Question category:
Plumbing
Anonymous user 26 April 2013 - 6.38 PM
Hello, We have installed a thermostatic shower rail to our shower room. The shower rail has a big shower head (which is fixed to the wall) and there is a small shower hose. http://www.serenebathrooms.com/Showers-Shower_Rails_With_Thermo_Control/c132_197/p2671/Orca_Square_Thermostatic_Shower_Rail_Kit/product_info.html We have fitted a positive shower pump to the hot feed. There is good hot pressure to the small shower head, but no hot water comes out of the big head. I have also put the small shower head to the level of where the big shower head is, and hot water still comes out. If I turn the thermostat to cold, then the cold water comes out from either the big or small shower head. This is in an ex council flat. The cold water tank is fixed to the wall at the highest point in the kitchen (hidden in a kitchen cupboard!). Someone has suggested that we may have the wrong pump and should have gone for negative. What I don't understand is why the hot water is activated with the small shower head, but not with the big shower head. Is there a possibility that there is a fault with the shower (air lock or even a faulty lock)?. Lastly to switch from the small to the big shower head, I need to turn the left inside valve (clockwise for big and anti for small). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Marie
View the link below, it will assist you in identifying whether you have the correct type pump installed, the link is to a UK shower pump manufacturer. (You will need Adobe Reader installed to view it) http://www.stuart-turner.co.uk/media/136776-SystemsPressurePumpsTypes.pdf copy & paste above url into your web browser
Answered
27 April 2013
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It will still be classed as negative head, even though you lift to rain head height the outlet for the hand held is still down low, what happens when you start on hand held then switch to rain head? If nothing still, I would say faulty diverter for your new set up, just a process of elimination. Hope that helps
Answered
20 February 2014
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The simple answer to this is that if it is incorrectly installed, get a qualified plumber to fix!
Answered
29 April 2013
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Abbey Wood, LondonHi I don’t think there’s problems with divert valve in to shower mixer. Could you please try to lift the hand held shower without the running same high is other shower head then open up shower mixer to hand held shower. If there’s nothing coming up then you have got the wrong shower pump. Hope this will help what to do next thanks good luck.
Answered
9 September 2019
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may be blockage in the restrictor that is normally where the big head joins the chrome pipe
Answered
1 May 2020
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No reviews yet
WisbechHi, it sounds like you have mains pressure cold and pumped hot water, so not only do you have a huge pressure differential, you probably also have a combined cylinder ? a small hot water tank with cold water on the top hot on the bottom ? if you do (and in my experience in flats you will have) its not supposed to have a pump on it there isn't enough stored water to run a pump, it should have 50 gallons as a minimum to even consider a pump. .. also you have a positive head when you need negative, a quick test is .... don't turn the shower on, but raise the small head up to the ceiling, does it turn on ? if it doesn't you have the wrong pump ! it may be an idea to get a local guy in to have a look and assess it for you , just make sure he knows his pumps! Taz..Mr Plumb
Answered
7 December 2020
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You will need a twin pump. To bring water in equal balance . A single pump is just that . For 1 single water supply. Not for twin outlets.
Answered
21 June 2021
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It sounds like you have a complex shower setup with both a big fixed shower head and a small shower hose, and you're experiencing issues with hot water distribution. There could be several reasons for this problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps: Balancing the Pressure: Your positive shower pump may be creating more pressure on the hot water side, which could explain why you're getting hot water from the small shower head but not the big one. To address this, you might need a pressure-balancing valve or a shower pump that's designed to work with both hot and cold equally. Shower Diverter Valve: The valve you're using to switch between the small and big shower heads might not be functioning correctly. If it's not diverting the water flow properly, it could result in the issue you described. You might want to check the valve for any debris or obstructions and ensure it's installed correctly. Pump Compatibility: It's possible that the positive pump you've installed is not well-suited for this specific shower setup. Positive pumps are typically used for boosting water pressure, while negative pumps are used to create a vacuum and remove airlocks. If your issue persists, you might want to consult with a professional plumber to determine if a different type of pump is necessary. Airlocks: Airlocks can indeed disrupt water flow. Ensure that there are no airlocks within the shower system. If you suspect an airlock, you can try venting the system to release trapped air. Thermostatic Valve Adjustment: Your thermostatic valve might require adjustment. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model to ensure it's properly set to the desired temperature for both the big and small shower heads. Professional Inspection: If you're unable to identify and resolve the issue, it's advisable to consult a professional plumber. They can assess your setup, including the pump, valve, and any potential issues with the shower unit itself. Regarding the suggestion to use a negative pump, it's important to understand the specific requirements of your shower setup and consult with a professional to determine if switching to a different type of pump is necessary. Keep in mind that working with plumbing and water systems can be complex and may require the expertise of a qualified plumber to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Answered
13 October 2023
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