Bathroom Shower Pumps

Question

I am a landlord. The property in question has a shower pump with a automatic flow trip switch, which is proving to be unreliable and does not always "cut in" unless the shower head is lowered and removed. Would replacing the shower pump with a manually operated one solve this problem ?

Archie · Answer

You can get a zero head pump which doesn't rely on a flow to trigger. They are more expensive than the other kind but work a treat

Maihan · Answer

Yes shower pump needs replacing to a new one. Let me know if your up for it.

Troy · Answer

its sound like the pump has not been fitted correctly , I would suggest calling a plumber to come and have look

John · Answer

Yes as the manual operated one will give it more pressure either when the shower head is moved or in the rail, and won’t get air locked

Victor · Answer

1. Issue with the Automatic Flow Switch:

The automatic flow trip switch is designed to activate the pump when water flow is detected, and deactivates when flow ceases. If it's not always "cutting in" as expected, it could be due to:

Clogged or dirty components: The flow switch may be obstructed by debris or limescale.

Faulty switch or sensor: The sensor may be malfunctioning, which can cause it to fail to detect water flow properly.

Low water pressure: If the water pressure is too low or inconsistent, the flow sensor might not be activated correctly.

Replacing the shower pump with a manually operated one won't necessarily fix these issues, as the underlying cause could still exist with the water flow or pressure.

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2. Switching to a Manually Operated Pump:

A manually operated pump (typically an on/off switch) works by turning the pump on and off with a physical action, rather than relying on the automatic flow switch to detect when the shower is being used.

Advantages:

Reliability: You control when the pump activates, so there's no reliance on sensors or water pressure.

Simplicity: Fewer components to malfunction, as it's a straightforward on/off switch.

Disadvantages:

Inconvenience: You'll need to manually turn the pump on and off every time the shower is used, which can be inconvenient for tenants.

Potential for forgetting: If the tenant forgets to turn the pump off, it could lead to water wastage or damage.

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3. Possible Alternative Solutions:

Before deciding to replace the pump, you might want to consider:

Cleaning or replacing the flow switch: It may simply need cleaning or replacing (a less costly option than replacing the entire pump).

Check water pressure: Ensure that the water pressure to the system is adequate, as low pressure can affect automatic flow switches.

Professional servicing: A plumber or heating engineer may be able to service the pump, replace faulty components, and ensure everything is functioning as intended.

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Conclusion:

If the automatic flow switch is the only issue, replacing the pump with a manually operated one could solve the problem, but it would also introduce the inconvenience of manual control for your tenants.

Dave · Answer

You probably have a "positive head" shower pump when a "negative head" pump would be more appropriate.

Kobala · Answer

No you probably need to replace the negative head pump with new  or maybe need service .

Kieran · Answer

It'll probably need replacing before installing a new shower

Bathroom Shower Pumps

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