How to fit a Salamander shower pump

While there are numerous ways to fit shower pumps, whatever model that you happen to be fitting, there are one or two rules that will always apply. This article will be dealing with the installation of a twin impeller type pump that distributes both hot and cold water to the shower valve. More specifically, it is based on the installation of a Salamander CT50 twin shower pump.

Pump location

Ideally, the pump should be installed approximately 60cm from the base of the cold water storage tank to the highest point on the impeller casing. In addition, the pump should also be installed at the bottom of the hot water cylinder and as close as possible to it. Cold water connections The connection of Salamander pumps to the cold water storage tank is relatively simple. Locate where the float valve is positioned on the tank and then drill holes on the opposite side to fit a separate 22mm outlet connection (for this, you should ideally use a 22mm compression tank connector). Should there be no isolating valve connected to the AV-couplers
(anti-vibration couplers) of the pump, you will need to fit them before installing the pump. Note that most Salamander pumps will come with pre-fitted AV-couplers

Hot water connections

For connections to the hot water supply, you should use an appropriate flange that is specifically designed for this type of connection. In the case of the pump that is being installed here, the best option is a non-stop Essex flange. Should you be installing a 15mm pump however, use either a Surrey or Salamander S-flange.

Flush the pipes

When you have connected the pump to the water supplies, you will then need to 'prime' the pump. Before you do this, you should ensure that the electricity supply is shut off. Flush approximately one bucket of water through both the hot and cold outlets of the pump. Repeat this until the water running through is entirely clear and free of any air bubbles. Run the pipes to the shower valve Once the pump has been primed, you can run the pipes to the valve. For a 22mm pump, use a 22mm pipe and run it as close to the valve as possible. Alternatively, if fitting a 15mm pump, use a 15mm pipe. You should now flush all the pipes again. With that done, if the water is running through clear, you can make all the necessary connections to the shower.