General advice

[Igorian]

Hi guys

I'm about to revamp my bathroom and would like some general advice.

We currently have an electric shower, I think this is 7KW or there abouts, but it's never really been powerful enough for our (mainly the wifes ) liking. I think the current wiring would need to be upgraded to cater for a more powerful electric shower and i'm not convinced this would be suitable either.

I'd like to install a power shower, as this has given the best results in previous properties. We have an oil fired combi, so I know that I would need hot and cold water tanks installing. Given that these would only need to run a single shower, could you offer some advice on what to purchase and some idea of the complexity of the job. Ideally, installing in the loft if possible.

I realise that you can't see the layout, but some general advice on items required and things to think about would be appreciated.

 

[Bahco]

Hi Ian.

Something like this will be the easiest to connect to a combi and will give you a decent shower. No tanks needed and relatively easy to do.

It will seem like a waterfall compared to a 7.5 kw shower anyway.

Of course if you have big bucks then tanks and pumps are the way to go.

 

[Charnwood]

If you've got hot and cold water in the loft, and the hot comes from a combi boiler, why not install something like a Bristan Twinline? The Jute is the cheapest.
http://www.discountedheating.co.uk/...Mini_Twinline_Thermostatic_Shower_Chrome.html
Bristan do 2 or 3 different models.

 

[Igorian]

Hi guys

Thanks for the advice so far, and I have considered the option of adding a shower to the combi as it would certainly be the cheapest solution.

However, if I were to go down the power shower route, could you advise on a system (tanks, emersion etc) that would be suitable for a single shower. My plumbing skills aren't too bad with respect to piping/soldering. I imagine I will need a sparks to do some wiring, so I can live with that, but I would like to keep the majority diy if at all possible.

If it proves too difficult, i'll reconsider, but would still appreciate your advice, even if there's a ribbing coming

Regards

Ian

 

[mysteryman]

A good combi-compatible shower will be very good as long as the cold main can deliver the flowrate. No need for other complication.

 

[Bahco]

A good combi-compatible shower will be very good as long as the cold main can deliver the flowrate. No need for other complication.

I agree.

The extra few hundred £ spent would have minimal benefit to you,

A mixer shower will not need tanks or cylinder taking up your valuable space.

 

[dreadnoughtheating]

AFAIK, Oil combi's are not 'modulating' so, a thermostatic shower valve may not be ideal as the combi will will in effect be 'on - off' if it detects overheating, suggest a 'non-thermostatic shower in this case...

I stand to be corrected, but, at a talk given by the owner of a well known Oil boiler company, a modulating one would be expensive...

Why not contact your boiler manufacturer and ask their advice?

DH

 

[Igorian]

Thanks again guys.

I guess my decision not to use a combi was based on the poor flow rate of hot water from the bath tap, although downstairs (kitchen) is ok.

Having searched the forum a little, I see that 15mm piping is generally recommended for a combi and our installation has 22mm up to the bath, which is then reduced to 15mm for the last couple of feet.

Although i've not actually measured it, the cold flow rate appears to be good,

I'm going to be doing a lot of maintenance to the house, so accessing the pipework won't be an issue. Would changing the pipework to 15mm be a good idea?

BTW, the boiler is a Potterton Statesman Flowsure (not the +). An old girl, but seems to be performing ok at the minute.

 

[mysteryman]

The not modulating bit is not very important here. Trust those of us who know, it will be OK.

 

[Igorian]

Thanks, I think i'll give the give the mixer option a punt. Can you offer any opinion on the 22mm piping to the bathroom?

 

[Bahco]

Any opinion on the 22mm piping to the bathroom?

Not needed for mains pressure hot and cold.