Power shower versus pump

suziqqq

Hi all i currently have a thermostatic mixer shower but want something more powerful, i can't decide whether to change to a power shower or get a pump installed to increase water pressure. Any advice welcome

C_Mababejive

How is your hot water supplied? Do you have a combi or a hot water tank? Where does the tank live? Is there a cold water storage tank in the loft?

deanos

beware if you are on a water meter, power showers use lots of water

Avoriaz

suziqqq wrote: »

Hi all i currently have a thermostatic mixer shower but want something more powerful, i can't decide whether to change to a power shower or get a pump installed to increase water pressure. Any advice welcome

As I understand them, power showers use a pump.

Do you mean a mains pressure shower versus a pumped shower?

Plumber90

Power showers have a built in pump, or you can attach a free standing pump to a mixer shower.

I would say a decent free standing pump is more reliable.

peachyprice

A free-standing pump every time. If the pump goes you only need to replace that, not the whole unit, if you want to change your shower fittings you only need to change those, not the pump. They're easily maintained and altogether more versatile than a complete unit.

bridgedino

Will your plug hole / waste pipe handle the extra workload?

suziqqq

thanks for advice i have a hot water tank not combi boiler and no water meter

macman

So you need a pumped supply.

Avoriaz

suziqqq wrote: »

thanks for advice i have a hot water tank not combi boiler and no water meter

I presume you have a cold water tank in the loft too. You can only install a shower pump in a gravity system. You can't use them with mains pressure water.

Many years ago we installed a shower pump in a similar installation and were very pleased with the result.

Provided your existing mixer is suitable for pumped water, then a separate pump only should be cheaper than a new power shower.

If possible buy a decent metal (brass) one rather then the cheaper plastic versions.

They can be noisy so choose the site carefully and use flexible hoses and a vibration mat etc.

We put ours in the loft but airing cupboards are also suitable sites.

You need an electric power supply of course.

C_Mababejive

Does the hot water tank have a separate cold water storage tank above it/in the loft perhaps or is it a combined hotwater storage and cold tank type vessel otherwise known by its brand name of Fortic ?