Which shower pump and advice on fitting

[andytbrown]

Hi,

My shower pump has started to leak and I've been advised to replace it. It's a Salamander 2.6 bar positive twin pump with 22mm couplings that feeds one shower. The quote to replace and fit was roughly £500 so tempted to try and do it myself but I'm a novice when it comes to plumbing.

I'm after a recommendation on a make and model, a supplier and any advice on fitting it?

Thanks in advance

 

[blackfriars]

hi , what size cylinder do you have
how many litres ???
will this new pump only be used for 1 shower or any other fittings
have you had problems with previous pump draining tank or cylinder???
it is relatively easy to fit a new pump

 

[andytbrown]

Not sure on the size, I'll try to upload a pic if I can work out how. It's about 4 feet tall.

Not had any issues with it emptying. And yes only for one shower.

 

[andytbrown]

View media item 76291 View media item 76290

 

[blackfriars]

there are varying sizes of pumps
simple to install as you have already had a pump installed without any problems
do you have a separate draw off of hot water for your existing pump
2 bar is more than enough for a single shower head
have a look at these on bes website
item no , 19658 STP 2.0 B heavy duty shower pump £299.46
or
17448 STC-2.0 C 2.0 bar outlet shower pump £148.05
you can get cheaper , but you pay for quality and longevity
these are quite easy to fit

 

[andytbrown]

I'm not sure I understand the question about draw offs?

The 17448 is about what I wanted to pay, would you expect this to last 5-10 years?

My current pump is powered via a standard plug, I'm guessing this doesn't and will need wiring?

Thanks again

 

[blackfriars]

hi , tell me what is the height difference from your shower head to the bottom of your cold water storage in the attic
the draw off is where the hot water comes out of the copper cylinder
a shower pump generally needs a separate draw off
that is a neg head pump you have at the moment , salamanders usually need 1-2 litres per minute of gravity flow water
the pumps i listed for you were positive and only need 0.6 lts per min
as for wiring it you only need to attach a normal flex with a plug
as the pump is only being used for 1 shower i would expect it to last longer than 10 years, but bare in mind they only come with a manu guarentee of 2 years
1.5 bar pressure gives a very good shower , especially if it is only 1 shower head

 

[andytbrown]

Hi,

It's about 3-4 feet between the shower head and cold water tank.

The hot tank has a single outlet that splits.

 

[blackfriars]

hi,
1 , can you take the towel from under the pump and run your shower for a few moments
this will allow you to see any drops of water leaking out
your inlet filters could be partially blocked
the flexi hoses use the same seals and filters as these
from bes

WASHERS

Washing Machine Hose Washers


Part No. Description Unit Price Qty
11474 1/2" nitrile hose washers, pack of 10 £0.33
11475 3/4", pack of 10 £0.38

Filter Washers


Part No. Description Unit Price Qty
13758 3/4" £0.25

that height difference should give you positive pressure
no need for an expensive neg pressure pump
the washers will only cost a £ 1.00 or so
i would check for leaks first
the single outlet that splits is correct for the pump wheather it be positive or negative
you can get my contact info from my profile if you want

 

[andytbrown]

View media item 76328
Hi,

I can't see a drip. The water is pooling at the feet of this end but both the inlet and outlet connectors seem dry.

 

[blackfriars]

dry all connections
then place pump on some clean paper or newspaper and test
once all dry run pump and test all areas with kitchen roll
rub the hoses also , make sure no pinholes in them
only test for leaks while pump is running

 

[andytbrown]

Hi,

It seems to be coming from the main casing at this end, the black plastic cylinder. Rather than any of the connections.

Thanks

 

[blackfriars]

hi , if it's coming from the end casing bin it , that is where the impellers are
salamander will want to send a service tech to repair it and most likely he will take it back to their factory for test and repair, expensive

just buy yourself the new positive head pump , you get 2 years warranty with that
transfer your power lead from the old pump to the new
swap over the flexi hoses and attach new pump , all done

 

[andytbrown]

Ok thanks. I'll get a new one ordered and message again if I have trouble fitting it.

Thanks

 

[andytbrown]

Hi,

So I managed to fit the pump (17448) today without too much hassle, unfortunately it's now pulsing after I turn off the shower! The user guide suggests fitting a low pressure non-return valve?

So close, yet so far!

Thanks