Low flow rate

[0Floz0]

Hi

I’ve installed a new bathroom in my dormer conversion. The flow rate of hot water to the rest of the house is fine. However, in the new bathroom it’s pretty feeble. The only thing I can think of is that it sits above the boiler whereas the other 2 bathrooms are lower. It’s a combi boiler so didn’t think it’d matter too much.

Is there anything I can do to increase the flow? The boiler is in the same room as the bathroom in a cupboard. So it’s not a distance issue as it’s got at most 3m of 15mm pipe.

Thanks

 

[trojanhawrs]

Did you use small bore isolating valves?

 

[0Floz0]

Did you use small bore isolating valves?

Ah that could be it! I used some speed fit isolators onto copper, so they could be smaller bore?

This is what I used https://www.screwfix.com/p/jg-speedfit-15sv-isolating-valves-15mm-5-pack/25911

Not clear from the description.

 

[trojanhawrs]

Never used them personally, as you say it's not clear from the description - the standard brass isolators come in reduced or full bore clearly stated. I do know plastic pipe is a smaller bore like for like, not sure that'd make a difference to the valves.
If it's a mains fed combi being slightly higher won't make a great deal of difference, usually houses are supplied with 2-3 bar, a bar equating to 10 metres of head. There must be a restriction somewhere.

 

[0Floz0]

Never used them personally, as you say it's not clear from the description - the standard brass isolators come in reduced or full bore clearly stated. I do know plastic pipe is a smaller bore like for like, not sure that'd make a difference to the valves.
If it's a mains fed combi being slightly higher won't make a great deal of difference, usually houses are supplied with 2-3 bar, a bar equating to 10 metres of head. There must be a restriction somewhere.

I wonder if its the shower unit itself. The taps that run off the same pipe seem fine. I'm reluctant to change the valves as it means cutting the wall open.

 

[trojanhawrs]

What model?

 

[0Floz0]

What model?

Can't find the listing now but it was basically one like this.

 

[trojanhawrs]

You took a gamble on that! Might have to disconnect the shower and test your pipework

 

[0Floz0]

You took a gamble on that! Might have to disconnect the shower and test your pipework

Yeah, it was the best of a bad situation as really limited on height so I cut that into the ceiling somewhat and cladded round it. Sounds terrible but actually got it looking ok. Its usable, just would prefer a bit more flow in the shower, but looking to sell the house this year anyway so probably not worth doing anything as new owners may not care.

 

[trojanhawrs]

Might be the heads on them. Rainfall showers are a bit of a gimmick anyway imo

 

[0Floz0]

Might be the heads on them. Rainfall showers are a bit of a gimmick anyway imo

Just rechecked the taps on the sink and in fairness they aren’t that powerful either. I’m thinking it must be the valves then. Thanks for the info though. Will see how much it annoys me over the coming months as to whether I change it!