Monthly Archives: February 2016

Silence is rare these days. We spend our lives surrounded by media noise, traffic noise and people chatting loudly on mobile phones. At work, at home, on holiday - even when we take a shower, we are surrounded by noise. Many homeowners install a shower pump to improve the flow of water in their showers, but these pumps can be noisy as well as efficient. An improved flow of water, however, doesn’t have to mean a racket that you can hear throughout the entire house. Pump Sales Direct are on hand to answer your FAQs about noisy shower pumps.

Finding the right manufacturer

No shower pump is totally silent, but some shower pumps are quieter than others. If you’re thinking of installing one, our expert suppliers here at Pump Sales Direct can help. We can advise you about the best kind of pump that you should buy. Obviously, the more expensive pumps tend to be quieter as well as more efficient than the budget-friendly ones, but modern pump manufacturers are aware that noise can be a problem. They use more innovative materials and manufacturing techniques across a range of their products. Brass, for example, vibrates more quietly than some of the materials used in cheaper or older pumps. Modern pumps can be rested on anti-vibration pads to dampen the noise they make.

The solution to your noisy shower pump

If you’ve already got a shower pump, there are ways to minimise the noise that it makes. If you put your pump on a concrete block, it will make less noise than if it rests on a hollow surface such as a wooden floor. You can purchase anti-vibration pump mounting pads, which will further reduce noise from vibration - so will making sure that all the pipes around your shower are firmly and securely supported.

Silence can be good for your mental and your physical health. Although your daily shower will never be silent, a good shower pump can ensure that it is a quieter and more peaceful experience no matter how hectic the rest of your day is.

Check out our range of the top quiet shower pumps here at Pump Sales Direct and enjoy your morning wash in peace.

If you’re shopping around to buy a new shower pump, it is normal to be somewhat confused by all the different types available. However, once you get to grips with the subject, it’s actually a lot simpler than you might think to choose the ideal pump for your particular set-up.

Positive or Negative Shower Pump?

In basic terms, pumps such as those available at Pump Sales Direct break down into two main categories. First, you need to select either a positive or a negative shower pump. Next, you must choose between a single impeller or a twin impeller. In both cases, these decisions will be based on how your water system is laid out.

A positive head pump will require a gap of at least 50cm between the showerhead and the bottom of the cistern. This is because this type of pump uses gravity to kickstart the impeller, ensuring that both cold and hot water can be pumped efficiently. Conversely, a negative head will be required in situations where the pump for your shower is to be set either at the same level as your cold water tank or above it, thereby enabling it to suck the water out from the tank.

Single or Twin Impeller?

As far as impellers go, a single impeller is only able to pump from one water supply - in most instances, this will be the hot water. Pumps of an older age are often single impeller plus negative head, a combination that is likely to result in pipe freeze during the colder months. These are best avoided if possible.

Twin impellers are a more modern alternative and can pump from both the hot and cold water supplies. In an ideal scenario, pumps of this type should be located in an airing cupboard because they can be noisy. A twin impeller is recommended in most circumstances these days. However, if your water supply is consistent, which is often the case if your home is located on a hill, you could consider fitting a single impeller on your hot water supply.

Regenerative or Centrifugal Shower Pump?

Finally, you will need to consider whether you require a regenerative or centrifugal shower pump. As the name suggests, water is moved by centrifugal force in a centrifugal pump. With a regenerative pump, the water flow follows the impeller rotation. There are pros and cons to both systems. A regenerative pump is best if you are looking for a cheaper option or plan to set your pump in an attic or loft. On the other hand, centrifugal pumps are far quieter, which could be a consideration depending on where you are planning to place it.

Do you have a better understanding to what shower you need? Shop online now.

If the water flow of your home shower is sluggish, installing a shower pump can boost the water pressure. Despite the efficiency of shower pumps, one of their drawbacks is that they can be noisy. Although completely eliminating noise from a shower pump is impossible, as the pump mechanism produces vibrations when being used, some pumps are a lot quieter than others.

