Fitting a power shower
When it comes to installing power showers it probably pays to opt for an all in one model with an integral pump. If you are merely unhappy with the performance of an existing shower, then it’s much cheaper and more convenient to plumb in a separate pump.
Whichever system you choose, check that your cold water storage tank is big enough – typically a minimum capacity of 115 litres (25 gallons). Some manufacturers of showers also recommend a hot water cylinder with a minimum 161 litre (35 gallons) capacity. This type of shower needs an electrical supply to drive the pump. The pump is wired to the ring-main by means of a switch fused connection unit installed outside most bathrooms, or you can fit a ceiling-mounted double-pole switch inside the bathroom. The shower pump switches on automatically as soon as the shower valve is operated.
To plumb showers with an integral pump, you can run dedicated hot and cold supplies to the shower, as when fitting gravity-fed showers. Alternatively, you can connect the hot-water supply directly to the cylinder by using a cylinder flange.
All-in-one showers are prone to vibration: on a timber-frame wall this can create considerable noise. Isolate the unit by mounting it on rubber tap washers slid over the fixing screws.
Always place the pump somewhere convenient for servicing as this will save time in the long run should the pump require any necessary repairs.
All tiling and grouting needs to be completed before mounting the shower on the wall.