Molly Ayala
Electric showers are a popular choice for many, offering excellent value for money and being environmentally friendly. They are also a good option for those without access to gas or a boiler, as they heat water as it is used, rather than requiring a tank of hot water. However, one of the key considerations when choosing an electric shower is whether or not it has a pump, and if so, what type. This is especially important if you live in an area with low water pressure.
Do electric showers have a pump?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do all electric showers have a pump? | No, not all electric showers have a pump. However, if you live in a low-water pressure area, it is important to choose an electric shower model with an integrated pump. Otherwise, the shower won't function properly. |
| What is a power shower? | A power shower typically combines water from hot and cold water supplies. They are usually thermostatically controlled for safety. They are typically built on a gravity-fed, low-pressure water system with a large supply of hot water in the hot water storage cylinder. They typically have a pump built into a wall-mounted box that increases water pressure and flow for a stronger shower experience. |
| What are the benefits of an electric shower? | Electric showers are environmentally friendly as you only heat the water that is needed. They are also cost-effective and can be used in any home, regardless of the plumbing setup. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric showers and power showers are distinct
One key distinction between electric and power showers is their water supply. Electric showers typically use only cold mains water, which passes through an internal heater to achieve the desired temperature. On the other hand, power showers combine hot and cold water from separate tanks to provide the desired temperature. This combination of hot and cold water supplies in power showers allows for a more vigorous shower experience.
Another difference lies in their heating mechanism. Electric showers heat cold water on demand, providing a consistent temperature. This on-demand heating makes electric showers more energy-efficient, as individuals only pay to heat the water they use. In contrast, power showers require a stored hot water system, which may increase energy consumption due to the need for a constant hot water supply. Additionally, power showers may not be suitable when the hot water supply is scarce or the boiler malfunctions.
Water pressure is another factor that sets electric and power showers apart. Power showers are known for enhancing water pressure using an integrated pump, resulting in a more powerful shower experience. In contrast, electric showers may offer less water pressure, depending on the mains water supply pressure. Pumped electric showers are also available, which include a small pump to boost the water supply and improve flow in poor flow areas.
Installation requirements differ between the two types of showers. Electric showers are generally easier to install, often requiring only a connection to the cold water supply and electrical system. On the other hand, power showers require additional plumbing and electrical work, as they need a hot water tank and a pump. It is important to consult a qualified electrician or plumber when installing a power shower to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Lastly, electric and power showers differ in their compatibility with home systems. Power showers are incompatible with combi boilers as they need a stored hot water system. In contrast, electric showers can work with any system, including combi boilers, making them versatile for various plumbing setups. Combi boilers provide hot water directly from the mains, eliminating the need for a separate hot water storage tank.
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Power showers combine hot and cold water
Electric showers do not typically contain pumps, but some pumped electric showers are available. Power showers, on the other hand, are manufactured with a built-in pump to improve water pressure. They combine hot water and cold water together, whereas electric showers heat the cold water as it passes through an internal heating system.
Power showers are suitable for those with low water pressure, whereas electric showers are better for households with limited hot water. Power showers are also more cost-effective, saving on electricity bills, and they provide a quick and efficient shower. They are suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
There are several options for fitting a power shower. One option is to fit a dual shower pump next to the hot tank, with supplies fed from the hot and cold tanks. Another option is to fit an inline "shower power booster" pump onto the hot water coming out of the cylinder and then use a mixer shower with mains cold and boosted hot. A third option is to fit a traditional shower pump on the hot water supply, as the cold is mains-fed, and feed mains cold and pump hot into a mixer shower.
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Electric showers are environmentally friendly
Electric showers are an environmentally friendly option for several reasons. Firstly, they help conserve water. Electric showers typically run at a mains pressure of around 6 litres per minute, compared to 8 litres per minute for most other systems. This means that a significant amount of water can be saved with each shower. In addition, electric showers do not require a constant source of hot water to run effectively. They heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a hot water tank. This not only reduces energy usage but also helps lower energy bills.
The environmental benefits of electric showers are further enhanced by their energy-saving features. Many electric showers offer adjustable power settings, allowing users to customise their shower experience and potentially save even more energy. Additionally, features like thermostatic control can help maintain a consistent water temperature, preventing unnecessary energy wastage from constant temperature adjustments.
