A steam generator that keeps filling and won't stop is almost always down to a scaled water level sensor or an inlet solenoid that's stuck open. Either way, the generator can't tell the tank is already full and keeps calling for more water. It's a common hard water fault, not usually a sign the generator itself has failed.
Applies to: steam showers
Compatible with many shower cabin brands including
Quick diagnosis
If your steam shower is showing these symptoms:
- The generator keeps drawing in water well after it should have stopped
- The unit sounds like it's continuously filling rather than cycling normally
- You're in a hard water area and haven't descaled recently
- If water is spitting or spurting from the steam outlet itself, that's a different fault: see our guide to water coming from the steam outlet
Likely causes, most likely first
- A scaled water level sensor. The tank keeps filling past the point it should stop, and you’re in a hard water area.
- A stuck-open inlet solenoid. It doesn’t fully close between sessions, so water keeps trickling or flowing into the tank even when the unit isn’t running.
- Debris in the drain valve. Less common, and tends to show as the unit draining continuously rather than filling.
Likely cause
The water level sensor sits inside the generator tank, usually as a set of probes on top of the unit. In hard water areas those probes scale up and lose their read on the water level, so the generator keeps calling for water it already has. A stuck-open inlet solenoid produces a similar symptom for a different reason: instead of a sensor fault, the valve itself doesn't fully close between sessions, so water keeps trickling in. Debris in the drain valve is a separate, less common cause, and tends to show as the unit draining continuously rather than filling.
Check this first
- Check whether the overfilling happens every session or only occasionally.
- Note if you’re in a hard water area and haven’t descaled the generator recently.
- Turn the unit off at the isolator if water keeps entering continuously, rather than leaving it running.
Which part fits your cabin
| Brand | Model / range | Part | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vidalux | Essence 800, Essence 900, Essence 1000 | Water Outlet – Drain Fitting for Steam Generator | Checked against Vidalux’s own product records |
| Vidalux | Essence 800, Essence 900, Essence 1000 | Water Inlet Solenoid Fitting for Steam Generator | Checked against Vidalux’s own product records |
This is a floor list, not complete.
How to identify your part
The water level sensor is usually a set of probes mounted on top of the generator tank. Isolate the power before removing it for cleaning.
Parts that fix this problem
How to fix it
- Isolate the power to the generator before doing any work on it
- Remove the water level sensor, usually a set of probes on top of the tank
- Descale the probes with an approved descaler, or clean gently with fine sandpaper if heavily scaled
- Refit the sensor, restore power and test a short session
- Check the inlet solenoid closes fully between sessions, and clean or replace it if it’s stuck open
When to call a professional
If descaling the sensor doesn't stop the overfilling, the inlet solenoid keeps passing after cleaning, or you notice water continuously draining away rather than the unit cycling normally, isolate the power and get a qualified electrician or our support team to check the sensor, solenoid and drain valve rather than keep running the unit.
