When I turn on my electric shower water starts leaking out from the bottom of the unit, why?

If your electric shower leaks from the bottom when you turn it on, it is most commonly because the pressure relief device (PRD) has activated due to a blockage in the shower head or hose. If water is leaking from the casing instead, isolate the electricity supply immediately and contact Triton for advice on 02476 372 222.

What is a PRD?

The pressure relief device (PRD) is a safety device that releases water through an outlet tube if abnormal pressure builds inside the heater tank. Find out more on What is a PRD (pressure relief device)?

1. Water is leaking from a clear tube or plastic elbow (PRD Activated)

If the water is releasing specifically through a small plastic tube at the base (often referred to as the shower overflow), your shower's Pressure Relief Device (PRD) has been activated.

Is a leaking shower safe? If water is only releasing from the PRD outlet tube, this is a controlled safety release. However, you must not use the shower again until the PRD has been replaced.

The PRD is designed to activate when it detects abnormal pressure inside the heater tank. By safely releasing water through this tube, it helps prevent damage or failure of the internal heater assembly.

Can you still use the shower? No. While the PRD has the situation under control, it's a 'one-time' component. Once it has been activated, the seal is broken and must be replaced before the shower can be used again.

What causes this to happen? The PRD usually activates due to a restriction in the outlet. The most common causes for this are:

• Limescale build-up: A blocked shower head is the primary cause of back-pressure.

• Hose restriction: A kinked hose or a collapsed internal hose liner.

• Incompatible accessories: Using a non-Triton shower head not rated for your unit's flow rate.

2. Water is leaking from the casing or back of the unit

If the water is not coming from the clear plastic tube, but is seeping from the edges of the cover of the backplate on your shower unit:

• Take immediate action: Do not use the shower if water is leaking from the casing, backplate, or electrical areas. Switch off power at the pull cord or consumer unit immediately.

• What does this mean? It indicates a leak in the primary plumbing connections or a failure in the internal seals. Do not restore power until the unit has been inspected by a qualified professional.

Additional troubleshooting guidance

PRD activation can also be a useful indicator of an underlying restriction or pressure issue within the shower system.

• Diagnostic Tip: If a PRD activates again after replacement, the outlet is likely still restricted (for example, due to a scaled showerhead or damaged hose). Further testing should only be performed by a qualified professional, as incorrect diagnosis or use may compromise safety.

• Part Specifications: PRDs are model-specific and safety-critical. Using non-genuine replacement parts or attempting to repair a triggered PRD may compromise the unit’s safe operation and tested certification.

• Standards Compliance: The PRD is designed to prevent unsafe pressure build-up inside the shower unit. Replacing it with a non-genuine part may affect the shower’s safety performance and compliance with recognised standards. Always use genuine Triton replacement parts.

How to resolve the issue

To get your shower back in working order, follow these three steps:

1. Clear the Blockage: Clean your shower head in a de-scaling solution and check the hose for internal obstructions.

2. Order a Genuine Part: You can find the correct PRD for your electric shower model in our Online Spare Parts Store or by calling 02476 372 222.

3. Watch the Install Guide: See our video tutorial: How to change a PRD for a step-by-step walkthrough.