How to select and install shower pumps

A shower pump helps to increase the pressure and flow of water in your shower. A shower pump works best on stored water compared with water coming directly from a main. If you use a shower pump, you do not have to worry about the water in your shower suddenly stopping. You can install a shower pump yourself to save yourself time and money.

Position the shower pump and mount the pump

Locate a correct position for the pump in your bathroom. It should be kept close to the hot and cold storage tanks, and should be positioned 30-m below the cold water tank and 4-m from the hot water tank. The pump should be installed as low as possible, and the input head as high as possible. The area around the shower pump should be well ventilated. A shower pump makes a lot of noise while it is working, and to reduce the noise, you can install it on a concrete paving slab. Mount the slab horizontally on the concrete slab. Make sure the outlets on the shower pump are in a vertical upwards position.

Connect the pump to the tank

Connect the pipe to the cold water tank. Make sure you complete the pipe work before you connect the shower pump to electricity. Connect the supply pipe to the cold water supply directly to the supply tank. Ensure that the supply tank has sufficient capacity so that the water can flow at the rate of eight liters per minute. Connect a pipe to the hot water outlet, and then directly connect it to the hot water cylinder using an Essex or Surrey flange. Using a flange will prevent the pump from sucking air from the vent pipe. Install a thermostat to the pump so you can be sure the water does not become too hot.

Install the valves

Install an isolation valve to the pipe, and then connect to the shower inlet. Make sure the isolation valve is not screwed on too tightly. Insert the olive or brass ring included with the valve between the nut and pipe. This ensures the joint is water-tight. Install an isolation valve to the pipe, and connect to the shower inlet. Ensure the isolation valve is not screwed too tightly. Insert the olive or brass ring included with the valve between the nut and pipe. This ensures the joint is water tight.

Connect the pump

Connect the electrical wiring of the pump to an electric switchboard in the bathroom. Most shower pump plugs are 5 amps. Ensure a 5 amp-plug point is available for the electrical connection.