Power shower and combi boiler

GreatBigBookcase

I'm having central heating put into my new home. The bloke who came round to give me a quote tells me he'd recommend a combi boiler, but turns out I can't have a power shower with a combi boiler. He did explain why, but it mostly went over my head, so can someone explain in simple terms (for a sleep deprived new mum with baby brain!) why I can't have a power shower, and if I do want one and so have a different boiler, what does that mean in the practical day to day living sense? I believe I'd then need a water tank, is that right? Are there any other issues to take into account (efficiency? Cost? Etc)

Thanks

TDPIX

A combi boiler doesn't require a hot (or cold) water tank, since mains water is fed through the combi and heated up instantly. Thus there's no need for stored hot water.

A power shower works by adding a pump to the hot water tank circuit, and thus giving a much more powerful flow from the hot water tank to your shower.

Naturally if you get rid of the hot water tank in lieu of a combi boiler, a power shower is a no-go.

Why don't you go with a thermostatic mixer shower which runs off the combi? It's what we have and it gives us a mains pressure (i.e. very powerful) shower. To give an idea, at its maximum flow the shower can be a bit painful.

You couldn't do this if you're in a low-flow-rate area though.

Rockingit

If you're going to go the route of a thermostatic mixer shower (which is what I'd do) then it's worth spending a few extra ££'s to increase the size of your combi in order to get decent hot water flow. Your Gas Safe installer will be able to advise you best.

System

It may be the case (as with us) that the mains supply is not a sufficient pressure to run a power shower directly and it can only be fed from a header tank.

thebullsback

Get a Mira Excel thermostatic shower connected to a combi I have had this set up in two houses and its very very good on "needle" spray setting it hurts its that hard :rotfl:

southcoastrgi

!!!!!! wrote: »

It may be the case (as with us) that the mains supply is not a sufficient pressure to run a power shower directly and it can only be fed from a header tank.

If that's the OP's case then a combi isn't suitable

GreatBigBookcase

Brilliant info. Thanks All. Thermostatic shower it is then. Flow allowing.

MoneyMate

RayKay wrote: »

Brilliant info. Thanks All. Thermostatic shower it is then. Flow allowing.

Sounds good to me , just bear in mind as mentioned previously because theres not a water pressure boost pump as with Power showers, it just depends on incoming water pressure to your property & water output from your Combi.

We have good water pressure with thermostatic valve control Triton, and the shower is as good as some Power Showers. :beer:

gremlinmum

Highly recommend the Mira 415 combiforce shower - we have 2 fitted!