Otis Singleton
If you're experiencing low water pressure in your electric shower, there are several things you can do to improve it. Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including the distance from the water source, elevation, peak water usage times, and other appliances running simultaneously. Before investing in a power shower or shower pump, it's recommended to check your water pressure and identify your boiler system. Combi boilers or unvented boiler systems usually provide high water pressure, so a pump may not be necessary. If you have a gravity-fed system, a shower pump can help improve water pressure. Installing a new electric shower with a higher kilowatt (kW) rating can also improve water flow, but it's important to ensure that the wiring can handle the increased power. Other quick fixes include replacing the showerhead, especially if it's blocked by limescale buildup, and ensuring that the shower hose has a wide borehole to maximize water flow. Additionally, consider installing a Shower Power Booster pump to maintain pressure and stop fluctuations in temperature and pressure.
How to improve pressure on an electric shower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use a wider bore shower hose | Reduces water flow restriction |
| Use a shower head with fewer, finer holes | Restricts water flow and increases pressure |
| Install a shower pump | Quick fix to boost pressure |
| Install a power shower | Requires plenty of hot water available in the tank |
| Install a pressurised unvented cylinder | Long-term fix that requires overhauling the plumbing system |
| Install an independent electric shower with a cold water accumulator tank | Requires an additional tank to store water for the shower |
| Check for leaks | Low pressure in all taps or showerheads may indicate a plumbing issue |
| Check for blocked showerheads | Limescale build-up can obstruct water flow |
| Check mains water system | Old piping in town and city centres can cause low pressure |
| Check home water system | Undersized supply piping can restrict water flow |
| Check distance from water source | Properties further from the source may experience lower pressure |
| Check elevation | Hilly areas may have lower water pressure |
| Check peak water usage times | Water pressure may drop during peak times |
| Check number of appliances running simultaneously | Multiple appliances running at the same time can reduce pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Install a power shower
If you're experiencing low water pressure in your electric shower, there are several options to improve it. One option is to install a power shower, which uses both hot and cold water to feed the shower and includes a pump that boosts water pressure. Here are some detailed steps and considerations for installing a power shower:
Check Your Water Supply and Plumbing System:
Before installing a power shower, ensure you have a sufficient water supply and a suitable plumbing system. Check if your hot water tank has enough hot water to cater to the demands of a power shower. Additionally, assess your current plumbing system. If you have an older house with undersized supply piping or an outdated plumbing system, you may need to consider upgrades or consult a qualified plumber.
Understand the Installation Process:
Installing a power shower may require some plumbing work. You'll need to cut the water pipe at a convenient location and insert the pump. Safe 12V DC extension cables can be used to plug the pump into a socket up to 15 meters away. The installation process may vary depending on your specific power shower model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek guidance from a professional if needed.
Choose the Right Power Shower:
Select a power shower that suits your needs and is compatible with your existing plumbing system. Consider factors such as water pressure, flow rate, and any additional features you may desire. Ensure that the power shower you choose matches the wattage and voltage requirements of your home's electrical system.
Prepare the Necessary Tools and Materials:
Gather all the necessary tools and materials before beginning the installation process. This may include items such as a new power shower unit, plumbing tools, extension cables, and any additional hardware required for the installation.
Follow Safety Precautions:
Working with water and electricity requires adhering to safety precautions. Before starting the installation, isolate the power supply to the shower unit. Follow manufacturer guidelines and local safety regulations to ensure a secure setup. If you're uncomfortable with the process, consider seeking assistance from a qualified electrician or plumber.
Test and Adjust:
Once the power shower is installed, thoroughly test it to ensure it functions correctly. Check the water pressure, temperature, and any adjustable settings. Fine-tune the settings to your preference and ensure that the water pressure remains consistent. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on using and maintaining your new power shower.
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Fit a water pump
If you're experiencing low water pressure in your shower, one solution is to install a water pump. A water pump is a small mechanical device that fits onto your home water system and uses an impeller to boost the pressure of the water before it reaches the shower.
Before installing a water pump, it's important to identify the cause of the low water pressure. Common issues include leaks, old piping, or a restricted showerhead. It's also important to note that installing a water pump involves working with electrical wires and water connections, so it's recommended to hire a professional plumber to handle the project.
There are different types of water pumps available, such as the Shower Power Booster pump, which can be fitted before an existing electric shower to boost pressure and stop fluctuations in pressure and temperature. This type of pump can be installed by simply cutting the water pipe and inserting the pump, and it can be plugged into a socket up to 15 meters away.
