Low pressure on electric shower

[WilliamBJanas]

Hello,

We are in a 3 floor new build property. The top floor bathroom has an electric shower which is always at pretty low pressure, and drops below the cut out level when any otherp tap in the house is open, making the shower unusable.

I was wondering if it is possible to fit a booster pump between the mains water supply and the shower. Many people mention pumps for header tank systems but I cannot find any information about using one to boost mains pressure. (or any information precluding the possibility).

Would appreciate any help or information you have,

Thank you for your time.

 

[Madrab]

Legally you are only allowed to boost mains delivery to the level set by your water supplier/water regs, currently no more than 12L/Min in most cases.

 

[WilliamBJanas]

So if I am receiving less pressure then this I can fit a pump to boost my pressure to this level? And this should help with my problem in this case?

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer.

 

[Madrab]

New build though, I would have thought you would surely you have guarantee's etc that you can call on to correct this issue for you?

If a pump is needed then it will raise the mains pressure by it's designed level, do remember tho that it still needs to push that water the height required to the outlet.
Your current mains pressure can't be the best at the moment unless your new build is really high? It would be helpful to know the current water pressure at the mains and what the height the shower is at?

Most home booster pumps will give you 1-1.5 bar on top of your current pressure and if pipe sizing etc is fine then this could help alleviate your issue.

 

[WilliamBJanas]

The builder's are keepmoat and to be honest they have really let us down regarding customer care. They will only look at issues we raise that are included in the 'warranty pack' which is mainly totally disastrous things like wall collapses.

The pressure seems quite low in the rest of the house too, taps seem to run quite slowly. I was considering one of the more expensive pumps that boosts pressure to the whole house, rather then just one appliance. This would probably be easier to install too. I think I could install it under the kitchen sink right above the main stop tap, there is plenty of space. To install a single appliance booster for the shower I would have to remove tiles etc which I am loathed to do in a new bathroom.

The shower in question is on the third floor. It is a 2 and a half floor build.

Thanks again for taking the time.

 

[Madrab]

Yeah, hear that all the time about construction companies, it's something new buyers should be made aware of, things you take for granted like suitable water pressure, stuff you wouldn't normally think of.

A home booster will boost the whole home, hence the name , it would be installed onto the rising main just after the mains stopcock.

Shower's about 5-6m from ground level then?

 

[WilliamBJanas]

Floor level of the floor the shower is on is 5.4m above ground level. The shower unit is mounted 1.6m above floor level. So in total 6m above ground.

 

[WilliamBJanas]

Do you think something like this would be appropriate?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=121795525016&alt=web

 

[Madrab]

7m even

Yup, so a home boost pump could be your friend here. It would be helpful to know your mains pressure but your plumber should be checking all of that prior to confirming a home booster would be suitable.

Yes, salamander's is the most slimline and unobtrusive, though there are others available from, in my opinion better manufacturers, Stuart Turner and Grundfos but are a little more work to install.

You will also be able to get it cheaper than that. I'd be looking to pay around £280 for one.

 

[WilliamBJanas]

Yes, 7m actually haha.

Is this not something one can do oneself? I have a fair amount of DIY experience and to be honest I don't like to pay others when it can be avoided!

 

[WilliamBJanas]

How about this?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=150931627033&alt=web

 

[Madrab]

The ST pumps are excellent quality but a bit more complex to fit and are stand alone, extra pipework etc. The salamander fits inline and is supported by the pipework and is more of a DIY fit that the ST pump is.