How much head does a shower pump need?

This type of pump needs a minimum head of at least 3ft 3ins (990mm) between the base of the cistern and the shower head. This is because it relies on a gravity feed of water to kick start the impellers and start pumping hot and cold water.

How do I know what shower pump I need?

As a general rule, if the cold water tank is above the outlet point and there is a flow of at least 0.5 lpm from the outlet, a positive head shower pump is required. If the cold water tank is below or there is little or no flow, a universal head shower pump is required.

What is the difference between a single and twin shower pump?

The difference between a twin and single pump is the number of impellers. Twin pumps are designed to supply both hot and cold water to showers, bathrooms and whole house installations, while single impeller pumps supply either hot or cold water, to single or multiple outlets.

Do I need a single or twin shower pump?

If you need to boost the supply of both cold and hot water to a shower, then you will need a twin type of pump. If you need to boost the supply of either hot and cold water, then you will need a single design.

Why would I need a negative head shower pump?

As you can see, there are two bathrooms on different levels. The bathroom on the top level needs a negative head pump as the water has less than 600mm to travel between the water tank and the shower head. If the shower is less than 600mm below the cold water tank, then you need a negative head shower pump.

How tall does a head shower pump need to be?

This reliance on gravity means that your cold water storage tank needs to be at least 3 feet and 3 inches (990mm) above the showerhead. This allows enough distance for the water to pick up speed and kick the impellers into action. What is a negative or universal head shower pump? Negative (Universal) head pumps work a little differently.

How is the pressure of a shower pump rated?

It will make the running of your home more efficient especially if you have more than one bathroom space. Pumps are rated in ‘bar’ which is the measure of pressure – 1 bar pressure being equal to 10 metres static head of water. The higher the bar rating the higher the pressure.

Which is the best shower pump to buy?

However, if you are looking to buy before you speak to an installer, here is a guide to what the difference is: Universal (negative head) pumps will also work in a positive head system, so if you are unsure go for a negative head version, or give our tech desk a call on 0191 516 2002. What is the size of your shower head?

Why do I need a single impeller shower pump?

Single impeller pumps are to supply hot or cold water, either to single or multiple outlets. This can often be when the cold water is mains fed and the hot needs boosted to match this pressure. What bar rating do I need? Selecting the right bar pump for you involves considering the size of your shower head and how many outlets you want to pump to.

What kind of water pressure does a shower head use?

Some shower heads, like rain style shower heads, use up to 10 GPM, but have very low water pressure, because the water is meant to simulate rain. Other shower heads have much lower GPM and can operate under higher pressure because the internal size of the shower is tighter.

What do you need to know about a positive shower pump?

Positive shower pumps are designed to be fed by gravity. To work properly, this type of pump requires a distance (also known as a ‘head’) of at least 10 inches between the water level in the cold water tank (usually located in the loft) and the pump.

What is the GPM of a shower head?

One measure is the GPM of the shower head. Some shower heads, like rain style shower heads, use up to 10 GPM, but have very low water pressure, because the water is meant to simulate rain. Other shower heads have much lower GPM and can operate under higher pressure because the internal size of the shower is tighter.