Shower hose non-return valve built in.

[dan_8429248932]

I have a power shower (Triton Opal) on which I have changed the shower head and hose previously. I can't remember the source or details about the replacement hose I used, but looking at it now I can see that it has an inbuilt blue plastic diaphragm type thing about an inch in from one end, which presumably is there to act as a basic non-return valve?

I have been having some pressure troubles with the shower and have changed the solenoid coil which I thought had solved the problem, but although there is a decent pressure of water coming out of the unit, when the hose is fitted it seems to be obstructing the water flow still. I wonder if might be partially blocked at the diaphragm?

Does it matter which end the plastic diaphragm is (I don't know which end it was originally), and is the diaphragm necessary on a wall mounted shower over a tray, rather than a bath?

 

[oldbuffer]

1. More likely to be a filter than a non-return valve.
2. If you are in a hard water area, the filter may be partially clogged with lime-scale. Pop it into de-scaler or white vinegar for a while.

 

[dan_8429248932]

1. More likely to be a filter than a non-return valve.
2. If you are in a hard water area, the filter may be partially clogged with lime-scale. Pop it into de-scaler or white vinegar for a while.

I've had another look at this and it does seem to be a sort of valve-type thing rather than a filter. I guess it modifies the water flow stop and start rather than acting as a non-return valve. It is a sort of plastic iris with three wings, and it pops open when the pressure is high enough, and then snaps shut as the pressure drops. Totally unnecessary pita in my opinion. I may well try to pull it out!