Replacing a Shower Pump: The Complete Guide
Finding out you have a broken shower pump can be a nightmare. Thankfully shower pumps can be replaced. So if you need to replace your shower pump, you're in the right place.
This is the complete guide to finding a replacement for a broken shower pump.
So, if you want to:
- Find an exact replacement shower pump
- Find a higher pressure replacement shower pump
- Find an energy-efficient replacement shower pump
Or you want to save money when buying a new shower pump, then you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
Basics of Replacing a Shower Pump
OK, so, if your shower pump just went from full pressure to no pressure, it will likely need to be replaced. However, before you get the spanners out, it’s worth checking that you’ve not got any leaks, airlocks, blocked pump filters or frozen pipes. Check out our dedicated guide to common shower pump problems here.
If you’re pretty sure the shower pump is a goner, then follow these tips to find the right replacement.
I Want a Like-for-Like Replacement Shower Pump
In most cases, you will probably want to switch out the pump for a like-for-like replacement. In this situation, all you need to do is find the pump’s nameplate. It will usually look something like this:
On the nameplate, you will have a variety of information, including a customer service number, the pump name and a voltage rating. You will also find a long number called a SKU.
The SKU is like a unique identification number for each specific pump brand and type. It will look something like this:
If you're happy with a like-for-like replacement, then note down the SKU, give us a ring, and we can use the code to find an exact replacement pump.
Alternatively, simply drop the SKU in the search bar on our website and the search functionality will find you the exact replacement shower pump.
Free Advice
If you’re struggling for advice, ring our dedicated pump experts for free information on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134. We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.
I Want a Higher Pressure Replacement Shower Pump
If you’re looking to upgrade the shower pump for something with a bit more power, then you will need to go a step beyond simply searching the nameplate.
Again, as a first step, you will need to note down the SKU on the front of the pump.
After searching for the pump on our website, you will find the name of the pump, it will look something like this:
What you need to look for now is the final two numbers after the pump name and type. These two numbers will represent the pressure in the unit of “bar”. They will look something like this:
In this case, the pump has “1.5 bar of pressure”.
The “bar” is a metric unit of pressure. One metric “bar” is the most common pressure found in domestic homes. The higher the bar, the more pressure you can expect to experience at the showerhead.
As a simple rule of thumb, we recommend:
- Small flat - 1.5 to 2.0 bars worth of pressure
- Small family (2 Bedroom House) - 2.0 to 3.0 bars of pressure
- A family of four (3 Bedroom House) - 3.0 bars of pressure
- Multiple showers - 3.0 bars of pressure and above
If, for example, you have the 1.5 bar pump mentioned above, then you will want to upgrade to the 2.0 bar pump.
Free Advice
Again, if you’re struggling for advice, feel free to give our dedicated pump experts a ring on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134.
I Want an Energy-Efficient Replacement Shower Pump
Energy efficiency is becoming an important issue for households across the UK. Aside from the environmental factors, electricity is expensive, and shower pumps love to use electricity.
So, if you’d like to lower your bills, then finding an energy-efficient replacement shower pump is a must.
Unfortunately, there's no specific trick to finding an energy-efficient pump. We recommend speaking to one of our pump experts who can provide you with the best recommendations for your specific needs.
How to Save Money When Replacing a Shower Pump
If your shower pump breaks, you don't have to go back to the original manufacturer for a replacement – very often we'll have the exact same pump with a different badge on it for significantly less than the big brand name.
For example, this is a Mira 1.5 bar Twin Ended Pump. If you were to buy this pump, it would cost you £210
However, if you were to buy the Stuart Turner version, you would only pay £94 for the exact same pump.
Look similar?
What you should know:
Big brands don't always make their own pumps.
They buy from the same suppliers we do, put their own badge on it and charge much more.
If you have a pump, and you think you might be paying a little too much for a replacement, call us, and we will give you free advice on what you’re buying and how much it should really cost.
Can a Shower Pump be repaired?
Yes, a shower pump can often be repaired, depending on the nature and extent of the problem. Here are some common issues and potential fixes:
Airlocks:
If air is trapped in the pump, it can cause reduced water flow. Bleeding the pump can resolve this issue.
Blocked Filters:
Clogged filters can impede water flow. Cleaning or replacing the filters can restore proper function.
Worn Seals:
Leaking seals can cause water to escape and reduce pressure. Replacing the seals can fix the leak.
Electrical Problems:
Issues with the power supply or motor can prevent the pump from working. Checking the wiring, connections, and replacing faulty components can resolve electrical problems.
Impeller Issues:
If the impellers are damaged or clogged, they may need cleaning or replacement.
Pressure Switches:
Malfunctioning pressure switches can affect pump operation. These switches may need adjustment or replacement.
While some repairs are simple and can be done by a homeowner, others might require professional assistance. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of your shower pump and ensure it operates efficiently.
Free Advice
If you’re struggling for advice, ring our dedicated pump experts on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134. We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.