Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (2024)

Posted by Claire Davies on Thursday 30th May 2019, updated on Tuesday 9th May 2023

Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (1)

Most of us have experienced the joy of apower shower. Plenty of water, great pressure, and a sense of luxury. It is what we expect in hotels, but may not have access to in our own homes. Most of us take a shower every day, so why not spend a little more and invest in a shower which will make it easy to get up in the morning?

What is a power shower?

Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (2)

A power shower is designed for homes where the water pressure to the bathroom isn't as powerful as is necessary. If your shower does little more than dribble, then a power shower may be just what you need. Often it means that there is not enough of a drop from the water storage tank to where the shower is. The power shower will boost the flow of water from the water tank to your shower. Other than moving either the tank or the shower, getting a shower pumpis really your only option if you want a decent shower.

How do they work?

Powershowers can work in three different ways. Either the pump can be built-in with the mixer unit of the shower and is fitted to the shower wall, a pump is installed between the mixer and the shower head,or the pump is fitted between the water tank and the mixer.

The final option is by far the most versatile and can be used with a number of different shower types. The water comes from the water tank and is then boosted before it reaches the shower or the rest of the house. The pump can be used for any part of the house and so it is ideal for homes with more than one bathroom.

What should I bear in mind?

The type of boiler you have when installing a power shower is important. If you have a combination boiler, it will not be possible to use a pump. They require hot and cold feed from water tanks.

All power showers will need to be installed by a Part P qualified electrician as they require an electrical feed into a bathroom.

Water usage?

Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (3)

Your water usage is likely to increase if you have a power shower and in some cases, this can be by as much as three times. This may mean that your tank drains more quickly and a large tank is usually a good idea. It is recommended that your tank is at least 180 litres or more. For this reason, you also need to think about your shower tray depth, your drainage, and whether you will be standing in a pool of water at the bottom of your bath.

This water issue and the fact that you may need to heat your hot water storage tank more often, does mean having a power shower isn't very energy efficient. This is especially so if you have a water meter.

Buying the best pump you can and combining it with a great shower should mean that you are using the units to the best possible effect, getting more for your money, and saving water where possible.

How much is a power shower?

Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (4)

You can expect to pay anywhere between £100 and £900 for your power shower which will include a pump. However, the cheaper models will likely have the pump as part of the electrical unit which you attach to your wall.

It is possible to use otherelectric shower types with a separate pump. The combination in the price of buying these separately will depend on the shower unit you want to buy. However, the pump will cost from around £100 for one which works with a hot and cold feed. The more powerful the pump the more expensive it will be.

Clearly deciding to go for a power shower that is pumped is more complicated than simply getting a normal shower, but the results are worthwhile. You may decide to get the help of a plumber and an electrician, but despite the increase in price, a power shower is definitely worth spending your hard-earned money on. Nothing compares to a truly revitalising shower in the morning.

If you're looking for further advice on showers, you might find the following posts helpful - What are the Different Types of Showers? - Best Showers for a Small Bathroom - Thermostatic Shower Buying Guide.

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Want a Little Power in Your Shower? (2024)

FAQs

Want a Little Power in Your Shower? ›

Often it means that there is not enough of a drop from the water storage tank to where the shower is. The power shower will boost the flow of water from the water tank to your shower. Other than moving either the tank or the shower, getting a shower pump is really your only option if you want a decent shower.

Can you turn a normal shower into a power shower? ›

The pumps can also be installed to boost water supply to other taps in the house. The term 'Power Shower' is a loose expression for any shower system which includes a method of boosting water flow. The most common example is having a booster pump fitted, which works in line with your existing gravity plumbing system.

Can I increase the water pressure in my shower? ›

The ways to increase water pressure in your shower are:

Remove the water restrictor. Replace your shower hose. Check if your water shut-off valve is fully open. Don't run other water-using appliances while showering and shower at non-peak times.

How do I get a more powerful electric shower? ›

To improve your Electric Shower, first check the shower head for leaks or limescale build up. Consider replacing the shower head if the issue persists. If the problem is pressure related, a quick and effective solution is to install a shower or mains booster pump.

