What does it mean if my shower pump is humming but not running?

Humming without movement usually indicates a jammed motor, blocked impeller, or an airlock. Switch off the pump immediately to prevent motor damage.

Shower Pump Not Working in Dublin? Emergency Fix Guide

Q: Why is my shower pump not kicking in?

A shower pump will not kick in if it cannot detect enough water flow. Common causes include blocked filters, a limescaled shower head, low tank water level, closed valves, airlocks, or a faulty flow switch.

Q: How do I reset a shower pump?

Turn off the pump and shower, wait 30–60 seconds, then turn both back on. This soft reset clears minor electrical faults and resets flow sensors.

Q: How do I clear an airlock in a shower pump?

You can clear an airlock by running the hot and cold taps fully for 2–3 minutes or by using the hose method to push trapped air through the system.

Q: Why did my shower pump suddenly stop working?

A sudden shutdown can be caused by overheating, dry-run protection, a tripped fuse, a failed capacitor, or a blocked impeller. Allow the pump to cool and restart it.

Q: How long do shower pumps last?

Most shower pumps last between 7 and 10 years depending on water hardness, usage, and maintenance.

Q: Can a shower pump burn out?

Yes. Running dry, overheating, blocked filters, or a seized motor can cause a pump to burn out. Switch it off immediately if you notice burning smells or loud buzzing.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a shower pump in Dublin?

A complete supply-and-install replacement usually costs €750 to €1,350 in Dublin. Labour-only installation typically costs €250 to €450.

Q: Do I need a plumber or an electrician to fit a shower pump?

A plumber installs the pump. An electrician is only required if your property needs a new fused spur or electrical upgrade.

Q: When should I replace instead of repair a shower pump?

Replace the pump if it is over 7–10 years old, overheats regularly, hums without running, leaks, or continues failing after cleaning filters and resetting.

Shower pump troubleshooting helps diagnose why a shower pump is not working, not kicking in, or suddenly stopping. Most failures come from airlocks, blocked filters, low water flow, or a tripped power supply. Start by checking water levels, cleaning filters, and resetting the pump — these fix most issues. According to the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), shower pumps must be installed and maintained correctly to ensure safe, reliable water pressure in UK and Irish homes.

When your shower pump suddenly stops working — especially mid-shower — you need fast answers. This urgent guide walks you through the exact steps to get your pump running again, based on real searches from Dublin homeowners and Google “People Also Ask” results.

We’ll show you what you can safely fix yourself, what to check immediately, and when the pump needs a technician or replacement.

Quick First Checks (Try These Before Anything Else)

If your shower pump is not starting, not kicking in, or making a humming noise, start here:

✅ Check the power switch (often located in the hot press)
✅ Check the fuse board for a tripped switch
✅ Make sure your cold-water tank is full
✅ Clean the shower head (limescale blocks flow — the pump won’t activate)
✅ Open all valves fully
✅ Reset the pump (see steps below)
✅ Check for airlocks if water flow is sputtering or inconsistent

If you’re lucky, one of these will get everything working again in 60 seconds.

Pump Still Not Working? Here Are the Most Common Problems

Why Is My Shower Pump Not Kicking In?

The pump will NOT activate unless it detects water flow.

The usual causes:

Blocked shower head
Blocked filters on the pump
Low tank water
Faulty flow switch
Airlock in the pipes
Closed or partially closed valves

What to try:

Turn on the hot tap on the bath.
See if the pump activates.
If yes → your shower head/hose is blocked.
If no → clean the pump filters and check the tank level.

If still dead, the flow switch may be faulty.

How Do You Reset a Shower Pump? (Works for Most Models)

Switch off power to the pump
Turn off the shower
Wait 30–60 seconds
Turn power back on
Turn shower back on

This clears minor electrical faults and resets sensors.

If the pump won’t restart after this, there’s likely a deeper issue.

How Do You Clear an Airlock in a Shower Pump?

Airlocks are extremely common in Dublin homes with gravity-fed systems.

Method 1: Run taps to push the air out

Turn HOT tap fully
Turn COLD tap fully
Let it run 2–3 minutes

Method 2: The hose method

Use a garden hose (or shower hose):

Connect between hot & cold taps
Turn on the working tap
Pressure forces air out of the system

This solves 90% of airlock problems.

