Techflow TP60 - noisy shower pump?

courtjester

We've just had a new en-suite shower room professionally installed with a pump in the airing cupboard - the (basic) Techflow TP60 it looks like. Sited freestanding on the floor of the airing cupboard on carpet next to the hot water tank, with free hanging plastic pipes, nothing bolted down.

The shower room is fully pumped, so includes the shower, basin and WC.

This is the first time we have had a water pump (previously using the gravity feed from loft tanks).

My question is - are all pressure pumps this *NOISY* ?? It sounds like we've got a washing machine on its spin cycle in the airing cupboard, when its pumping!

Although it may just be we are not used to the 'new' noise, I am afraid that we might stop using the shower room even to go to the loo in the evening (or the morning) for fear of waking up the kids, the noise seems incredibly intrusive.

Having just spoke to the plumber about it, we are told that "all pumps are noisy", but this wasn't what we were led to believe before we had it fitted - I questioned them before the job started about noise and they advised that as it was going to be sited in the airing cupboard, it wouldn't be an issue.

Does this sound normal? Would we be any better by shelling out and buying a more expensive pump to replace it. If so, is there a recommendation for a quiet range. I looked on a few sites for the Techflow range of pumps which all have the marketing blurb suggesting 'smooth' operation, quiet operation etc.' but this clearly is a matter of opinion and degree - they also have a pump which is described as "whisper quiet" but I am not so sure that that is entirely stating the honest truth.

I kind of expected a low hum, but this does seem excessively whiney...

Having discussed with our plumber, I have said that we will use it for a few days to see how we go and get them to come in for a chat after the weekend if we can't live with it.

Would appreciate anyone's comments on this as to (1) whether we are expecting too much (2) does this sound abnormal to you and (3) would we get a signficant reduction in noise by replacing with a more expensive pump (model recommendations?)...

Will_it_make_me_rich

I'm looking at installing a power shower in our new bathroom. The best place I believe for the pump to be is next to the water storage.

Now I don't have any experience of shower pumps but I've been told to go with Stuart Turner pumps. These are supplied with flexable hoses so your not connecting rigid pipes to the pump. Less vibration.
Also I require a twin 3bar pump and it's only job will be to power the shower.

Is your WC water supplied by the pump? Wow I bet the cistern refills in seconds.
Is your pump a twin pump?
What about the cold water to the basin, this surely is mains fed?

You could try mounting the pump on rubber or at least something better than carpet. And I would have thought, the pump would need to be screwed/bolted down as well.

If the pump is sited correctly then maybe you could make a "sound proof box" to go over it.

Just a thought.

BlackMarsbar

I have two pumps installed for the 2 showers I have.

One is a Showerforce the other a aqualisa. The Showerforce is a 2bar pump and is so noisy I agree its like having the washing machine on !

The Aqualisa is a 3bar pump, and is quite. Can still hear it, but is no more than a hum.

I believe the Aqualisa costs 2-3 hundred compared to the showerforce which is around £90. So maybe you get what you pay for.

I didnt pay or fit either of these as both were in the house when we brought it.

courtjester

Thanks guys.

The TP60 pump is a 1.5 bar twin (hot and cold) auto-pump - situated beside the hot water tank serving a fully pumped shower room, covering water supply to the shower, basin and WC. It's been professionally installed and correctly - the pump is freestanding (bolting this down would increase transfer of vibration apparently), flexible hose connections and all pipes are plastic, again not fixed to the walls of the airing cupboard to avoid vibration transfer. 22mm dedicated feeds to the pump off the hot water tank and loft (cold) tank.

The basin tap is a high-pressure monoblock so the water-force from this is nothing special (think it might need a higher pressure), but the WC cistern does fill very fast.

Haven't tried out the shower yet as the sealant needs to dry off for 24 hrs or so before using.

The problem seems to be not the installation (which all looks as per the manufacturer's guidance) but the sheer noise that this pump makes on its own... we might have to ask the plumbers to swap it out for a more expensive model to achieve a quieter life - maybe this is the bargain basement model (roughly £160).

Anyone else care to comment on this pump and possible replacement options? I think Techflow do a QT range that are supposed to be 'whisper-quiet' starting at £300-£400 - or is this just brochure hype?

ozskin

turners are good but we have been spec salamander pumps for a number of years (not the cheaper ones) they are a centrifuge and not a regenerative pump so have better performanceand are as quiet as they can be, but pumps always make a noise

jimbob007

Techflow shower pumps are fantastic value for the money, we are bathroom fitters and use them on our own installations, unfortunately all shower pumps make a noise especially in new houses that have thin walls etc..

When installing a new pump cut a paving stone slab in half and situate the pump on it, this is the best method for reducing and noise and vibration, remember that shower pumps have to be installed correctly and all pipe work secured with saddle clips.

Techflow pumps are the best shower pumps on the market for the money without a doubt.

The only other option if you have good incoming main water pressure is an un-vented hot water system, but this will cost you £2,000 and up.