Plumbing

mixer tap shower issues (combi boiler mains hot water & gravity fed cold water storage tank)

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.50 PM

Hi there, I'm having a lot of difficulty trying to run a mixer tap shower off the bath taps with my system - hot water from mains water supply via combi boiler, and cold water coming from a communal storage tank in the attic. It's basically either scalding hot, over powering the weaker pressure cold water, or freezing cold, because the hot water is on so low, the boiler stops firing. I know the best solution is to run fully off the mains, and come off the storage tank but the council are the freeholder and have refused permission twice (not given a reason!). I've not given up, and have written to my local councillor about this, but i'm not expecting permission any time soon. In the meantime, a plumber who recommended fitting a pressure equalising valve and completed this in the morning, has unfortunately not made any improvement to the situation. I'm still unable to get a bearable shower temperature. He suggested fitting a new thermostatic mixer tap (I have an old, very basic mixer tap with shower hose fitting) and a shower head that doesn't restrict water flow, and that both should be designed for gravity fed systems. In addition to those fitting an impeller pump under the cold water tap in the bath would also improve things. I've read elsewhere that pressure equalising valves have worked, so I'm a bit puzzled why it hasn't worked for me. Before I add any more expense I would be grateful for any recommendations on my situation, and why this has failed to work. If it is down to the mixer tap, then recommendations on ones for my system, along with shower heads which would suit. Cheers!