Why Did My Pump Suddenly Stop Working?

If your pump died mid-shower, here’s why:

Overheated motor
Dry-run protection activated
Loose wiring
Failed capacitor
Blocked impeller
Tripped fuse

First step:
➡️ Turn off the pump and let it cool for 20 minutes.
Then restart.

If it keeps stopping → the motor or capacitor is failing.

Pump Making Noise, Humming, or Vibrating?

A loud or humming pump usually means:

Motor jammed
Airlock
Bearings worn
Pump vibrating on loose mounting
Impeller blockage

Immediate fix:

Turn off pump → run taps for 2 minutes → turn pump on again.
If humming continues → switch off immediately to avoid burn-out.

Can a Shower Pump Burn Out?

Yes — very easily.

Shower pumps burn out when:

They run dry
They overheat
The motor seizes
There’s severe limescale
Filters clog completely

If you smell burning or hear a loud electrical buzz → TURN IT OFF.

How Long Do Shower Pumps Last?

Average lifespan: 7–10 years
Hard water areas (Dublin South) → closer to 6–8 years

Replace sooner if:

Noise increases
Pressure drops
Pump struggles to activate
Pump overheats often

How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Replace a Shower Pump?

In Dublin, a full shower pump replacement — including supply and installation — now typically costs between €750 and €1,350, depending on the pump type, brand, and the work involved.

If you already have the pump and only need labour, most plumbers charge €250–€450 for installation, depending on access and setup.

For a detailed breakdown, check:
👉 Shower Pump Installation Dublin
https://dublin-showerpumps.ie/shower-pump-installation/

Do I Need a Plumber or Electrician to Fit a Shower Pump?

You need a plumber.
An electrician is only needed if:

A new fused spur is required
The current wiring is unsafe
The old pump wasn’t fused correctly

Most replacements do not require an electrician.

What You Can Fix Yourself vs What Needs a Technician

✅ You can fix yourself:

Blocked shower head
Cleaning filters
Airlocks
Resetting the pump
Checking tank levels
Opening valves
Fixing low flow rate

❌ Call a professional if:

Pump hums but won’t run
Burning smell from pump
Pump leaks water
Pump keeps tripping electricity
Pump won’t activate even after cleaning filters
Pump is over 7–10 years old
Pump stops mid-shower repeatedly

FAQ Section

Why is my shower pump not kicking in?

Your shower pump won’t kick in if it can’t detect enough water flow. The most common reasons include blocked filters, a clogged shower head, low tank water level, closed valves, or a faulty flow switch. Airlocks can also stop the pump from activating.

How do I reset a shower pump?

Turn off the pump and the shower, wait 30–60 seconds, then turn everything back on. This soft reset clears most minor electrical glitches and flow-sensor issues.

How do I clear an airlock in a shower pump?

Run the hot and cold taps fully for 2–3 minutes, or use the hose method to push trapped air out. Airlocks are extremely common in Dublin homes with gravity-fed systems.

Why did my shower pump suddenly stop working?

A sudden stop usually happens due to overheating, dry-run protection, a tripped fuse, a failed capacitor, or a blocked impeller. Let the pump cool for 20 minutes and try restarting.

What does it mean when the pump is humming but not running?

A humming pump normally means the motor is jammed, the impeller is blocked, or an airlock is preventing movement. Switch it off immediately to avoid burning out the motor.

How long do shower pumps usually last?

Most shower pumps last 7–10 years, depending on water hardness, usage, and maintenance. Pumps in hard-water areas may wear out sooner.

Can a shower pump burn out?

Yes — running dry, blocked filters, overheating, or a seized motor can burn out a pump. If you smell burning or hear a loud electrical buzz, switch the pump off immediately.

How much does it cost to replace a shower pump in Dublin?

A full supply-and-fit installation generally costs €750–€1,350, depending on the pump type and plumbing setup. Labour-only jobs range from €250–€450.

Do I need a plumber or an electrician to fit a shower pump?

A plumber installs the pump. An electrician is only needed if a new fused spur or electrical upgrade is required, which is uncommon for straightforward replacements.

When should I replace instead of repair a shower pump?

Replace the pump if it’s older than 7–10 years, leaking, overheating frequently, humming without movement, or still failing after cleaning filters and resetting.