Shower Pump - In the loft

Palmist · 4 Apr 2013

Hi Guys,

I have finally decided to get a pump installed. It is a standard gravity fed system with Cold water tank in loft and hot water tank in airing cupboard [same floor as shower].

I have had two Plumbers around to quote me on the work.

1. Suggested installing pump in airing cupboard and then piping it to loft then back down to shower.

2. Suggested installing pump in loft with no additional piping

Option two seems less messy and the plumber did say that the pump will be slightly expensive.

Any ideas which is best way forward and what sort of pump I should be looking at.

Work will be done by a professional plumber but I have had no previous experience so I want to gain some knowledge and ensure it is done correctly the first time.

thanks in advance

Palmist · 5 Apr 2013

muggles · 5 Apr 2013

If you just want to pump the one shower you'll need dedicated supplies to it, this includes a special fitting on your cylinder to prevent air being drawn in (either an Essex or Surrey Flange). Your pump normally needs to be at least 600mm below the base of your loft tank so unless that's already raised up putting the pump in the loft won't be an option. You need to follow manufacturers instructions, these will normally suggest placing the pump at the base of the hot water cylinder, as plumber 1 has said. P2 sounds like he might not know what he's talking about.

Use Stuart Turner pumps, preferably the Monsoon range with a five year warranty. Power is up to you, I'd say go for the best that you can afford, there's not normally a huge difference in cost between the lowest and highest power one anyway

HERTS P&D · 5 Apr 2013

Plumber 1 is correct, the pump needs to go next to the hot water cylinder, with it's own cold water supply from the loft and own hot water supply frpm the cylinder.

Andy

muggles · 5 Apr 2013

HERTS P&D · 5 Apr 2013

Damn you Muggles, I can't type any faster.

Andy

muggles · 5 Apr 2013

Palmist · 5 Apr 2013

HERTSDRAINAGE2010 said:
Plumber 1 is correct, the pump needs to go next to the hot water cylinder, with it's own cold water supply from the loft and own hot water supply frpm the cylinder.

Andy

thanks Andy, Plumber 1 says work involves extra piping up in to loft and then back in to shower again. He said this is because of the existing layout.

Shower and bath tap got same connection.

Also are salamander no good?

HERTS P&D · 5 Apr 2013

NO.

Get a Stuart Turner pump:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stuart-Tu...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item3a80011c40

Andy

Palmist · 5 Apr 2013

It's almost double the price of a salamander....plumber is already charging 550 for installation.

Is the price justified

HERTS P&D · 5 Apr 2013

Yes, it's the best!

Andy

Palmist · 5 Apr 2013

Thanks....I will consider it.

kvsalamander · 11 Apr 2013

Its debatable which pump is better, that is just personal opinion.

With our pumps, its fine to have them in the loft so long as there is an Essex flange fitted in the cylinder and the pump is 600mm below the bottom of the CWST. You also need to make sure the highest point in the pipework/shower head is 600mm below the bottom of the cold water tank or it will be too close to provide the minimum flow rate to lift the flow switch, meaning a negative head pump is required.

It would be best to not simply go for he most pressure you can afford as a three bar or four bar pump on a small shower head would be overkill.

1.5bar should be fine up to around a 3" shower head
2.2bar up o 5"
3 bar and above would be for a 6" and above diameters.

regards and hope this helps

Palmist · 11 Apr 2013

kvsalamander said:
Its debatable which pump is better, that is just personal opinion.

With our pumps, its fine to have them in the loft so long as there is an Essex flange fitted in the cylinder and the pump is 600mm below the bottom of the CWST. You also need to make sure the highest point in the pipework/shower head is 600mm below the bottom of the cold water tank or it will be too close to provide the minimum flow rate to lift the flow switch, meaning a negative head pump is required.

It would be best to not simply go for he most pressure you can afford as a three bar or four bar pump on a small shower head would be overkill.

1.5bar should be fine up to around a 3" shower head
2.2bar up o 5"
3 bar and above would be for a 6" and above diameters.

regards and hope this helps

Thanks Ken, I am going with a 1.5 Bar Salamander and getting it installed in Airing Cupboard.

Will update the thread in a week or so on performance.

neiltheplumber · 11 Apr 2013

I have just took on a job prev plumber messed up, monsoon pump in loft. Had to fit Surrey flange. Works fine it's a 2 bar pump. Normally go for salamander though. Sometimes fitting in airing cupboard can mean poor clearances for associated pipe work and airing cupboards also are used or chucking junk in, then again so are lofts!

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Shower Pump - In the loft

Similar threads