What's the difference between positive and negative head shower pumps?

A positive head pump is designed to be fed by gravity. The gravity feed serves to kick-start the pump, which then pushes water to the shower. Negative Head Pumps. A negative head pump is used where the pump will be situated either level with or above the cold water tank.

Simply so, do I need a positive or negative head shower pump?

If the shower is more than 600mm, about two rulers, below the cold water tank, then you need a positive head shower pump. If the shower is less than 600mm below the cold water tank, then you need a negative head shower pump.

Furthermore, what does negative head mean? Negative head is a condition of negative pressure or vacuum which occurs when the pump outlet is at the same level or above the level of the cold water storage tank.

Also to know is, what does negative head shower pump mean?

The term 'negative head' means the cold water tank outlet is below or near-level with the shower head. Negative head pumps have a pressure switch to recognise when the shower is turned on even when water is not flowing.

What is positive and negative head plumbing?

A positive head system occurs when there is more than 600mm from the bottom of the cold water tank to highest point in the system. A negative head system occurs when the distance from the bottom of the cold water tank to the highest point in the system is less than 600mm.

31 Related Question Answers Found

What is a positive head application?

A positive head pump is designed to be fed by gravity. It therefore needs a distance, known as a 'head', of at least a metre (three feet three inches) between the bottom of the cold water cistern and the pump. The gravity feed serves to kick-start the pump, which then pushes water to the shower. Negative Head Pumps.

How do I choose a shower pump?

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.

Which power shower pump is best?

The top 5 shower pumps on the market

Stuart Turner Showermate Standard S1.8Bar Twin Shower Pump.
Salamander CT50 Xtra 1.5 Bar Twin Impeller Regenerative Positive Head Shower Pump.
Salamander RHP75 2.2 Bar Twin Impeller Positive Head Centrifugal Shower Pump.
Stuart Turner Monsoon Universal 3.0Bar Twin Shower Pump.

What is a universal pump?

A universal shower pump can also be installed into open vented hot and cold systems. A vented system is usually located in the attic (loft). It's the old style water cylinder which uses gravity and a vent pipe to supply the home with hot water.

How do you install a negative shower head pump?

Install Negative Head Pumps

Hot Water Supplies and Connections. The best position for the pump is at the base of the hot water cylinder as close as possible to the cylinder.
Flush Pipe Work Prior To Connecting to the Pump! Once you have connected the supply pipes to the pump it is now time to prime the pump.
That's it happy showering………

What is a positive pressure pump?

A Positive Displacement Pump has an expanding cavity on the suction side and a decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid flows into the pumps as the cavity on the suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity collapses. The volume is a constant given each cycle of operation.

What is negative suction head of a pump?

The pump has to create a pressure below atmospheric so that atmospheric pressure can force the liquid to the pump. When the liquid level in the sump is below the pump centerline, the pump is said to be installed under negative suction head or just negative head.

Will a shower pump make a difference?

A shower pump, on the other hand, will deliver water at a consistent flow, pressure, and temperature. It will give you a completely different experience to a gravity-fed shower. Showering is no longer a rather insipid affair where you're afraid of that sudden excruciating change in water temperature.

What does regenerative pump mean?

A regenerative pump move water so that the flow in and the flow out go in the same direction as the axis of rotation of the impeller. Water movs around the casing surrounding the impeller blades and the energy created is used to draw more water into the pump.

How do you plumb a shower pump?

Never screw your shower pump to the floor. You should always be able to isolate the water supply both to and from the pump. Fit a 22mm full bore isolating valve to the cold water pipe that supplies the pump. Pipework should generally be 22mm to reduce flow resistance to and from the pump.

What type of shower is best?

Electric showers are one of the most versatile types of shower available. Electric showers are ideal if you want to be able to have an instant hot shower, plus they offer the potential for energy savings. Key Features: Needs a good water pressure - either from your mains supply or a shower pump.

How do I reset my shower pump?

You need to turn off the mains power to the pump for a few seconds to reset the pump (there will usually be an isolator switch or fused spur). You then need to open and close the taps to get any air out of the system and allow the pump to return to its normal state.

Are Salamander Pumps any good?

Salamander gave us the most excellent…

They were helpful and very kind and pleasant. They replaced and upgraded our pump with no hassle. Fantastic company.

What does regenerative shower pump mean?

In a regenerative pump, the flow in and the flow out go in the same direction as the axis of rotation of the impeller. Water is propelled around the casing surrounding the impeller blades and the energy created is used to draw more water into the pump.

Can you put a shower pump in the loft?

How To Install a pump in the Loft. The Shower Power Booster can be installed in the loft anywhere on the pipes up there (but not directly on the vent pipe -see diagram). Installing a pump in the loft or above a hot water cylinder is a very good place for a Shower Power Booster Pump for many reasons.

How long do shower pumps last?

8-years

How can I improve the water pressure in my shower?

How to increase water pressure in the shower

Clean your shower head.
Replace the shower head.
Install a shower pump.
Installing a pressurised unvented cylinder.
Install an electric shower with a cold water accumulator tank.
Install a power shower.