If you want to keep steady water pressure in your shower then you might have to install a shower pump. These are a kind of electric pump to keep the flow of water in your pipes steady. Some of these pumps even allow you to adjust the water pressure and water flow as you take a shower.
Types of Shower Pumps
There are actually two types of shower pumps that you can purchase. These are single impeller pumps and double or twin impeller pumps. The single impeller pump has a single driver blade that helps pump water to your shower head. This kind of pump is installed at the mixer valve before connecting to the shower head.
The second type of shower pump is called the twin or double impeller pump. This kind of pump can prevent your water from freezing as an added feature. It will be a big help for those who live in places where the climate is colder. Double impeller pumps work both on hot and cold water. Variable speed pumps, the ones with pressure and water flow that you can adjust, usually have twin impellers and single speed pumps usually have single impeller pumps.
Selecting a Shower Pump
Before you go out picking shower pumps, you should first take note of how the water in your home is heated. This is also one of the things that a professional or a bathroom expert would you. The next thing you will have to consider is the type of weather you have in your country, state, or territory. Another thing you should be aware of is the allowed type of electric pump in your state or territory. Some states regulate the kind of pump you can install in your home.
If you live in a territory or state where you don’t get any cold winters then you can stick with a single impeller pump. This pump is a lot easier installed in the loft. Being situated there, a single impeller pump will require free air flow and thus shouldn’t be insulated.
On the other hand, if you live in territories or states that have colder temperatures and where the loft tends to freeze, then you’re better off with a twin impeller pump. These pumps are connected both on your hot and cold water. Most manufacturers will recommend installing a twin impeller pump 30mm below your cool tank and about four meters from your hot water cylinder.
Another thing a bathroom expert will figure out is the pumps that will be suitable for the set up you have at home. Take note that some pump brands won’t work with all kinds of shower panels and mixer valves. If your shower already has a strong output then installing a pump may require you to install either a larger cold water tank or hot water cylinder. Be sure to check with a professional if that is the case.
Do It Yourself Installation Tips
If you are a bit of a handyman then you may want to install your new electric pump yourself. The first thing you should do is to get all the required materials in order. Next, locate the ideal position for your electric pump depending on its type and design. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and installation instructions. The pump is ideally positioned horizontally over a concrete slab with its pipes pointed vertically upwards.
Next, connect the pipes to the corresponding tanks and complete all the necessary pipe work. You may want to check with the instructions that came with the electric pump. Once all the pipes are connected check if they get the sufficient amount of water flow. Check the pump’s specifications regarding the rate of water flow and the amount of its pressure.
The next step is to install the isolation valve. After that, connect the necessary wiring to your switchboard. Remember that you should only do the wiring after all the piping work is complete.