Water / Shower Pumps

A water or shower pump is an excellent investment for your home, as it utilizes an electric motor to draw more water and push it around the system.

This then leads to increased flow and an amazing performance from your home's plumbing, providing you with a greater range of power when using showers or taps.

With Posh, you can find the perfect shower pump to fulfill your shower needs. Our selection boasts a wide range of brands and sizes that guarantees you will be satisfied with your choice.

From twin impeller pumps to standard shower booster pumps, we have it all. We also offer a range of power options for you to choose from, dependent on your water pressure and the type of shower system you are using.

How Does Water/Shower Pumps Work?

Water shower pumps are designed to increase the water flow and pressure in your home by using an electric motor to draw more water and push it around the system. Here's a look at how they work:

Electric Motor

The electric motor is the driving force of the pump, capable of drawing a greater quantity of water and pushing it through the system.

It draws in less-pressurized water and compresses it to an area with higher pressure levels, which not only increases its flow rate but also reduces energy loss significantly.

Impeller

The impeller is an integral device situated in the pump motor, acting as a rotor to generate low pressure, which propels the water through the system. Its blades spin rapidly within its casing, suctioning more and more H20 for circulation around your home or business.

Pressure Relief Valve

To protect your pump and keep your water supply secure, this valve is engineered to open when the pressure in the system rises too high. It allows a specific amount of liquid out of the system, which helps mitigate pressure levels and preserve safety.

Non-Return Valve

The non-return valve is a critical component for maintaining the pump's pressure.

It ensures that water only flows in one direction, stopping it from entering back into the system and causing damage to your equipment. This key feature allows your pump to reach its highest performance standards.

Pressure Gauge

It's essential to regularly check the pressure inside your pump through this gauge to guarantee operations are running smoothly.

By doing so, you can easily detect any potential problems, such as a clogged impeller or pressure release valve, quickly and effectively. Keeping up with this will help maximize efficiency for optimal results.

How To Know If You Need A Shower Pump

If you have low water pressure, installing a shower pump could be the perfect solution. But how do you know if you need one? The answer is simple: check your current water pressure.

Typically, the water pressure in your shower depends on the type of water system you have. To give you an idea, here are the different types of water systems and the corresponding pressure they provide:

Unvented

An unvented water system is usually found in newer homes and provides a much higher pressure of around 2 bar. It's provided by the mains supply and doesn't require any cold water tank or cylinder, which makes it more efficient.

Combi Broiler

The combi boiler system is a type of combined hot water and central heating system. It stands between the gravity-fed and unvented systems as it provides around 1.5 bar of pressure, which is more than enough for most showers.

Gravity-Fed

Leave it to gravity - a gravity-fed system is the most effective way of supplying water and pressure to your shower or taps.

It consists of two main components: a cold water storage tank located in the loft plus an accompanying hot water cylinder situated in the airing cupboard. With such reliable components, you can't go wrong with this solution.

This is usually the case with homes on hillsides or in areas without much pressure. This is the most common system in the UK and usually provides around 0.1 bar of pressure. This type of system would, therefore, benefit from a shower pump above all other systems.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Shower Pump

Before you buy a shower pump, there are some factors to consider. Here are some of the key factors that you should take into account:

Bathroom Water Pressure

As mentioned above, the pressure of your current water supply will determine the type of pump you need. You should measure the pressure first to make sure you get the right kind of shower pump for your bathroom.

Pipe Size

The size of the pipes in your bathroom will also affect the type and size of the pump you need. Before buying a shower pump, check the diameter of the cold water supply pipe.

This should be measured in millimetres; if it is too small, you may need to upgrade your existing pipework to accommodate a larger-sized pump.

Shower Bar Pressures

The shower bar pressure is the maximum water pressure a shower can provide. This is usually measured in bars, with most showers requiring between 1 and 3 bars of pressure to function correctly.

You should check your existing shower bar pressure before purchasing a pump; if it is below 1 bar, you will need a higher-powered pump to improve your water pressure.

Single VS Twin Impeller

A single impeller or a single shower pump is perfect when you want to boost either the hot or cold water pressure in your shower. A twin shower pump, on the other hand, is used when you want to increase the pressure of both hot and cold water.

Positive VS Negative Head System

A positive head shower pump is designed for use when the cold water tank is located above the shower head.

While a negative head shower pump is used when the tank is below the shower head. It is important to choose the right type of pump for your system, as a positive head pump will not work in a negative head system and vice versa.

Should You Do The Fitting For Your Water/Shower Pumps?

When it comes to fitting a shower pump, the general rule is that you should leave it to the professionals. This type of installation requires knowledge and skill in working with plumbing systems, so it's best to hire a qualified plumber for this job.

Although you might hear or see DIYers claiming to have successfully installed shower pumps, it's best to leave it to the experts as they can guarantee a safe and effective installation. This ensures that your system works properly and efficiently.

Hiring a professional also eliminates any risks associated with improper installation. So for the best results, make sure you hire an experienced plumber for this job.

At Posh, we have a wide range of high-quality shower pumps from leading brands, such as Salamander and Grundfos. Whether you need a shower booster pump or a positive head system, we can help you find the perfect solution for your bathroom.