Pumps Dublin are part of the well renowned Infinity Electrical Group. At www.ecoelectricheaters.ie, we also provide installations for brand new modern Eco Electric storage heating. If you have an immersion that has a fault and needs to be replaced then visit us at immersion-heater.ie. If you require any other assistance in relation to electrical or plumbing issues, then please contact Infinity electrical group on mobile: 083-1625009 or landline: 01-4458543.
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| Full service on all pump repairs | Guide on how to use your pump
Why Do I Need a Pump?
Many of our Dublin homes have both a heating and hot water system that rely on gravity to push the water around your home, these are known as gravity fed systems. These systems should suffice in most homes but if you have several bath and/or shower installations or live in an apartment block then your quality of shower may be severely diminished by poor and irregular water pressure… that’s where we can help!
We can install and fit a shower pump for you to help improve your water pressure. Shower pumps push water around inside the device which in turn creates pressure which then forces the water out of your tap or shower head more powerfully.
This extra pressure provided by the shower pump can help to fill your bath more quickly and provide you with a more invigorating and powerful shower.
You can boost both your hot and your cold-water supplies by installing a twin shower pump which will boost the supplies to the same level and give you more control over your shower.
How is the Pressure of the Pump Rated?
The typical pumps are evaluated in ‘bar’
1 bar pressure being the equivalent to ten metres static head of water.
The greater the bar rating is, the more pressure there will be and, in the picture, underneath is an over-all level guide:
Low-boost = up to 1.0 bar pressure
Medium boost = up to 2.0 bar pressure
Highest boost = 3.0 bar plus bar pressure
Pump Types
Twin and Single pumps
Twin pumps will enhance equally both the hot and cold-water supply unlike single pumps which only boost individual cold, hot, water that has already been mixed. For single pump systems, we recommend Stuart Turner Monsoon single (standard or universal), Showermate single (standard or universal) or Showermate eco single (standard only). You should consider using one of the following for a twin pump system: Showermate twin (standard or universal) or Stuart Turner Monsoon twin (standard or universal). Our qualified technicians can help you decide which model may be best for you.
Universal Pumps
These pumps can operate in either head set up of negative or positive and to start they will not need a gravity flow and have both a flow and pressure shift. It will start up as soon as there is a drop-in pressure and the switch will sense this and while there is a satisfactory water flowing the flow switch will keep the pump running. After the water flow is turned off, the pump runs for a further 3 seconds to allow the system to start pressurising again. Stuart Turner Universal pumps will function in both Positive and Negative head conditions.
Standard Pumps
These can only operate where there is a positive head set up. It is operated by a flow switch and starts automatically when a gravity flow of water more than 0.6 – 1.0 ltrs/ min through the outlet is detected. The pump will automatically stop running when the flow stops. Stuart Turner Standard pumps are only for use where an open vented Positive head condition exists.
Peripheral Pumps
With these types of pumps, water is circulated and accumulates pressure around the edge of the pump head. Peripheral pumps are very compact and useful as they can withstand high hot water temperatures and air within the system itself better than an equivalent centrifugal pump.
Centrifugal Pumps
A centrifugal pump pulls water into an impeller where rotation then moves the water out under force to generate pressure. These were created to produce steady flow at nominal pressure.
Mains Boost Pumps
A centrifugal pump pulls water into an impeller where rotation then moves the water out under force to generate pressure. These were created to produce steady flow at nominal pressure.
Combination (Combi) boilers
Most newer homes will likely have combi boilers installed. This type of system is a high pressure vented water system. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with your water pressure and you should have no need for a shower pump.
Unvented water heating systems
These systems consist of a metal water tank and wall mounted boiler and are usually found in homes where there is no room for a cold-water tank in the attic.
Positive and Negative heads
The discrepancy that separates a negative and positive head pumps is determined by whether the header tank is above or below the outlet point. If the header tank is above, you have a positive head and if it is below the outlet, you have a negative head.
How do I calculate my water flow?
You can use a measuring jug and a stop watch. Set the stop watch for 60 seconds and run the shower water into the jug to see the amount of water pumped out within the 60 seconds.
Shower Pump with positive head Set Up
If you install your shower head beneath the cold water that is stored in your tank (usually in the attic) and when you use it your flow rate should be a min of zero.6 litres each minute, you will need a shower pump with a positive head to boost the pressure. Positive head pumps are mostly used in houses and negative head pumps tend to be most common in apartments.
We offer an installation and replacement service in Dublin for all types of shower booster pumps.
Shower pump with Negative Set Up
Given that your shower head is positioned side by side or directly above your cold water that is stored in your tank then you will need a head pump that is negative.
Grundfos and Stuart Turner Negative twin head pumps will boost both cold and hot water supply. Monsoon negative head pumps can run off hot or cold water only which is why they are most suited to apartments which can have washing machines that only use cold water.
We service, repair and replace all kinds of apartments and domestic pumps including negative head pumps. Negative head pumps are easy to identify as they have an expansion vessel on top of them which will be either black or silver in colour and are generally found in apartments.
Multiple showers
If you already have a positive head installation you will also be able have a second shower installation with a negative head shower pump.
If you do have poor mains water pressure or have a shower with multiple outlets, you might want to think about investing in a whole-house pump. Call us now to find out more about upgrading your water pressure.
Pump water flow minimum requirements
The minimum water gravity flow required to operate a certain kind of pump will vary as follows:
- Monsoon – 0.6 litres per minute (approx)
Monsoon extra – 0.6 litres per minute (approx) - Showermate – 0.8 litres per minute (approx)
Showermate eco – 0.8 litres per minute (approx) - Techflo qt – 1.0 litres per minute (approx)
Techflo tp – 0.8 litres per minute (approx)
When choosing a pump, the rated pressure should be factored in i.e. installing a 3-bar shower booster pump next to the hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard will be too much.
We would recommend installing a Showermate Eco 2.0 bar pump.
How to pump mixed water from a shower head to a shower faucet
Only a single positive pump can be used here. If your gravity flow is beneath a minimum gravity flow requirement stated underneath, then you may also need to connect an air switch to the pump if this is likely.
Minimum gravity flow requirements:
- Monsoon – 0.6 litres per minute (approx)
Monsoon extra – 0.6 litres per minute (approx) - Showermate – 0.8 litres per minute (approx)
Showermate eco – 0.8 litres per minute (approx) - Techflo qt – 1.0 litres per minute (approx)
Techflo tp – 0.8 litres per minute (approx)
Another option available to you is to use a twin pump that is Universal which will push through the valve. You cannot use a single pump as pumps that are universal will need pressure to start building up in contrast with a shut valve in order for it to close down.
Can we recommend a pump:
Stuart Turner Monsoon 2 Bar (above)
This water pump is one of the best available pumps on the market today. We have installed this type of pump in many apartments and other properties throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas. The Stuart Turner Monsoon 2 Bar is a robust and durable pump that will last for many years and any problems that you may encounter with the pump are usually minor and we can carry out repairs at a low cost and at a time that suits you.
