged (special tubular foam insulation) and place a container, such as a cardboard box, over the Smart valve. 

Although these solutions may seem simple, we have devised them to enable competent householders to complete the tasks without having to employ the services of a plumber.

Important:

Do not tightly wrap the Smart valve; ensure that there is at least 2-3 inches of air clearance between the box and the Smart valve. For pumped models ventilation holes can be made in the outer cardboard box.

Do not cover the Smart valve or the covering box with insulation or items such as blanket.

Ensure that there is no loft insulation underneath the Smart valve; this will help warm it from the rising heat of the room below.

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, Live Chat or email us.