Shower pump noises

Rollerball · Tuesday at 8:03 AM

I think I need a new shower pump - the 20 year old Showerforce Turbo 2 in my airing cupboard has been noisy for some time but now it's even noiser, and as of a few days ago a new noise (which sounds a bit like small pieces of gravel rotating in the unit!) has been added to the cacophony.

It now also won't switch off when the shower is turned off, I have to turn it off via the switch in the airing cupboard.

Can these be repaired or is it not worth it?

Any recommendations of a make to buy if so?

Also, despite the noise, is it okay to use it until I can get a plumber in, which may not be for a couple of weeks (he's on holiday).

just pumps · Tuesday at 9:19 AM

The sound could be from the bearings in which case it could fail at any time. Not worth repairing at 20yrs old. Others will advise on replacement but start with looking at Stuart Turner pumps.

denso13 · Tuesday at 9:22 AM

As above, and yes you can still use it if it works. It will fail at some point though.

Rollerball · Tuesday at 9:54 AM

Thanks all. Seems a shame to replace it if it's only the bearings but I guess the units aren't particularly serviceable? I do like to fix things where possible.

Also, a replacement Stuart Turner (1.5 bar, the same as my failing unit) is £138 (plus whatever the plumber charges):

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stuart-turner-showermate-standard-regenerative-twin-shower-pump-1-5bar/543pg

Is that a drop in replacement though?

I guess I could install it myself but have never done such a job before, also the stop valves on the pipes are old and haven't been turned for over 20 years so they too could fail so I guess it's time for a plumber.

denso13 · Tuesday at 10:11 AM

Rollerball said:
Is that a drop in replacement though?

Probably not just drop in but they come with flexi connectors so aren't difficult to fit.

just pumps · 2026-05-27T17:28:14+0100

denso13 said:
Probably not just drop in but they come with flexi connectors so aren't difficult to fit.

I`ve seen a fair few that are far from easy jobs.

denso13 · 2026-05-27T17:48:31+0100

just pumps said:
I`ve seen a fair few that are far from easy jobs.

Yea, plumbing isn't easy at times.

Rollerball · 2026-05-27T21:58:15+0100

Just a thought but given the uncertain nature of the fault is the shower safe to use? Is there any risk of the pump failing in such a way that I end up being doused in very hot water?

The pump is over 20 years old, as are the controls in the shower - the latter consists of two round chromed knobs, one for temp (marked with blue and red gradating bars) and the other for pressure. If the pump suddenly tried to spit out overly hot water would whatever is in the controller prevent that hot water from getting to me?

just pumps · 2026-05-28T09:55:27+0100

You must live in an area with very soft water to have both the shower and the pump for 20yrs.

denso13 · 2026-05-28T10:00:15+0100

Rollerball said:
Is there any risk of the pump failing in such a way that I end up being doused in very hot water?

Anything is possible I suppose, depends if/how it fails.

Rollerball · 2026-05-28T13:55:12+0100

just pumps said:
You must live in an area with very soft water to have both the shower and the pump for 20yrs.

It's barely been used over the years, only fairly recently did it start to be used more regularly.

Rollerball · 2026-05-28T13:55:48+0100

denso13 said:
Anything is possible I suppose, depends if/how it fails.

I think in that case I'll stick to baths to be on the safe side!

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Shower pump noises

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