A shower pump acts as a booster pump, increasing the pressure within your hot water system. Installed close to the hot and cold water storage tanks, it uses an electric motor to drive an impeller. This impeller creates centrifugal force, which increases the energy of the incoming water flow. The higher-energy water is then directed towards your showerhead, giving you a significant and much needed boost in water pressure. 

So, if you’re craving a more powerful shower experience, installing a shower pump can give you that invigorating morning pick-me-up you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fit a shower pump yourself, even if you're a DIY beginner.

How do I prepare for shower pump installation?

Before diving in, there are a few things to consider:

Choosing Your Pump

It’s important that you buy a shower pump that’s suitable for your needs. There are two types of shower pumps; negative head and positive head. If you have a low-pressure system, you’ll likely need a negative head pump. And if you have a standard setup, you’ll need a positive head pump. Positive head pumps typically need a minimum inlet pressure of 0.2 bar.

Where should your shower pump be installed? 

For optimal performance, your shower pump should be installed as close as possible to the hot and cold water storage tanks, but remember to leave room for easy access for maintenance. Ideally, the pump should be positioned as low as possible. The lower the pump is relative to the cold water storage tank, the more it can rely on gravity for a helping hand.

What tools do I need to install a shower pump?

  • Towels
  • Bucket
  • Monkeywrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Electrical Tester

10 Steps to Shower Pump Installation

Step 1: Ensure the Pump is Electrically Isolated

Before you start any work on the shower pump, it is critical that you ensure the pump is electrically isolated. Turn off your home’s electricity supply, remove the fuse and then test the pump with the electrical tester.

Important: Ensure you notify everyone in the home or building that you are working on the plumbing system.

Step 2: Remove the Shower Pump’s Electric Wires

If the pump is electrically isolated, and you’ve tested it with the electrical tester, you can now start removing the wires.

Remove the electrical box cover and conduct another test with the electrical tester.

If you get the all clear, use the screwdriver to remove the electrical wiring.

Note: Your pump will offer step by step instructions to wiring your pump correctly.

Step 3: Turn Off Hot and Cold Water Supply

To prevent the pump from flooding your home, turn off the hot and cold water supply.

Step 4: Remove the Water Connection

Now that you have completed all the steps described above, you can start to remove the pump.

Start by unscrewing the water connection. This should be quite straightforward, but if you have an older pump, you may need to tweak the connection free with a monkey wrench.

Note: There might be some leftover water in the pump connection. Use the bucket to catch as much water as possible, and use a towel to mop up any water that escapes.

Step 5: Remove the Old Shower Pump

Simple as that, remove the old shower pump.

Step 6: Insert the Shower Pump

Having selected and positioned your pump, you now need to plumb it in. Start by flushing the pipework to remove any debris.

Shower pumps are usually supplied with cold and hot water feed pipes that lead from the pump to the cold and hot water storage tanks. Connect these to the pump following the instructions supplied with your specific shower pump.

Step 7: Prime the Pump and Plumbing

Before you can use the shower, you will need to prime the pump and connect pipework. Ensure you run a bucket of water through the hot and cold water feed pipes to remove any debris. Keep pouring water until it runs out clear. Once the water runs clear, reconnect the connection hoses to the pump.

Step 8: Check for Leaks in the Pump Connections

Before reconnecting the shower pump to an electrical supply, turn on the water supply and check the pump thoroughly for any leaks. If you find any issues, disconnect the hoses and start again.

Step 9: Reconnect the Wires and the Shower Pump

Now that the pump is connected and you don’t have any leaks, you can start the wiring process. Again, please ensure that the pump is electrically isolated throughout this whole process.

Step 10: Turn on the Electric

You are now ready to turn on the electric.

Common Shower Pump Installation Mistakes

If you’re experiencing issues with your new shower pump, consider whether you have made any of these common installation mistakes.

You Haven’t Provided Adequate Ventilation

The area around the shower pump should be well ventilated. Failure to provide adequate ventilation can result in overheating. If you are worried about the pump freezing, consider an alternative location.

Poor Placement Of The Pump

There should always be at least 600mm from the bottom of the cold water storage tank down to the top of the pump motor casing to allow for adequate system pressure. Effectively, the pump should be as low as possible, and the water input head as high as possible.

Inadequate Water Storage

You need to ensure you have at least 225 litres of cold water in the storage tank. The cold water has to feed both the shower and the hot water tank.

Attaching the Pump to the Floor

Do not screw the pump to the floor. Contrary to popular theory, the pump will make more excessive vibrations when screwed down. To reduce noise, place the pump on a concrete block or purchase a sound absorption mat.

Failure to Flush

Ensure you flush the pipework before making the final connections to the pump. Debris, including rust flakes and sediment, can enter the pump and damage components.

Once you've successfully installed your shower pump, you can enjoy a powerful and refreshing shower experience. If you’re not comfortable fitting a shower pump yourself, contact a plumber who can do it for you. The cost of installing a shower pump can vary depending on your location, the age of your house and your home’s heating system. 

Free Advice

If you’re struggling for advice, ring our dedicated pump experts for free advice on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134.
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