Share:
When using your shower, you’ll want to be sure of getting the best performance from it every time. However, for some people experiencing reduced water pressure, showering can be frustrating when the water flow is little more than a trickle.
Fortunately, there may be a solution in the form of a shower pump. A powerful means of boosting your water pressure, a shower pump could help restore your shower to a high-performing capacity in next to no time.
The Bathroom Showroom provides a selection of shower pumps to help you increase your water flow. Here we look at these pumps in a little more detail, explaining their uses.

What You Need To Know About Shower Pumps Explained

A shower pump is a small device that works by feeding a mixture of cold water and hot water to your shower. It takes this from your cold water storage tank, which is usually located in the loft space. 
Working only on an open vented hot and cold system, as the pump gathers momentum, it actively builds the pressure of the water. In turn, the water gets pushed through the pump with force to encourage an increased water pressure each time you use your shower.
Shower pumps tend to be used by those homes with very low flow performance. This is usually when the ground floor of the home has a good flow, but as you get upstairs and into the bathroom, you struggle with low pressure.
Relatively easy to fit and replace, a shower pump will ensure you get a steady ongoing high-pressure water flow to your shower, thus allowing you to experience an all-around better showering experience. 

Various Types of Shower Pumps

You’ll more than likely find two main types of shower pumps widely discussed, including positive and negative types,  as well as a single or twin pump, and often a house pump.
  • A positive head shower pump
This pump type relies on an adequate flow of water coming through it to initiate a switch that will turn the pump on and get the water pressure up. A positive head shower pump is used when the shower head is situated below the cold water storage tank.
To use a positive head shower pump, your current water flow will need to be around a litre of water per minute when your shower is operating at its maximum capacity.  You can calculate this flow rate quite easily by taking a litre jug and placing one minute on the timer, checking to see if your shower can fill and indeed overflow the jug within this time. 
You may well notice that some shower pumps have the letter ‘S’ on them, which means Standard. This also helps identify it as a positive head shower pump choice.
  • A negative head shower pump 
Also known as a universal shower pump, a negative head shower pump is what you’ll need if you don't have the adequate pressure needed to operate a positive head shower pump. This is because an inadequate pressure will not produce a strong enough water flow to allow the pump to kick in. A negative shower pump is usually required when the shower head is level or above your cold water storage tank outlet.
  • A twin shower pump
Twin shower pumps can be installed on both hot and cold stored water supplies. They aim to boost the water supply to an equal level and allow you a good level of temperature control. This makes them more effective for mixer shower types. 
  • A single shower pump
A single shower pump can only be installed into a hot or cold single water supply. This pump type is usually used to boost a hot water supply when the cold supply is mains fed. 
  • A house pump
Lastly, a house pump works to provide a boost to your shower, and the rest of the water supplies throughout your home. Working to pump both hot and cold water separately when needed, it also helps with taps, baths, and toilets. A house pump is good for homes with all-round low water pressure as well as those with more than one bathroom.

Understanding the Bar Pressure on Shower Pumps

Finally, another snippet of information to help you select the best shower pump is the bar pressure data. Shower pumps are rated by measures of pressure in bars, so generally you’ll find:
  • Up to 1.0 Bar Pressure provides a low boost
  • Up to 2.0 Bar Pressure provides a medium boost
  • 3.0 Plus Bar Pressure provides a high boost

Get The Best Shower Pump From The Bathroom Showroom

The Bathroom Showroom stocks a selection of high-quality shower pumps from some of the most industry-respected brands, including: 
The iflo Shower Pump is available as a 1.5 bar or 2.0 bar. With a twin impeller and a continuously rated motor, this model is WRAS-approved. Boasting anti-vibration feet, it has easy clear filters, and long-life seals, and comes complete with four braided hoses. 
The Stuart Turner Showermateis available as a positive head choice and offers 1.5 and 2.0, and 2.6 bar options as a twin model or a 2.6 bar option single model. Constructed using high-quality plastic, this is continuously rated and suitable for gravity-fed water systems. Complete with hoses with integral isolating valves on inlets, the Stuart Turner model is a peripheral design.
The Stuart Turner Mainboost Flomate MBF Range can connect directly to incoming main water and provides an additional 1.5 bar pressure. Constructed using durable brass, this is continuously rated and fully WRAS-approved. This pump is also UK water regulations compliant. This range offers a 12 Pump option, a 3.2 Bar MBF 60, and a 3.2 Bar MBF 80.
The Grundfos Shower Pump is a positive choice that is available as a 1.5C and a 2.0C bar twin option and a 2.0C bar single option. Continuously rated, this is a fully WRAS-approved pump and is a UK water regulation-compliant choice. A low-noise pump, the Grundfos is supplied with 22mm braided push-fit flexible hoses. 
Stuart Turner Monsoon Twin and Single Pumps boast a durable brass construction and are continuously rated. With a peripheral design, they feature hoses with integral isolating valves on inlets and outlets. Fully WRAS-approved pumps, both models are also compliant with UK water regulations. With standard twin models available as 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 bars, the standard single model is a 3.0 bar choice. Twin universal models are available as 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 bars while the universal single model is available as a 3.0 bar choice.
The Salamander Right Pump is an exceptionally quiet performer that offers a boost of water flow to both the shower and the whole house. Suitable for gravity-fed water systems, this model is continuously rated and WRAS-approved. Available as a positive head and negative head choice, Salamander Right Pumps are available as positive twin 1.5, 2.2, and 3.0 bars and universal 1.5 and 3.0 bars, and there's a 1.5 bar single universal option available. 
If you’re considering a shower pump, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.