So you’ve come home from a long vacation and can’t wait to shower!
Suddenly, you find your shower pull cord not working!
Can anything be more frustrating?
We guess not. Well, we’re here to tackle this problem.
Shower pull cords can get damaged due to wear and tear. Also, a burnt connection or a broken shower cord can stop the cord switch from working. So, you’ll need to replace the cord switch. To do so, turn off the power and observe the wiring. Next, remove the fittings and connect them to a new switch.
Sounds promising? Then let’s jump into the central part.
Why is Your Shower Pull Cord Not Working?
Your shower pull cord isn’t working, and you have no idea why. But before we discuss fixing the issue, let’s check the reasons.
As you already know, a shower pull cord is like an insulator. It cuts off electricity from the shower, which is a much-needed feature while repairing the shower. Now you may wonder why you can’t simply switch off the power from the circuit board.
Well, you most certainly can. A shower pull cord makes the job easier for you. Now, that was all the essential information you needed on this issue.
Thus, let us glimpse at the critical reason behind the shower pull cord not working.
1. Wear and Tear
Every material gets damaged over time. The wire connections may weaken when you use a shower pull cord switch for a long time. As a result, the pull cord will slowly stop working overtime.
You see, the pulling action on the cord is pretty damaging. When you pull a rope, it flips the switch pretty sharply. Over time, this action damages the switch altogether.
Also, try not to tamper with the switch too much. Don’t touch the pull cord, when you shower. Instead, only switch it off when you don’t use the shower for a few days.
But remember, a suitable shower pull cord is supposed to last 8-10 years. So if your cord keeps malfunctioning, go for a better quality one.
That’s why we’ve provided our top picks for shower pull cords:
So save yourself some trouble and get a long-lasting one now!
2. Burnt Connection
Other than a regular course of wear and tear, a burnt connection might be the cause. But how does a shower pull cord burn anyway?
When you have a loose connection, excessive heat is generated. This flow of electricity can melt your wires and cause severe damage. Also, overheating is one of the factors behind a faulty shower isolator switch.
The best solution to this problem is to stay alert.
Still, if your pull switch is hot after use, better diagnose the problem. Early detection can become a boon. Moreover, it can relieve you from the pain of replacing a pull cord.
Another tip is always to fit your wires carefully so they don’t become loose.
3. Broken Shower Cord
Last, your shower cord could break every once in a while. This obviously, makes it unusable. So, how to fix this?
Well, first of all, invest in a good quality switch. Next, make sure that your socket isn’t screwed in too tightly. This can cramp the wires inside, causing them to malfunction.
Lastly, use the shower cord with care. Don’t pull on the cord too hard, especially if it’s old.
So now we’ve checked off all the key reasons behind a shower cord not working. What’s next? Let’s see how we can fix this problem.
How to Replace a Shower Pull Cord
So for whatever reason, your shower pull cord isn’t working. Do you think this pull cord failure can be fixed? Nope.
A shower pull cord cannot be fixed. Once it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it altogether. Don’t worry, it’s not a difficult job.
You’ll need some simple tools, and some time on hand.
Gather the Tools You’ll Need
- Screwdriver
- New wires
- New pull cord switch
Yeah, you’ll need three items to do this task. Now that’s what we call convenience. Also, fixing a leaking Aqualisa shower requires only 3-4 tools!
Coming back, let’s see how to replace the cord.
Step 1: Turn the switch off
First of all, turn off the switch. Otherwise, you may end up electrocuting yourself. Isolate the switch by cutting power, from the circuit board.
Although common sense, forgetting this step can turn out to be fatal.
Step 2: Observe the Wiring Setting
After removing the switch cover with a screwdriver, take note of the wire placements. If you’re a beginner, learn about wiring basics beforehand.
This will help you set the wires accurately in place. Also, making notes of which wire goes where can help.
Step 3: Remove the Fittings
Once you’ve noted the wiring placements, time to loosen the screws, to loosen them, you’ll have to bring a screwdriver.
Step 4: Connect a New Switch
Once you’ve removed the screws, attach each wire with the new switch. Study your notes, if you get stuck.
Step 5: Install the Cover
Once you’ve attached it to the new switch, time to install the cover. Perform this with care, without cramping your wires.
Or else, the shower pull cord may need a replacement soon.
FAQs
What is a 2 way to pull the cord switch?
A 2-way pull cord allows one output to be controlled by two switches. You can find lights in long corridors, connected by two switches. This allows them to be turned on from both sides of the corridor.
Can you leave the shower pull cord on all the time?
A shower pull cord can be kept on, but not always. Turning off the shower pull cord after using the shower isn’t advisable. But it’s better to turn off the switch when you leave the home for a long time.
How do you clean a bathroom pull cord?
A bathroom pull cord can accumulate much dirt over time. But, it can be easily fixed by mixing a cup of bleach with a cup of water. Pour into a plastic bag. Then tie the bag around the cord and let it soak for a day.
How does a pull cord switch work?
A shower pull switch is connected to a toggle switch. This helps you turn off the switch with one pull, and turn it on with another. It’s best used in a damp environment.