What Is The UK’s Best Shower Pump?
In this guide we’ll look at the best shower pumps.
We’ve compared durability, ease of installation, efficiency and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Shower Pump Reviews
Shower Pump Buyer’s Guide
Positive vs Negative Head System
Shower pumps come as both negative and positive types, and what you go for will depend on your water system. Positive head pumps are fed by gravity. These pumps usually need at least a meter between the bottom of the cold water cistern and pump. Gravity starts the pump which then raises the pressure of your shower.
Negative head pumps are where the pump is placed level or above the cold water tank. This draws water from the tank to pump into the shower at a higher pressure.
Single vs Twin Impeller System
You’ll also have to choose between single and twin impeller systems. A single impeller pump is used to pump only the hot water supply, while the cold water receives standard pressure from the mains.
A twin impeller pumps both hot and cold water. These deliver an even pressure from both sides and ensure you can have a high pressure shower no matter what temperature you opt for. Twin impellers are usually used on positive head systems.
Pressure
Each shower pump will have its own flow rate, the amount of water it can pump out at the given pressure in each minute. A 1 bar shower pump is perfect for smaller shower heads, while 1.5 or 2 bar shower heads are best for low pressure showers. 3 bar shower pumps are required for power showers and larger shower heads, delivering a high pressure boost.
Size
Shower pumps are relatively small, usually measuring around 30cm in length. They can be both larger and smaller than this, but the size you go for will depend on the type of shower you have as well as the space you have available.
Look out for the size of the pipe connections on your shower pump. These are usually either 15mm or 22mm. 22mm pipes can transport twice the amount of water, but it’s important that the connections match the rest of your pipework.
Shower Pump FAQ
What is a shower pump and how does it work?
A shower pump is a small device designed to boost your water pressure by increasing the volume of water pumped through your pipes. They are installed in homes where the head pressure alone is not enough to provide a sufficient shower.
Shower pumps are designed for use on open vented hot and cold water systems. Low pressure water is taken into a chamber and fed into a spinning impeller. The water is then ejected at high speed. The impellers are powered by a motor, and the higher the power of the motor, the higher the pressure and flow rate.
How to install a shower pump?
Installing a shower pump is relatively simple. It needs to be placed somewhere it can be easily accessed, and not covered by anything. Many people install it inside their airing cupboard, but be careful the motor is not able to overheat.
To install your pump you’ll need towels, a bucket, monkey wrench and a screwdriver. Turn off your hot and cold water supply, then remove your old pump if necessary. Connect your new pump to the hot and water feed pipes. Prime the new pump by running water through the hot and cold water pipes to remove debris, then check for any leaks.
Once you’re certain there’s no leaks, you can reconnect the wires and turn on the electrics.
How to bleed a shower pump?
If there is air trapped in the pipes you’ll need to bleed your pump. To do this, turn off the electrical supply and allow water to run out by removing the shower head from the hose. Allow cold water to run for 5 minutes, then turn the temperature to full hot and allow this to run for a further 5 minutes.
Wait for 20 minutes, then turn on the electrical supply to the pump. Your pipes should now be free of air.