Say Goodbye to Noisy Shower Pumps

There are lots of reasons why you will want to buy a quiet shower pump. For a start, a noisy pump can be irritating and in some cases may disturb the sleep of household members if the shower is used at unsociable times. Rather than being a pleasant experience, you may find a noisy shower pump can make showering stressful. You'll also want your shower pump to do its job without being reminded of its presence every time you turn the shower on.

Noisy shower pumps are usually a feature of cheap brands, so it's often worth spending a bit more for a quiet pump that doesn't draw attention to itself. Leading manufacturers have recognised the importance of producing quiet shower pumps and have incorporated the latest technology to reduce vibrations and make pumps as noise-free as possible without compromising on efficiency.

Quiet Shower Pump Brands

Pump Sales Direct sells a range of shower pumps from leading brands that are recommended for their quietness. Grundfos Amazon positive or negative pumps are renowned for being quiet, making use of innovative brass impellers to reduce vibration and noise. For those who relish a noise-free environment, the Stuart Turner Monsoon range of shower pumps are also hard to beat. Low-voltage pumps, anti-vibration feet and brass bodies all keep noise output to a minimum. Top brand Salamander is famed for the efficiency and quietness of its shower pumps, with the Salamander CT Force ranges among the quietest on the market today. Available in positive or negative, the CT Force has been made with quietness in mind, so you can expect technology that keeps vibration and noise to an all-time low.

If the noise of your shower pump is driving you mad, it can be worth consulting Pump Sales Direct to discuss options for quieter pumps. There are also several ways you can help to reduce noise impact, such as choosing where you place it. Hollow materials such as timber increase vibrations, whilst placing it on a concrete block or mounting pad can dampen noise levels.

Don’t put up with that noisy shower pump any longer! Contact our expert team today.

Shower pumps are designed to last for many years without requiring a large amount of maintenance. However, there are areas that may need looking at to ensure that your pump continues to operate smoothly.

At Pump Sales Direct we have an extensive knowledge of the plumbing sector, especially around the operation of shower pumps. We want to ensure that you get the best from your pump, so here we look at five common problems with shower pumps and how they can be resolved.

1. Blocked Pump Filters

When there is poor water flow from your shower head, you should ensure that it has been cleaned and descaled properly. However, if this hasn’t helped, it could be that the filter within the pump has become blocked. This is often the case in areas that have hard water, or it could be due to debris getting into the filter during installation.

Before you start, you need to switch off the service valves and ensure the electrical supply to the pump is disconnected. The filters need to be removed and then gently cleaned. They are usually positioned behind the pipes connected to the impellers. Once they've been replaced, you can reconnect the pump and refill it.

2. Airlocks

Another common problem with shower pumps is airlocks, which can restrict the flow. To remove the air, the pump will need bleeding. Switch off the pump’s electrical supply, and turn on the shower mixer and other taps that the pump feeds to empty the water and then switch them off again. The pump can be vented directly by taking the connection pipes out once the valves have been turned off.

3. A Noisy Shower Pump

Noisy pumps are not just inconvenient; they can also be a sign of a more worrying problem. The noise could indicate that the pump is jammed and not allowing the impellers to rotate. This could be a result of limescale building up in hard-water areas, the seals could be stuck or there could be an electrical issue.

Older pumps can also become noisy due to where they are positioned or a problem with the pipes. The pump should have anti-vibration feet fitted, and the pipework needs to be properly supported.

4. A Cold Pump

Shower pumps will not perform efficiently if they get too cold, so it’s important to protect it with insulation. This will stop it bursting or becoming damaged in freezing weather.

5. A Leaking Pump

The seals on pumps can deteriorate after a period of time. If your pump begins to leak, it could be that they need replacing.

Shop our full range of shower pumps online at Pump Sales Direct.