By Kerry Hale

How to Bleed a Shower Pump

  • Tuesday 10 October 2024
  • 2 minute read

Shower pumps can increase water pressure in low-pressure systems, providing a better showering experience. But is your shower pump pulsing or doesn’t start straight away? Find troubleshooting advice and learn how to bleed a shower pump in our step-by-step guide.

How does a shower pump work?

Shower pumps take water from your hot and cold systems, boosting the pressure to the desired level. They are often installed in lower-pressure gravity-fed systems but can’t be used on mains-pressure systems. A shower pump will improve water pressure, giving you a better showering experience. However, more water is used when a shower pump is installed.

Why do you need to bleed a shower pump?

Bleeding your shower pump will keep it running efficiently and improve its lifespan. Regular maintenance can minimise the risk of significant and costly problems, like a broken pump.

When to bleed your shower pump

If the water pressure drops, the shower temperature fluctuates, the flow rate decreases, or the pump starts pulsing or making a lot of noise, there could be an airlock in the system. Bleeding your shower pump may fix the problem.

Step-by-step guide to bleeding a shower pump

To bleed your shower pump, you’ll need a pair of pliers and some towels to catch any water drips. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Before you begin, ensure the pump is switched off. If you can’t locate or access the power switch, turn the electricity off at the mains.
  2. Remove the showerhead from the hose using your pliers.
  3. Turn the shower’s temperature dial to cold and run the water for around 5 minutes.
  4. Then, turn the temperature dial to hot and run the water for another 5 minutes.
  5. Switch the water off and place the hose and showerhead in the bathtub or a bucket, leaving them to drain for 15-20 minutes. 
  6. Re-assemble your showerhead and switch the power back on to test the pump. If the problem persists (whether noise, pulsing, fluctuating temperature or low pressure), it’s likely that an airlock wasn’t causing the issue and you may need a new pump.

How long should a shower pump last?

Shower pumps should last around eight years before they need replacing, with little maintenance required throughout their lifespan. However, if you have repeated problems with your pump, it may need replacing sooner. Discover Mira’s range of shower pumps to enhance the water pressure and flow in your mixer shower.

Looking for more tips and advice? Learn how to install a shower pump in our guide.

You may also be interested in: