Shower pump location

SplanK

Right hopfully in the next few months I will be ripping out my bathroom and starting again (with the help of a plumber to do the odd few things...)

We have a shower attatched to the wall with its own feed from the hot water tank and cold water tank. I would like to fit a pump to increase the flow/pressure as at the moment its a bit pants...

From reading up - it seems as though the pump should be as close to the supply as possible. Although would there be any issue in locating it elsewhere as I have an ideal place for it which would do away with having to relay any pipes!

Diagram:

A is the "advised" place
B is the more suitable, probably least expensive way of fitting it!

Hot water tank on left, cold water tank on top, and bathroom to the right!

James187

Things might have changed a bit in recent years but when my parents had their pump installed it initially was put in position B because, as you say, it's the easier option. However, it didn't work well there due to something to do with the pump having to be below the shower or water tank. Anyway, the bottom line is, the plumber had to come back and reinstall it in position A after which it worked no problem for many years.

frogglet

Does that mean that the pump should be put at the base of the hot water tank or is it ok on a shelf above it?

James187

If I recall correctly, I think it was actually on a shelf above it.

Although, when I discussed a pump with our plumber last year he mentioned he'd install it at the bottom - but that might have just been a case of space.

Canucklehead

Hi

Just one manufacturers installation instructions.
You'll get air locks as well if fitted at the side of the cold storage.

Corgi Guy.

Alan_M_2

Site A would be preferable. Site B would require a negative head pump.

The shorter the distance between the feed and the pump the better.

However before you embark on this project take a look at alternative units, particularly the Aqualisa Quartz range of pumped showers. These are electronic units with everything built in as required. The pump is designed to be installed in either position A or B and if you choose a "off the wall unit" all the workings of the shower are then easily accessible in the loftspace.

If you do go with the existing shower do buy a decent pump, Stuart Turner are pretty much the best you can get and worth every penny.