Electric Shower Pressure Query

[Dave1UK]

Hi,

We are renting and have a electric shower downstairs (extension) - a 9.5kW Triton T80Z fast-fit electric shower as well as a combi boiler Viessmann Vitodens 100-W B1KC 35 kW. Upstairs is a standard shower/bath direct from boiler.

Our family members tend to use the downstairs electric shower and have been recently complaining about the water pressure. We are well aware that if any water outlet is being used in combination then there is a drop in pressure at both ends - for whatever reason. This has occurred at times when only the shower is being used though. I performed a approximate water pressure test using a 1L jug and a time of 6 seconds, results where when the electric shower heating element is essential off not operational i.e. cold then the pressure is 7.5L/min @ 0.75 bar. When at a reasonable temperature it is 6L/min @ 0.6 bar.

The electric shower is rated for 8L/min @ 1 bar. So I guess we are slight off?

The main query is whether there is anything that can be done to increase the water pressure, I read that due to having a combi boiler a water pump isn't possible, hence the electric shower route I'm assuming?

Also would an upgrade to the 10.5kW version with everything as is just a swap out make any difference as it's rated with a higher flow rate? I am aware that a new electric cable may need to be fed depending on the current setup however if there would be no improvement due to being bottle necked by the water pressure there wouldn't be a point.

Appreciate any help/advice.

 

[brianmoooore]

An undersize cable would not affect the power delivered to the shower on such a short run, and a 'poor connection' would quickly show itself by burning out the joint and cooking any insulation present.
I'm fairly convinced that what we have here is an expectation that an electric shower will be a match for a well installed conventional one, which just isn't going to happen.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I agree with Brian, I think the unit is operating as it should be, just it's not living up to expectations.

 

[brianmoooore]

@Dave1UK Are you certain that the shower head in use is the one that was supplied with the shower?

 

[nicebutdim]

I personally rarely use the electric shower downstairs but have previously and to me it worked fine. However after the complaints from family members thought I'd investigate.

Could the issue simply be one of urealistic expectations from family members comparing one shower with the other?

I feel the same after spending time in a hotel, then returning home to less than desirable water pressure.

 

[Not Mike]

.

 

[Not Mike]

Hi,

We are renting and have a electric shower downstairs (extension) - a 9.5kW Triton T80Z fast-fit electric shower as well as a combi boiler Viessmann Vitodens 100-W B1KC 35 kW. Upstairs is a standard shower/bath direct from boiler.

Our family members tend to use the downstairs electric shower and have been recently complaining about the water pressure. We are well aware that if any water outlet is being used in combination then there is a drop in pressure at both ends - for whatever reason. This has occurred at times when only the shower is being used though. I performed a approximate water pressure test using a 1L jug and a time of 6 seconds, results where when the electric shower heating element is essential off not operational i.e. cold then the pressure is 7.5L/min @ 0.75 bar. When at a reasonable temperature it is 6L/min @ 0.6 bar.

The electric shower is rated for 8L/min @ 1 bar. So I guess we are slight off?

The main query is whether there is anything that can be done to increase the water pressure, I read that due to having a combi boiler a water pump isn't possible, hence the electric shower route I'm assuming?

Also would an upgrade to the 10.5kW version with everything as is just a swap out make any difference as it's rated with a higher flow rate? I am aware that a new electric cable may need to be fed depending on the current setup however if there would be no improvement due to being bottle necked by the water pressure there wouldn't be a point.

Appreciate any help/advice.

How are you measuring the water pressures of 0.75 and 0.6 bar?

a flow rate of 6 litres per minute should be enough for a shower. Are your family members used to a high rate of flow from a power shower in a previous property?
I have a TZ80 10.5 kw shower in 2nd floor bathroom. Just used it and measured clip flow rate. I get 1 litre in 10 sec, 6litre a minute. we find that fine. Not measured flow rate when hot. Electrical Power is on the lowest of the two settings. I suspect could increase rate of flow by opening the main stop tap more … it’s not fully opened, but I’m happy with the flow rate.

 

[brianmoooore]

I suspect could increase rate of flow by opening the main stop tap more … it’s not fully opened, but I’m happy with the flow rate.

