Fierce power shower

[Batterseamike]

An elderly pal about to have a hip replacement has had a new shower installed as will be unable to use a bath. A twin impeller pump has been installed for the shower which consists of an overhead and hand held spray. Everything works well but he is concerned that the pressure is rather high from the 2 bar pump. Is there any way the pressure can be eased without causing damage to the pump?

 

[longdogs]

Has anyone checked to see if the pump has an adjustable speed control?

 

[Batterseamike]

Hi Squeaky, thanks for the input. No it doesn't. However, I have just spoken with the helpline that was printed on the top of the pump (it came from Wickes) and they say I can fit a pressure reducing valve on the hot and cold outlets. I queried that as, logically, if a pump is designed to discharge at a certain rate, surely any restriction would put reverse pressure on the pump and potential damage. Am I being stupid?

 

[mogget]

As long as there is adequate flow through the pump to cool it, it should be fine. A flow regulator in the outlet of the shower valve might be a possibility.

Some showerheads are quite restrictive in themselves and shower pumps are designed with this in mind.

 

[Batterseamike]

Thank you mogget, that makes sense. When you say a flow regulator in the shower valve, do you mean in the actual wall mounted controls or inserted into the pipe connection before the overhead fixed shower head and between the hand held shower and the flexible supply? I am hoping to be able to solve this without the need for a plumber as the elderly gentleman is a pensioner and I want to avoid excessive expense for him.

 

[mogget]

Obviously I cannot see the shower and how much is built in. If you switch between the overhead and the hand held spray, and both do not run at once, one flow regulator should be sufficient. (my low pressure shower gives 9.5 litres per minute which makes for a nice gentle drench). Alternatively flow regulators could be put in the inlets, and there may even be a kit available for the shower valve to allow this. Flow regulators come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and I would imagine a 1/2" bsp threaded one would be suitable for the hand held spray (see eBay). Depending on the configuration of the overhead spray you may be able to do a similar thing there. You may need to experiment a bit with the flow rates to get it 'just so', or you could go for the pressure reducing valve option.

 

[endecotp]

In principle you could probably fit an electric motor speed controller. But you should probably consult with the manufacturer before doing that.

Or replace it with a pump with built-in speed control, and sell the old one on eBay!

 

[Batterseamike]

In principle you could probably fit an electric motor speed controller. But you should probably consult with the manufacturer before doing that.

Or replace it with a pump with built-in speed control, and sell the old one on eBay!

Thanks for the thought endecotp, I thought of putting a power control on but was advised against by the supplier (Wickes) and as the unit is brand new costing nearly £300, the elderly gentleman would rather prefer to keep it.

 

[Batterseamike]

Obviously I cannot see the shower and how much is built in. If you switch between the overhead and the hand held spray, and both do not run at once, one flow regulator should be sufficient. (my low pressure shower gives 9.5 litres per minute which makes for a nice gentle drench). Alternatively flow regulators could be put in the inlets, and there may even be a kit available for the shower valve to allow this. Flow regulators come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and I would imagine a 1/2" bsp threaded one would be suitable for the hand held spray (see eBay). Depending on the configuration of the overhead spray you may be able to do a similar thing there. You may need to experiment a bit with the flow rates to get it 'just so', or you could go for the pressure reducing valve option.

Thanks again mogget, that gives me food for thought. Would it be logical to put pressure reducing valves on the hot and cold outlets from the pump between the flexible outlet from the pump and the fixed pipework to the shower unit. As the pump is in an adjacent room cupboard, it is easy to access where athe shower fittings are installed and tiled over.

 

[mogget]

Anywhere between the pump and shower valve inlets should be fine for the pressure reducing valves.

 

[picasso]

Try fitting a larger shower head
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...rome-Thermostatic-Bathroom-Bath-/400784421133


it might be enough to take the sting out of the shower.

 

[Madrab]

Surely it's just a case of the gent not turning the shower on full? Or turn it on full and then turn it down until he's comfortable with it?

 

[Batterseamike]

Surely it's just a case of the gent not turning the shower on full? Or turn it on full and then turn it down until he's comfortable with it?

Hi Madrab, yes, you would think so. Unfortunately the shower control has two valves. One has only 3 positions which are either off, or overhead shower or hand held shower. The other is for the temperature to mix according to taste and can be left so you always have the same temperature. The on/off shower selector does not control the flow. (

 

[Batterseamike]

Anywhere between the pump and shower valve inlets should be fine for the pressure reducing valves.

Thanks mogget, I shall investigate appropriate size valves. Appreciate your input.

 

[Batterseamike]

Try fitting a larger shower head
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...rome-Thermostatic-Bathroom-Bath-/400784421133


it might be enough to take the sting out of the shower.

Lovely idea picasso but the head is already 12" across and that wouldn't help the hand held unit. Thanks for the input though.