What is a Regenerative Shower Pump?
A regenerative shower pump is designed to deal with air that can accumulate in your system. They are quieter than centrifugal pumps and are better suited for installation when pipework is complicated by many bends.
They’re usually sited close to the shower but can be installed below the hot water tank in the loft. They also help ensure your shower is properly balanced by boosting flow to both hot and cold supplies.
What is a Regenerative Shower Pump?
A Regenerative Shower Pump is a type of shower power booster that helps improve your water pressure by adding extra energy to the system. They are a great way to boost the flow of your shower, especially if you're looking to increase your water pressure in an existing system or want to install a new system without needing a plumber to do it for you.
There are several different types of shower pumps on the market, and it can be confusing to choose the right one for your needs. To help make things a little easier, we've broken down the key features of each pump type so you can make an informed decision.
First, let's look at the type of impeller that the pump uses. Generally speaking, there are two types of impeller: centrifugal and regenerative. Each type of impeller works differently to boost the pressure of your water system, so you'll need to decide which type will best suit your setup.
* Centrifugal shower pumps - This is the most common type of shower pump. They work by flinging the water around a chamber inside the pump, building pressure along the way. However, these aren't as quiet or efficient as regenerative pumps and can prove problematic if air gets into the system.
They can also be noisy, so it's important to find a good quality pump that's designed to be quiet and easy to install. Regenerative pumps are more popular as they're cheaper to buy and often work well in environments with bendy pipework.
Another consideration is the location of your pump. A positive head pump will only work in gravity-fed systems, where the cold water tank is above or at a similar height to the shower head. The water will automatically be drawn from the cold water tank to the pump, where it'll then be pumped to the outlet point of your shower.
Alternatively, you can install a negative head shower pump in a gravity-fed hot water system where the outlet is below the cold water tank. This is usually a good option when there's minimal or no pressure at the shower outlet, as it will start to pump once gravity draws water from the cold water tank to the shower.
What are the Benefits of a Regenerative Shower Pump?
If you have a shower and are feeling frustrated with the amount of water you're getting from it then there's one solution that might be right for you. A regenerative shower pump can help to boost your water pressure and make the experience much more enjoyable.
A regenerative pump works by gathering water from your pipes and building up discharge pressure as the water flows around the internal pump channels. They can be quieter than centrifugal pumps and can be more affordable to buy as well.
Regenerative shower pumps are also more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills in the long run as they use less water than standard models. If you're thinking of buying a regenerative pump then it's worth knowing a bit more about the different types that are available to you.
There are two main types of regenerative shower pump: those that use an impeller and those that don't. You'll need to choose based on the type of installation that you have and what pressure is needed in your pipes.
* Centrifugal shower pumps - These pumps use an impeller to draw in water and thrust it out towards the shower under higher pressure; created by centrifugal force. They are incredibly efficient and can be quieter than regenerative pumps.
They can be used to boost the flow of both hot and cold water, and are mostly used on positive head systems (meaning that they can pump both the hot and the cold water feeds). These pumps can also deliver a more controlled mixing ability to your shower valve, so you'll have more control over the mix of your water.
It's also a good idea to consider the flow rate that you need. A higher flow rate means more litres of water per minute that can be pumped out of the pipe.
You'll also need to think about whether you want a single or twin impeller shower pump. The single impeller shower pump is designed to boost the flow of one side of your shower system (hot or cold), whereas the twin impeller can boost both sides.
How do Regenerative Shower Pumps Work?
When you take a shower, nothing beats that feeling of clean, warm water lathering up your body. The ability to wash away your worries and invigorate your spirit is truly a luxury and one that many of us take for granted. But, if you're experiencing low water pressure and/or a trickling shower, it's worth considering a regenerative shower pump to boost your supply.
A regenerative shower pump works by using a water wheel impeller to increase water pressure within the system. Water enters the pump through an inlet and spins round inside the impeller, building up higher pressure and forcing it out through the outlet.
There are two types of regenerative pumps: the centrifugal variety and the regenerative twin impeller type. Both of these are available at QS Supplies and both have been proven to work well for many users.
The centrifugal method of increasing pressure is quieter and more efficient than a regenerative pump, so it's often chosen for installations with multiple bathrooms. However, the downside is that it can be noisy as the impellers (like an aeroplane engine) can make a lot of vibrations.
Another benefit of the centrifugal pump is that it's much more reliable, as it uses a motor to drive the impellers. It's also much more durable and can handle a greater flow rate than the regenerative type, making it ideal for larger installations.
Regenerative pumps are also much more cost-effective than centrifugal options. This means they're a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners, and you can find them at a reasonable price here at QS Supplies.
As with any product, it's a good idea to check out reviews and performance ratings. These will give you a good indication of the quality and reliability of the product.
If you're looking to install a regenerative pump, it's important to choose one with a duty cycle that matches your needs. Some pumps will only operate when you're showering, while others will run constantly. This is important if you're a family with children who may need to use the showers frequently.
It's also vital that the shower pump you select is compatible with your plumbing system. Unlike unvented systems which tap directly into the mains, a power shower will need to be connected to a header tank or cistern in order to function. This is usually located in the attic of a home and should be 600mm below the cold water tank.
Is a Regenerative Shower Pump Right for Me?
If you have low pressure in your shower system and need a way to boost it, then a Regenerative Shower Pump could be just the thing. They can help make your shower more powerful, giving you better performance without having to spend a fortune on water bills!
Regenerative Shower Pumps come in a range of styles and sizes, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. They work by taking both hot and cold water from your home's pipes, and boosting it to a higher pressure.
They can also increase the water flow to your shower head, so you'll be able to get more out of each spray. Regenerative pumps are generally quieter than centrifugal pumps and can be easily located in an attic or loft space to reduce noise.
You should always check the size of the pipework in your home's system to make sure you're able to fit your new pump. Many of the smaller pumps on our list are fitted with piping connections of 15mm, but there are a few larger ones that have a 22mm connection to suit larger pipes.
Choosing the right pump can be confusing, with so many types on offer. This is why we have put together a handy guide that will help you to decide which type of shower pump is best for your situation.
When it comes to choosing the right pump, you'll want to consider whether you need a single or twin impeller pump. If you only need to improve the pressure of one feed, then a single impeller pump is ideal. However, if your home's water supply isn't well balanced and you need to boost both hot and cold water supplies equally, then a twin impeller pump is the best option for you.
The next factor to consider is whether you want a centrifugal or regenerative pump. In a centrifugal pump, the water enters a chamber from the centre and is flung outwards by the impeller's rotation.
Regenerative pumps work differently and use a water wheel impeller to increase the water pressure to your shower. These pumps are usually the cheapest and are also less noisy than centrifugal models, but they may not be as effective as other more expensive options.