Main stop cock of any property should be fully open, less a few degrees to help stop it sticking. Flow rate to any individual appliances should be controlled by its local isolator.

 

[Dave1UK]

@Dave1UK Are you certain that the shower head in use is the one that was supplied with the shower?

Unfortunately can't be 100% sure as it's a rented property.

How are you measuring the water pressures of 0.75 and 0.6 bar?

a flow rate of 6 litres per minute should be enough for a shower. Are your family members used to a high rate of flow from a power shower in a previous property?
I have a TZ80 10.5 kw shower in 2nd floor bathroom. Just used it and measured clip flow rate. I get 1 litre in 10 sec, 6litre a minute. we find that fine. Not measured flow rate when hot. Electrical Power is on the lowest of the two settings. I suspect could increase rate of flow by opening the main stop tap more … it’s not fully opened, but I’m happy with the flow rate.

As per below method:

I performed a approximate water pressure test using a 1L jug and a time of 6 seconds, results where when the electric shower heating element is essential off not operational i.e. cold then the pressure is 7.5L/min @ 0.75 bar. When at a reasonable temperature it is 6L/min @ 0.6 bar.

I ran the test several times and same results throughout.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anyhow I have spoken to my family members and they all agreed, going to go ahead and buy a new unit like for like replacement. This unit is definitely few years old 4+. They are aware it may be an improvement or no improvement at all, guess will have to bite the bullet on this. As it will come with the shower head meant for the unit as well that would resolve that. Will update the post as soon as that is done and report of any improvement if any. Appreciate all of the advice from everyone!

 

[littlespark]

Your landlord should be replacing it, not you.

 

[nicebutdim]

Your landlord should be replacing it, not you.

Can't imagine too many landlords would offer to replace a working shower.

 

[littlespark]

Can't imagine too many landlords would offer to replace a working shower.

It doesn’t work though.

If the pressure used to be good, now it’s not…. Then there’s a problem.

It needs looked at properly. What’s the point of getting a new shower if there’s a blockage elsewhere in the pipework as some have suggested.

No harm in asking.

 

[DPG]

Can't imagine too many landlords would offer to replace a working shower.

Doesn't matter - a tenant should not be changing things like showers without permission.

 

[Dave1UK]

Your landlord should be replacing it, not you.

Can't imagine too many landlords would offer to replace a working shower.

It doesn’t work though.

If the pressure used to be good, now it’s not…. Then there’s a problem.

It needs looked at properly. What’s the point of getting a new shower if there’s a blockage elsewhere in the pipework as some have suggested.

No harm in asking.

Doesn't matter - a tenant should not be changing things like showers without permission.

We are on good terms with our landlord, the rent we are paying is extremely fair in comparison to rents in our area. Landlord hasn't hiked the rent up either (over 2 years). Spending a bit here and there on the house upkeep especially on things/appliances which I personally view as wear and tear appliances isn't an issue - of course there is a limit, I wouldn't be paying for a new boiler. Also considering we plan on renting here long-term (few more years at least) of course landlord could change their mind tomorrow but it is what it is.

Landlord is made aware of any issues, if it's something I can manage I go ahead, if not I tell them to call in someone. I personally document all the work as well, i.e. issues/before photos/after photos/receipts etc. Not that I foresee it but I see that as bargaining chips if discussion of rent was to ever come up.

 

[littlespark]

It’s an unusual, but wholly positive arrangement you have with your landlord.

We tend to get a lot of nightmare story’s on the forum of landlord that don’t give two hoots about tenant safety, and many of us jump to conclusions that the landlords in question are shirking doing the work.

I’m happy to learn otherwise here.


But I will advise not to blindly upsize the power of the shower without first checking the circuit is up to it… this includes the breaker, cable and isolator switch

 

[nicebutdim]

It doesn’t work though.

If the pressure used to be good, now it’s not…. Then there’s a problem.

It needs looked at properly. What’s the point of getting a new shower if there’s a blockage elsewhere in the pipework as some have suggested.

No harm in asking.

It does work and OP isn't even certain that anything is wrong - just that other family members aren't happy with water flow

Doesn't matter - a tenant should not be changing things like showers without permission.

That's another matter entirely.