Another option is to install a power shower, which uses both hot and cold water and has a pump installed inside the box on the wall. However, this option can be costly and may require plenty of hot water in the tank.
If you're handy with DIY and competent with plumbing, you may be able to install a water pump yourself. However, if you're new to plumbing, it's recommended to seek professional help to ensure the job is done correctly.
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Replace your showerhead
One of the most common reasons for low water pressure is undersized supply piping, which is usually found in older houses with original plumbing systems. This restricts the amount of water that can enter your home and reach the shower. Another common cause of low water pressure is a clogged showerhead. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in the small holes of the showerhead, reducing water flow.
If you have a "flow restricting" or "water-saving" showerhead, you might want to consider replacing it with a high-pressure showerhead. This can be done by simply upgrading to a new model with a flow regulator or by purchasing a new showerhead that includes a flow regulator. Neoperl is a well-known brand that offers top-of-the-line flow regulators.
Before replacing your showerhead, you can try cleaning it to remove any mineral build-up or sediment. This can be done by soaking the showerhead in white vinegar or tying a ziplock bag of vinegar around it for a few hours. If cleaning the showerhead does not improve water pressure, then it may be time to replace it.
You can find high-pressure showerheads specifically designed to increase water pressure at many home improvement stores or online. This is often the cheapest and easiest way to drastically improve your shower experience.
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Check your water pressure
Water pressure is measured in bars, with one bar being the force required to raise water 10 metres. The water pressure in your shower can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the distance from the water source, the elevation, and the time of peak water usage in your area. If multiple showers or appliances are being used at the same time, and the properties share a water supply, the water pressure can drop, affecting the shower's power.
Before attempting to improve your electric shower's pressure, it is important to check your water pressure to see if that is the root of the problem. If you are experiencing low water pressure from all your taps and showerheads, you may have a plumbing issue, in which case you should call a professional to check for leaks.
The most common cause of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead due to limescale buildup. These blockages obstruct the water flow, leading to reduced pressure over time. Most showers are fitted with a filter that protects the pipework from debris, but this can also become partially blocked by scale. If this is the case, replacing your showerhead may be the cheapest way to improve the power of your shower. The showerhead's performance depends on the size and position of the nozzles. The larger the diameter of the showerhead, the more water is available for showering. However, some showerheads have a small array of nozzles, so they do not improve the experience. Additionally, more water does not always equate to a better shower, as high-flow showers will cost more to run in terms of water and energy usage.
If you have a combi boiler or an unvented boiler system, you shouldn't need a pump, as these boilers provide a high water supply with a generous flow. You are more likely to experience low water pressure if you have a gravity-fed system, in which case a shower pump can help.
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Identify your boiler system
There are three main types of boilers: combi (combination), system, and regular (conventional). The type of boiler you have will depend on the size of your property, the water pressure, and your hot water needs.
Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are a good option for small homes due to their compact size and efficiency. They heat water on demand, meaning there is no need for a separate hot water tank. To identify a combi boiler, look for five copper pipes at the bottom and the absence of an external pump or separate hot water tank.
System Boilers
System boilers are typically found in larger homes with multiple bathrooms. They have a separate hot water cylinder but do not require a cold water tank. To identify a system boiler, look for three copper pipes and a pressure gauge built into the appliance.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers are perfect for larger homes with high heating and hot water demands. They require both a hot and cold water storage tank, which can take up a lot of space. To identify a regular boiler, look for two copper pipes coming from the top and one from the bottom, along with a hot water cylinder and an external pump.
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Frequently asked questions
Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including the age and size of your pipes, your proximity to a city centre, your distance from the water source, the time of day, and whether other appliances are being used simultaneously. If you experience low pressure from all your taps or showerheads, call a professional to check for leaks.
Quick fixes include replacing your showerhead, especially if it is clogged with limescale, and installing a shower pump.
Installing a pressurised unvented cylinder involves overhauling your current plumbing system and replacing the cold water tank. This complex plumbing issue will require a highly qualified plumber.
Water pumps vary based on brands, performance, bar size and type. It is important to choose one that provides the correct pressure for your shower. Consult a professional plumber before installing or replacing any equipment.
You could consider installing a power shower, which uses both hot and cold water, or a new electric shower with a higher kilowatt (kW) rating.
