Power Shower Problems
Turbo Mini Forums

I have a power shower in my En suite. It's all properly connected (i.e. hot water from top of hot water tank, cold from header tank) and works ok.

The problem is that every morning when I switch it on, there is no hot water at the shower. The pump then runs overtime to suck the water through (typically 10 or 20 seconds). After that, it's fine. There is no leak that I can find. All I can think it that the other hot water taken from the same feed as the shower is emptying the pipe.

I reckon that a one-way valve will stop this, but not sure if I can fit one on the feed to the power shower. Anyone know?

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What type of pump is it? Is it a pump with a separate mixer shower or is it a full digital unit like the aqualisa ones? Also you say its properly connected to the hot water can you elaborate is it connected via an s flange or essex flange direct to the cylinder or just tapped into existing pipework? In general, assuming the pump is ok, its air that causes the problems from airated water in the top of the cylinder hence the need for a s or Essex flange, its not always something that causes a problem from day 1 either, nothing wrong with putting an pair or automatic air vents on hot and cold, after the pump and at the highest point, I would not put a check valve(one way) in.

Ta Oli

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

The shower is a self contained pump unit in the shower cubicle, on the wall. The supply is just tapped into the existing pipework.

Not sure about the flange. There is a metereing type vale on the feed it's tapped from. It's always worse in the winter when you need more hot water mixed in.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

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I've purchased a non return valve for 1/2" pipe and the spring loaded paddle created a massive pressure drop in the line. I'd expect due to the small bore pipe a one way valve may be too restrictive what i did was get a bigger nrv and reduce down to your size (15mm) if you have the space..

Edited by mossy2a on 4th Nov, 2012.

right so it sounds like a fully contained unit, ie similar looking to and electric shower in apperance with the pump inside in instead? Discounting the pump it still sounds like an issue with air, would you like me to pop over at some point give a quick diagnosis?

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

Try running the shower last thing at night an then again first thing in the morning before you touch any other taps. At least then you will know if the other user points, particularly those downstairs are effectively drawing air in to the shower line. Also as Mike said, the shower should really be on its own feed on the side of the cylinder. And not drawn off the top as per a typical domestic install.

Edited by Andy500 on 4th Nov, 2012.