A steam generator that won't fill is almost always a water supply problem. The supply being off, a kinked hose, or the small filter in the inlet solenoid blocked with grit or scale are the usual causes. It's rarely the generator itself.
Applies to: steam showers
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Compatible with many shower cabin brands including
Quick diagnosis
If your steam shower is showing these symptoms:
- No steam builds at all when you start a session
- The generator makes no sound of water entering the tank
- A no-water warning or error shows on the control panel
- The unit was working normally and then simply stopped filling
Likely causes, most likely first
- The water supply to the generator is turned off. Check the isolation valve feeding the unit is open.
- A kinked or trapped inlet hose. Look along the hose run for a tight bend or a trapped section.
- A blocked inlet solenoid filter. You’re in a hard water area, or the unit filled fine until recently.
- A faulty water level sensor. It wrongly reads the tank as full when it’s actually empty, so the generator never starts filling.
Likely cause
The inlet solenoid valve has a small mesh filter fitted where the hose connects, and in a hard water area this is the most common place for the generator to get blocked. Grit or scale collects on the mesh and stops water passing through. A closed supply valve or a kinked hose produces the same symptom without any part being at fault. Less often, the water level sensor itself is faulty and wrongly reads the tank as full when it's actually empty, so the generator never gets the signal to start filling.
Check this first
- Check the water supply isolation valve to the generator is fully open.
- Follow the inlet hose along its length for kinks or trapped sections.
- Listen for any sound of water trying to enter when you start a session.
Which part fits your cabin
| Brand | Model / range | Part | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vidalux | Essence 800, Essence 900, Essence 1000 | Water Inlet Solenoid Fitting for Steam Generator | Checked against Vidalux’s own product records |
Other Vidalux ranges may use this part too.
How to identify your part
The inlet solenoid fitting is where the supply hose connects to the generator. Turn the water off before removing it, then check the small mesh washer inside for grit or scale.
Parts that fix this problem
The following replacement parts usually fix this issue.
Not sure which replacement part you need? Send us a photo and we will help identify the correct replacement.
How to fix it
- Turn off the water supply to the generator before doing anything else
- Check the isolation valve feeding the unit is fully open
- Straighten out any kinks in the inlet hose and check it isn’t trapped
- Disconnect the inlet hose at the solenoid and check the small mesh washer inside for grit or scale, cleaning or replacing it as needed
- Turn the water back on and test a short session
- Have the water level sensor checked if the generator still won’t fill with a clear supply
Also described as
- Steam shower
- Steam shower cabin
- Hydro massage shower
When to call a professional
If the supply is fine, the filter's clean and it still won't fill, the water level sensor or solenoid valve itself has likely failed. That's a straightforward parts swap, but isolate the power at the fused spur first and call an electrician if you're not confident working inside the generator casing.
