The aim of a shower booster pump is to help increase the pressure and volume of the water that flows through the shower head. For anyone who suffers from low water pressure, a shower booster pump will help provide that extra boost needed to get your water pressure to the desired level.
There may be a wide range of different reasons why you might be suffering from low water pressure. Although, one of the most common issues for having low water pressure is due to the fact that a lot of people in the UK own old houses. In the years when these homes were built, there was less need for high water pressure and flow rate. However, now that times are changing people have more needs and wants for higher pressure due to the use of the showers increasing on a daily basis.
Which bar shower pump do I need?
When choosing which shower pump, you will notice that they are listed with a pressure rating. Listed below are the most common shower pump sizes and when they should be used.
- 1 bar shower pumps– ideal for small shower heads
- 5 bar shower pumps– best for normal showers needing more pressure
- 2 bar shower pumps– this is also best for low-pressure heads
- 5 bar shower pumps– required for power showers and larger shower heads, ideal where a larger flow of water at high pressure is needed
- 3 bar shower pumps– required for power showers and larger shower heads, again where a larger flow of water is needed. If your showerhead has a body jet a 3-bar shower pump will also be needed.
Do I need a positive or negative shower pump?
Knowing if you need a positive or negative shower pump can sometimes be difficult, this is the part that doesn’t tend to be very straightforward. It is always recommended to speak to a registered installer or plumbing supplies retailer, like PlumbHQ, to be sure before having the pump installed. Sometimes you might find that you might be able to make the choice yourself without having to speak to a professional if you are someone who tends to DIY on a regular basis.
When choosing between a positive or negative shower pump it will differ with the type of water systems. However, both negative and positive shower pumps are both designed to be fitted to open-vented hot and cold water supplies.
Positive head shower pumps: This type of shower pump is usually the most common option. When this type of shower pump is installed, if it gravity fed is will usually require installation below the water tank. The distance below the tank is approximately 1 meter and is known as the head.
Negative head shower pumps: With negative shower pumps you will find that the pumps are placed in a cold water tank, or level with them if this is what is needed. A negative head drawer water from the tank which is then forced towards the shower. This type of pump is used in homes where you will find that they do not have room below the tank.
How to keep your shower booster pump quiet
When installing your booster pump you need to factor in the way you are installing it to ensure that it makes as little noise as possible. If you install your pump directly to copper lines this can cause vibrations, creating more noise. A flex connecter for the inlet and outlead can be used to minimise the sound from vibration.
