By Kerry Hale

Shower Pumps: A Buying and Fitting Guide

  • Friday 11 October 2024
  • 4 minute read

Shower pumps are essential parts that ensure showers achieve good water pressure. Having a properly installed shower pump can enhance your bathroom experience, correcting feeble water flow for powerful, pressurised showers.

But how do you know which shower pump is best for your bathroom?

In this guide, we’ll explain how shower pumps work, how to choose the right parts for your shower and how to fit shower pumps properly.

What is a shower pump?

Shower pumps are electrical devices that improve water pressure by increasing the amount of water pumped through your pipes. They’re most useful in homes with low water pressure.

Shower pumps work by taking water from your water supply and spinning it around in a rotating component (called an impeller) to build pressure (imagine a whirlwind of water). When there’s enough pressure, water is sucked from the rotating component to the top of the pump. It leaves the pump with force and flows to your showerhead with increased pressure.

How do I know if I need a shower pump?

Perform this easy water pressure test to determine whether you need a shower pump:

  1. Place a 1-litre measuring jug under the showerhead.
  2. Turn on the shower at full power and start a timer.
  3. Stop the timer when the jug is filled to 1 litre.
  4. Check the timer – if it took more than 6 seconds to fill the jug, you have low water pressure and might benefit from a shower pump.

The types of shower pumps

Before we explore which shower pump you should buy, let’s consider the types available. 

There are two types of shower pumps based on where your water supply is positioned:

  • Positive head shower pumps are for when the water supply is higher than the showerhead.
  • Negative head shower pumps are for when the water supply is below the showerhead.

Two types of shower pumps can be used to boost a hot or cold, or hot and cold water supply:

 

  • Single impeller shower pumps boost either the hot or cold water supply.
  • Twin impeller shower pumps boost both the hot and cold water supply.

Which shower pump should I buy?

The best shower pump for you depends on your water system and shower type. Below are some key considerations when choosing a shower pump.

Things to consider before buying a shower pump

It’s a good idea to start by considering your water system:

  • Gravity-fed water systems work with positive head shower pumps, where the water supply is higher than the showerhead.
  • Combi-boiler systems aren’t compatible with shower pumps – consider a mains-booster pump instead.
  • Unvented systems don’t have a water tank, so they aren’t compatible with shower pumps – consider a mains-booster pump instead.

 

When choosing a shower pump, also consider whether you have a manual mixer, thermostatic mixer or electric shower:

  • Manual mixer showers work best with twin impeller shower pumps.
  • Thermostatic mixer showers work best with twin impeller shower pumps.
  • Electric showers don’t need a shower pump.

 

Pumped digital showers have built-in pumps, which means you won’t need to install one. These showers also let you monitor how much water you use – shop power showers with built-in pumps at Mira Showers.

How to install a shower pump

Discover our step-by-step instructions for installing a shower pump below.

To install a shower pump, you need:

  • Towels
  • Bucket
  • Monkey wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Electrical tester

Step 1: Electrically isolate your pump

Turn off the electricity and remove the fuse. Use your electrical tester to ensure the pump is isolated before continuing.

Step 2: Remove the electric wires from your shower pump

Use a screwdriver to remove the electrical wiring.

Step 3: Turn off the hot and cold water supply

Turn off the hot and cold water supply to ensure your home doesn’t flood.

Step 4: Remove the water connection and the old pump

Unscrew the water connection, using your bucket and towels to catch any excess water. Now, remove the old shower pump.

Step 5: Install your new shower pump

Flush the pipework to get rid of any rubbish. Connect the hot and cold water feed pipes to the pump, following the supplier’s instructions.

Step 6: Plumb your new shower pump

Remove debris by running a bucket of water through the hot and cold water feed pipes. Keep the water running until it’s completely clear. Then, reconnect the connection hoses to the pump.

Step 7: Reconnect the wires and turn on the electricity

Reconnect the power supply you disconnected from your old pump and turn on the electricity.


Mira Showers shower pumps are ideal for low-pressure showers, including mixer showers. Explore our range to improve the water pressure in your home and make the most of your time in the bathroom.

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