Shower Pump Installation - AAV vs. flange

[Bon]

I'm planning on fitting a new shower in my bathroom with a pump in my airing cupboard (at the base of the cylinder).

I've asked one of the plumbers at my work to help me and he has raised concerns at fitting the York flange I've bought as he feels getting the existing connection to the cylinder off could damage it (The cylinder is at most 15 years old).

Instead he has suggested cutting into the existing hot supply from the cylinder and fitting an auto-air valve before teeing off to the pump, however I am a little sceptical about this.

I know it is best practise to fit a flange, however I also acknowlegde his point re damaging the cylinder.

I suppose the other alternative is to fit an Essex flange, but was just wondering if anyone had gone down the AAV route?

 

[grrinc]

Depends on what make of pump you have, some are more flexable than others. Whenever possible, I drain down the tank and cylinder a bit and drill an essex flange. I prefer this to Sussex flanges, because like your pumber already said, you can get a few problem with old cylinders.

If you do want to tee off of the HW supply, just follow the pump manufacturers advice. It usually must be the first draw off and from the downwards pipe. I have never heard of using an AAV - it wont hurt I suppose, but Salamander and Stuart Turner dont mention them being needed.

 

[Bon]

Thanks for the advice.

The pump MF's instruction (It's an Altech pump) say to make a connection into the hot supply pipe BELOW the tee for the expansion pipe and at least 1m below the CW cistern.

It goes onto to say that if this can not be achieved a direct connection should be used.

I suppose that answers my question really, however I really want to make sure I get it right first time as having no shower and only a bath is getting on my nerves now!!

I think we'll try making the connection as per the MF's instructions and then if that doesn't work we'll try the flange route.

Does that sound sensible people??