Showers are much more pleasant and invigorating when they benefit from decent water pressure, and this usually necessitates a shower pump. However, in some cases this solves the shower problem of low pressure while creating a new problem of noise. If you are struggling with a noisy shower pump, there are a number of things to consider…

In our opinion, there are three shower pump models that stand out for their combination of high performance and low noise levels:

Stuart Turner Monsoon Range

The Stuart Turner Monsoon range is a pump that stands out for its excellent performance and low noise. Stuart Turner use low voltage, brass bodied pumps with anti-vibration feet to guarantee minimal noise.

What makes the Stuart Turner Monsoon Range so quiet?

Nicknamed the “super silent”, the Stuart Turner Monsoon pump has three key features that make this one of quietest shower pumps.

Firstly, this pump uses a low voltage design. The less voltage needed to pump the water, the less the pump will vibrate.

Secondly, the pump is built using brass bodied components. This, again, means less vibration as the brass doesn’t shake as easily with the force of the water.

Finally, all pumps in the Stuart Turner Monsoon range are fitted with anti-vibration feet. This gives you a solid base that absorbs the vibrations generated by the impellers.

How Did the Stuart Turner Monsoon Range Score?

image showing where the stuart turner monsoon range scores on the decible range
Just to stress how quiet these shower pumps are, the average shower pump will score upwards of 80 decibels. In this series of tests, the Stuart Turner Monsoon range scored an amazing 51 decibels. To put that in perspective, that’s only 10 decibels louder than the sound of rainfall.

Salamander CT Force Range

The Salamander CT Force range is one of the quietest pumps on the market. Salamander has a reputation for producing quiet pumps in general, but this particular model includes noise vibration reduction technology.

What makes the Salamander CT Force range so quiet?

Shower pumps will never be silent, but the CT force range is the next best thing. Credited with the QuietMark for the quietest pump within its category, the Salamander benefits from unique, patented NVR (noise vibration reduction) technology. It is also fitted with brass components and a set of the finest anti-vibration feet.

How Did The Salamander CT Force Range Score?

image showing where the salamander CT force range scores on the decible range
Just to stress how quiet these shower pumps are, the average shower pump will score upwards of 80 decibels. In this series of tests, the Salamander CT Force range scored an amazing 46 decibels. The Salamander CT Force range scored the lowest number of decibels, out of any of the pumps, in the tests.

Grundfos Amazon Range

The Grundfos Amazon range represents probably the quietest of the Grundfos pump range. Grundfos pumps are known for their performance and reliability, and the Amazon range of pumps uses both low-noise motors and anti-vibration feet to deliver minimal noise output.


What makes the Grundfos Amazon range so quiet?


Another shower pump with a nickname, the “ultra-quiet”, as it’s known, is undoubtedly the finest pump in the Grundfos collection. Made from the finest brass components, the pump shifts water with ease and does so on a supremely low voltage. All pumps in the Amazon range come with the latest anti-vibration feet to ensure noise is kept to an absolute minimum.


How Did The Grundfos Amazon Range Score?


Just to stress how quiet these shower pumps are, the average shower pump will score upwards of 80 decibels. In this series of tests, the Grundfos Amazon range scored an amazing 54 decibels. That may be the highest score in this article, but please keep in mind that we are dealing with the best performing shower pumps in the market. The Grundfos Amazon is still an incredibly quiet shower pump.

image showing where the grundfos shower pump range scores on the decible range

How do you soundproof a noisy water pump?

One of the most complained about shower pump problems is noise. Ranging from a constant rattle to loud bangs and even excessive vibrations, this is often due to the way in which the shower pump has been installed. While it is difficult to reduce the amount of noise a shower pump makes, without exchanging it for a quieter model, there are a few steps you can take.


Place the Shower Pump on a Concrete Block


A simple and free method, you can try placing the shower pump on a concrete block. The flat concrete surface stops the shower pump from moving and the block should also absorb some of the vibrations generated by the pump.


Think Carefully about the Shower Pump Location


If, for example, the pump is kept in the attic, try not to place the pump directly onto wooden floors. Creaky wood will only exacerbate the problem. Try not to place the shower pump in an empty airing cupboard. Even if the pump only generates 50 decibels worth of the noise, an airing cupboard can make that sound like 200 decibels.


Purchase a Sound Absorption Mat


If the noise from your pump is genuinely annoying you, then why not purchase a sound absorption mat. These fairly priced mats may seem like overpriced rubber, but they are, in fact, highly effective at absorbing vibrations, like the Stuart Turner anti-vibration pad. Made from the same material found in a recording studio, the mats fit easily beneath the pump and can be fitted retrospectively.

Check the Pipes


It is also often worth checking the pipes surrounding a pump and ensuring they are well supported and completely secure. Ensure that any pipework on either side of the pump is properly supported by clips and bends in flexible hoses are kept to a minimum. This can help reduce vibrations in the pipework, which can also be caused by noisy shower pumps.

Build a Sound Insulating Foam Box

Although this won’t stop the vibration noises travelling through the floorboards, it will insulate you from the general hum and buzzing noises that the shower pump will generate. One thing to keep in mind is not to build the foam box too tightly around the shower pump and make sure you fit the box with air vents to help keep the motor cool.

Check the Manufacturer Recommendations


Many plumbers will fit the flexi pipes at 90 degrees because that’s how they’ve been trained to do it and that’s how it “should” be done. For a few pumps, the manufacturer will recommend that the flexi pipe only bends to say 30 degrees for example. See if you can find a manufacturer installation book online. Have a flick through the installation recommendation. This could be the issue exacerbating the noise from your shower pump.


Bleed the Shower Pump


Another issue that can cause nuisance shower pump noise, is air in the system. This can happen occasionally when the pump is not used regularly. If your pump is fitted with a bleed switch then you can bleed the system following the manufacturer instructions. If your pump does not have a bleed switch, then you may need to contact a plumber to bleed the system for you.