How do you increase the power of a shower? ›

How to increase water pressure in the shower
  1. Clean your shower head.
  2. Replace the shower head.
  3. Install a shower pump.
  4. Installing a pressurised unvented cylinder.
  5. Install an electric shower with a cold water accumulator tank.
  6. Install a power shower.
Apr 21, 2023

How can I get energy to shower? ›

Making the shower more enjoyable can help too, the experts said. Treat yourself to pleasant-smelling products or listen to a favorite playlist. You might also set a reward for completing your goal, like watching a favorite TV show, Standeven said. If your energy is low, consider using a shower seat or taking a bath.

How to increase water pressure in shower without a pump? ›

Here are effective ways to boost your shower pressure on a budget.
  1. Clean Your Showerhead. Over time, mineral deposits can clog showerhead nozzles, reducing water flow. ...
  2. Check for Flow Restrictors. ...
  3. Replace Your Showerhead. ...
  4. Inspect and Clean the Pipes. ...
  5. Install a Shower Pump. ...
  6. Upgrade to a Pressurized Unvented System.
Mar 9, 2024

Can you boost the pressure of an electric shower? ›

Boost Your Existing Electric Shower

The Shower Power Booster pump can be fitted before an existing electric shower to boost pressure and stop fluctuation in pressure and temperature. When taps or toilets are used, water pressure to an electric shower will fall.

Do you need an electrician to install a power shower? ›

But, which trade actually installs an electric shower? You can contact either a plumber or electrician who should both be experienced and able to fix the plumbing. But, you will need a Part P-certified electrician to test and sign off the electrics.

Is there a device to increase water pressure in shower? ›

Consider installing a shower pump if you've tried other solutions and still experience low water pressure.

Is there a shower head that increases water pressure? ›

A high pressure shower head maximizes the flow of water through the shower head for a powerful spray. Waterpik™ shower head engineers design water passages to minimize flow restriction and optimize the shower force, and put every shower head design through more than 1,000 hours of testing.

How can I make my water pressure stronger? ›

Look on the main supply pipe near your water meter for a conical valve that has a bolt sticking out of the cone. To raise pressure, turn the bolt clockwise after loosening its locknut. Keep an eye on the gauge to make sure the pressure is within bounds, then retighten the locknut.

Why is my electric shower so weak? ›

The most common cause of low shower pressure is a blocked showerhead, as a result of limescale build-up. These blockages obstruct the water flow, leading to reduced pressure over time. Most showers are fitted with a filter, protecting the pipework from debris, but this can become partially blocked by scale.

Can I add a pump to my electric shower? ›

Electric showers rely on the pressure of your mains water supply only - which doesn't use a pump. If you want to connect your electric shower to a shower pump, you can only do so if you don't have a combi boiler. Pumps should only be used with low-pressure water systems.

Can a shower head increase power? ›

To get back to the important question - yes, a showerhead can help increase water pressure, and it can also do so while consuming less water than your usual fittings.

Why is there no electricity to my shower? ›

The electric shower not turning on

If your electric shower won't turn on at all, it's often a problem with the solenoid valve coil, which will need replacing. It's normally a pretty simple job for an electrician to do – or some plumbers are also happy fixing electric showers.

Why has my power shower lost power? ›

If only the hot water pressure is affected this can be due to limescale or sediment build up in the shower head, taps, or temperature valve. Could also be due to a worn valve, a valve restricting the flow of water, or an issue with your water heater.

What happens if the power goes out while I'm showering? ›

In most cases, water heaters require electricity to function. Without power, you might end up with a cold shower. If you're comfortable with cold water, this might not be an issue, but if not, it's best to wait until the power is restored.

How do I get the pressure back in my shower? ›

If you're experiencing low shower pressure, take these initial steps to find out what could be causing the problem: First, clean your showerhead thoroughly. Ensure the shower hose isn't kinked or damaged, then check the filter. This might require taking your shower apart, so consider asking a professional to help.

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