Troubleshooting Problems with a Steam Shower Generator

Various shower handles.

If you have a steam shower generator in your home that is not working the way it should, there a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and hopefully correct it without needing to call a plumber or electrician. There are not too many things that can go wrong with a steam shower generator, so finding the problem is usually not that difficult. This guide will provide you with information that should make tracking down the problem with your generator a little easier.

Power Problems

If your steam shower generator seems to not be working at all, then it is probably a power related problem. The first place you should look is the main breaker panel box for your home. Steam shower generators do require a lot of electrical current in most cases and can easily trip the circuit breaker at the main service panel box. This is especially true if the steam shower generator is not the only device on the circuit.

If the breaker switch seems to be okay, but you are still not getting power to the steam shower generator, you should open the service panel on the generator itself. Once inside the panel, look for any loose wiring connections or wires that appear to be frayed or broken. If you do need to reach inside the service panel, make sure to switch the circuit breaker off at the main breaker box first. Many times, fixing wiring problems can be as simple as re-stripping wires and securing wiring connections with new wire nuts.

Generator Gets Power but No Steam

A steam shower.

If your steam shower generator is getting power, but is producing no steam at all, there are a couple of things you should check. The first thing to check is if the water inlet valves that provide water to the generator are closed. If someone closed the valve, water will not be able to pass into the holding tank of the steam shower generator, and the generator will produce no steam.

If water is flowing into the holding tank, then the problem is most likely with the heating coil or element inside the holding tank. Unless you really know what you are doing, repairing or replacing the heating coil is a job best left to a professional. In most cases, it is easier to replace the coil rather than try to repair. Either way though, be prepared to spend a couple of hundred dollars on the repair.

Low Steam Pressure

Low steam pressure from the generator is usually caused by leaks or faulty seals on the water and steam outlet valve or pipes. Check the pipe and valve fittings for signs of condensation or leaks. If leaks are evident, you may be able to tighten a compression nut with an adjustable wrench and close the leak. Other times, you may have to remove the fitting and apply plumber's Teflon tape or pipe joint compound.