The installation of an electric shower can also contribute to water conservation efforts. According to a survey by Triton Showers, Britons could be wasting an average of 271,000 million litres of water each year by spending an extra five minutes in the shower. By simply reducing showering time or opting for a water-saving model, significant water savings can be achieved. For example, cutting down shower time by five minutes or choosing a water-efficient showerhead can result in annual water savings of around 21,900 litres per person.
Furthermore, electric showers offer convenience and flexibility due to their simple installation and ability to function with just a cold water supply. This makes them suitable for any bathroom, even those located far from the central heating system or in properties without access to gas. As a result, electric showers are a popular choice for UK consumers, providing effective results while conserving water and energy.
When selecting an electric shower, it is important to consider its energy efficiency rating. Showers with higher ratings, such as A+++, consume less energy and provide better performance and water conservation. Additionally, opting for a lower power rating and wattage can further reduce energy consumption, although it may result in a slightly lower water pressure. Overall, electric showers offer a smart choice for environmentally conscious individuals, helping to reduce water and energy usage while maintaining a comfortable and efficient showering experience.
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Power showers have pumps built into a wall-mounted box
Power showers are an excellent option for households with low water pressure. They are installed in homes to boost the water pressure and provide a high flow of water for a refreshing showering experience. Power showers have pumps built into a wall-mounted box, which is similar to the installation of standard electric showers. This integrated single pump system is what defines a power shower.
The wall-mounted box of a power shower combines a water pump and a mixing valve in a single unit. This design ensures that the water pressure, flow, and temperature remain consistent. The pump works by increasing the force of water from the water system, providing a vigorous stream for a revitalizing shower.
While power showers offer a straightforward solution for a high-pressure shower, they do have some limitations. For instance, they do not allow for a choice of shower valve, and their installation is restricted to the wall. If you desire a more customizable option, consider adding a booster pump to your water system. This alternative tends to be more expensive but offers superior results in terms of appearance and noise levels.
When considering a power shower, it is important to note that they require a tank-fed, gravity-based water system to increase the pressure. This means that the shower will need a supply of stored hot water, which should be considered when deciding on a shower system.
In summary, power showers are a great choice for those seeking a high-pressure showering experience with their built-in wall-mounted pumps. However, for those who want more flexibility in terms of shower valves and installation options, exploring other pump options might be a better alternative.
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Electric showers are good for low-pressure areas
Electric showers are a good option for households with low-pressure water systems. They are compatible with gravity-fed water systems, which are usually found in older properties and are characterised by the presence of a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. These low-pressure systems require taps and showers designed to work with lower water pressures.
Electric showers are a good fit for these systems because they do not rely on hot water heated or stored by the household water system. Instead, they heat cold water instantly via electricity to provide hot water on demand. This means they can be simply connected to a cold water feed and do not require a hot water feed from a boiler, unlike mixer showers.
The higher the kilowatt power rating (kW) of an electric shower, the better the performance and the greater the flow of heated water. However, the kW will depend on the water pressure in the home, so it is important to consult a tradesman before purchasing an electric shower. Electric showers with higher kW ratings will also use more electricity, so this is something to consider when balancing performance and energy costs.
For households with low-pressure water systems, there are several options to improve shower pressure. One option is to install a pump to boost water pressure. This can be done for the whole house or just for the shower, although it is more cost-effective to do the whole house. Another option is to change the hot water cylinder to unvented, which can provide high pressure. A third option is to install a power shower, which provides higher pressure than a standard electric shower.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all electric showers have a pump. If you live in a low-water-pressure area, choose an electric shower model with an integrated pump.
A power shower combines water from hot and cold water supplies and is typically built on a gravity-fed, low-pressure water system with a large supply of hot water in the hot water storage cylinder. They have a pump built into a wall-mounted box that increases water pressure and flow.
Electric showers have an internal heating element that allows them to use the cold-water supply. They are distinct from the standard hot water system and can be used even if you run out of hot water or your boiler malfunctions. Power showers, on the other hand, combine water from hot and cold water supplies and are built on a gravity-fed, low-pressure water system.
Electric showers are environmentally friendly as you only heat the water you need. They are also cost-effective and can be used in any home, regardless of the plumbing setup.
It is important to consider the type of water heating system you have (combi boiler, gravity-fed, or unvented system). If you are in any doubt, contact a local plumber for advice on the best type of shower for your home.
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