Gravity fed shower

[james2006]

Hi - I intend to install a gravity fed shower into my new constructed downstairs ensuite (did a a garage conversion). The house is over 3 floors with the hw tank on ground floor and the cold water storage in the loft (4 storeys apart). The issue I face is that the cold water system is direct and therefore the closest cold water supply from the tank is that which feeds the hot water tank. Can I tee a 15mm feed into this for the shower or will this substantially impact the HW performance. I intend of fitting a standard shower head to restrict the shower flow rate.

Appreciate you thoughts.

 

[denso13]

Not ideal and probably not in line with the manufacturer's instructions but because of the height of the cold water cistern you will probably find it will work.

 

[cantaloup63]

Think I'd have been inclined to use a mains cold water supply and a venturi shower.

 

[james2006]

I was hoping to get away from using the mains as this will impact the performance of the other shower (electric).

Do you think the plan will work/feasible?

 

[cantaloup63]

It's feasible given the head of water being used, but it's a shame that you'll be possibly halving the potential flow rate.

As for affecting the other shower, this will happen anyway (albeit to a lesser degree) since mains water will be trying to replenish the cold water tank.

 

[denso13]

I think probably yes. But don't blame me if it doesn't

 

[james2006]

So is the only potential down fall that when the gravity shower is working I may experience a drop in peformance in other HW outlets?

 

[cantaloup63]

So is the only potential down fall that when the gravity shower is working I may experience a drop in peformance in other HW outlets?

With the exception of your electric shower

 

[denso13]

So is the only potential down fall....

No it's not the only one. Like I said it will probably work ok but the ifs and buts include the other shower, as pointed out above, you might find the HW output drops elswhere, you might find the new shower doesn't work when other hot taps are opened, you might find something else surprising happens. At the end of the day it will probably work, I think, but nothing beats doing it properly.

 

[cantaloup63]

I intend of fitting a standard shower head to restrict the shower flow rate.

Just re-read this. What does it mean? Also, what sort of mixer - manual or thermostatic?

 

[Charnwood]

With the exception of your electric shower

But, as mentioned by yourself, the CWS tank being replenished by the mains WILL affect the electric shower.

 

[cantaloup63]

With the exception of your electric shower

But, as mentioned by yourself, the CWS tank being replenished by the mains WILL affect the electric shower.

True, but I suspect far less than splitting under a bar of water from the CWS.