Power shower problems

Discussion in 'Plumbers' Talk' started by Annjim, Oct 20, 2021.

  1. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    Can anyone advise. We have had a power shower for more than 10 yrs. When the pump began to fail, our plumber took a photograph of the pump and obtained and fitted identical new pump. It is a Salamander pump. A couple of weeks later the pump stopped working and we contacted Salamander re the problem. Salamander had conversation with our plumber and they concluded that the pump could not work because our cold water tank is only 30gallons. This despite the fact that the previous pump had performed efficiently and had given us long service. We asked the plumber to quote for the necessary work to increase the tank capacity. However our loft access only measures 43cm x 58cm and cannot take a 50 gallon tank. We spoke with Salamander and they will accept 2 x 25gallon tanks aligned level. However our plumber says he cannot source even 25 gallon tanks that can get through our loft space.
    We have no idea where to go next. It feels absolutely crazy that something that has functioned efficiently for more than 10 yrs cannot be replicated.
    Help!!!!
     
  2. just pumps

    just pumps Screwfix Select

    I suspect that the pump whilst looking the same is in fact different, that said the cold water tank would only come in it if it was either empting during use or it is something to do with the height of the tank in relation to the shower head.
    Read or download the installation guide for clues. Also might it be a shower problem rather than a pump problem.
     
  3. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    Thank you for your input. We can only rely on our plumber to have replaced the pump with same. Salamander said their pumps are more sensitive now (is that business speak for 'not as good?').
    We have never had a problem with the cold water tank emptying. It is in loft and additionally on platform giving more height. Only 2 of us in the house and we are never in shower for more than 5mins. Is it worth trying different pump manufacturer - I believe Stuart Turner are possibility. Unfortunately don't have expertise to understand installation instructions. Thought plumber should do that!!
     
  4. terrymac

    terrymac Screwfix Select

    How long did the pump work perfectly well ,before you had a problem ?
    And what exactly is the problem ,does it fail to start ,or starts ok but stops part way through showering ?
     
  5. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    The original Salamander pump worked perfectly for years (hard to be sure but at least 8yrs). Then it started to periodically refuse to kick in. For a while lowering the shower head briefly solved the problem but eventually that didn't work. At this point we called plumber who fitted new supposedly identical pump. That pump stopped working after 2 weeks at which point the consultation with Salamander started and they said we needed 50 gallon cold water storage tank. The shower never cuts out once it has started.
     
  6. just pumps

    just pumps Screwfix Select

    Hold hose up in normal postion with the shower head removed to see what happens and being more sensitive is NOT business speak for not as good!
     
  7. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    Have you had the electrical connections checked???

    Assuming it is an integrated pump.

    I use mine Mira Event without the pump and it still gives a lovely shower without power. Personal preference tho.
     
  8. terrymac

    terrymac Screwfix Select

    So the pump worked fine for two weeks and now it doesn't start sometimes , but sometimes it does start and runs continually while showering. Is this an accurate summary of your problem ?
    If it is ,that's exactly the same issue that your original pump had was it not ?
    " Periodically refusing to kick " you stated.
     
  9. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    Pretty much except when the second pump stopped kicking in it never started again.......and that was 2 weeks after installation. Neither of the pumps ever stopped mid shower. Getting it to start was the problem.......the original pump started with the problem after 8yrs.......the replacement after 2 weeks.!! We cannot see why the first pump worked fine for 8 yrs with a 25 gallon tank but now Salamander say we have to have 50 gallons. The supply of water has never been the problem.
     
  10. terrymac

    terrymac Screwfix Select

    They may have drawn the wrong conclusion . It sounds like you have a restricted flow ,and it's insufficient to trigger the pump. Can you remove the shower head and hose from your shower valve ,turn on and see if pump triggers ?
    Show us a picture of your shower.
     
  11. just pumps

    just pumps Screwfix Select

    Have you tried this yet.
     
  12. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    Thanks for your suggestion. We have also been speaking with Salamander and we are going to do a flow test in the morning. After that we will remove shower head and hose and try the pump. I will also take a photo of shower. Please watch this space.
    Our plumber is not offering further help at the moment............and he is reputable company not just odd job man. We feel a bit abandoned!!
     
  13. dcox

    dcox Screwfix Select

    What’s the approximate vertical distance between the bottom of the storage tank in your loft and the shower handset in its usual position?

    Is your pump a positive head, negative head or universal spec?
     
  14. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    Not yet. The power pump is currently disconnected. We will be trying in the morning......see my last post.
     
  15. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    It is approx 4.5 ft from bottom of tank to normal shower head position. It is a positive head.
     
  16. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    So, today we did flow rate test suggested by Salamander. The shower, without pump, delivers 1litre cold water in 19sec, 1 litre hot water in 15sec and 1 litre mixed in 15sec. On that basis Salamander recommend Universal pump 1.5bar CT Force 1.5 TV will work off a 25 gallon storage tank.
    Any suggestions as to best way we can find plumber who can fit? I am not asking for names.....just guidance as to how to seek reputable plumber.
     
  17. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    We removed shower head this morning and turned pump on. It did not trigger the pump. Photo of shower attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  18. Annjim

    Annjim New Member

    For anyone interested in hearing the end of this story.......We tried all the solutions suggested and nothing worked. So.......we rang Stuart Turner, explained that Salamander said we needed 50 gallon cold water tank and asked if they could recommend one of their pumps that would operate with a 25 gallon tank. It needed to power one shower only and only two people living in the house. They recommended one of their pumps. We purchased it from a local supplier for £140, contacted a plumber (not our original plumber) who fitted it for £40. We now have a perfectly functioning power shower which incidentally is much quieter than the original Salamander pump.
    Surely our original plumber (who has still not got back to us) should have been capable of doing all the investigating we did?
     
  19. jonathanc

    jonathanc Guest

    yes i agree they should have investigated as you did. TBH i am not a fan of salamander stuff - had a pump fail after a couple of years - switched to grundfos, made in china - much better quality...
     
  20. just pumps

    just pumps Screwfix Select

    Would you know the model of the new pump.
     

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