Brown or discoloured water from a steam generator is almost always coming from the mains supply or the pipework feeding it, not the generator itself. Sediment or rust loosened by nearby mains work, or water that's been sitting in the tank between uses, are the most common causes.
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:
- Water looks brown, orange or rusty when a session starts
- Discolouration clears after a minute or two of running
- The generator hasn't been used for a while before the discolouration appeared
- There's been recent mains work or a burst nearby
Likely causes, most likely first
- Sediment disturbed in the mains supply. Discolouration also shows up at other taps in the property, or there’s been recent mains work nearby.
- Water that’s been standing in the tank. The generator hasn’t been used for a while, and the colour clears within a minute or two of the water running through.
- Debris in the inlet supply or hose. Only the steam shower is affected, not other taps in the property.
Likely cause
Discoloured water is almost always sediment or rust that's been disturbed somewhere upstream of the generator, whether that's in the mains supply, in the property's own pipework, or simply sitting in the tank if the shower hasn't been used for a while. It's a water quality issue rather than a sign the generator itself is faulty. If it's only the steam shower affected and other taps run clear, debris in the inlet hose or filter is the more likely cause.
Check this first
- Run a cold tap elsewhere in the property to see if the discolouration affects the whole mains supply, not just the shower.
- Let the generator run through a short cycle to see if the water clears.
- Check whether there’s been any recent mains work or a burst in the area.
How to fix it
- Run a cold tap elsewhere in the property to check whether it’s a wider mains issue
- Run the steam shower through a short flush cycle to help clear the discolouration, then don’t run a full session until the water’s running clean
- Contact your water supplier if other taps in the property are also affected
- Clean the inlet solenoid filter if only the steam shower is affected
Also described as
- Steam shower
- Steam shower cabin
- Hydro massage shower
When to call a professional
If the water stays discoloured after flushing and your water supplier confirms the mains supply is clear, get a plumber to check the pipework feeding the generator rather than keep using it.
