Electric Showers: "Plumbing requirements for electric showers" video from Triton Showers

Triton Electric Showers - https://www.tritonshowers.co.uk/showe...

A short video explaining the plumbing requirements for an electric shower, in particular what to check before buying to ensure your intended purchase is compatible with your cold mains water supply. The video also offers suggestions should your cold mains water supply not be adequate.

Instantaneous Electric Showers are still one of the most popular types of shower sold in the UK today. Which is why Triton manufactures an extensive range to suit all tastes and budgets.

An electric shower simply connects to a cold water supply and your mains electric, so it's versatile enough to suit any home no matter what your plumbing system.

They are easy to install and they give you and your family instant hot water - any time, day or night.

So, what are the plumbing requirements you need to know before you can choose an electric shower?

First of all, you need to check that your mains water pressure and the flow to the shower meets the minimum required.

Water pressure is measured in units known as "bars". 1 bar is approximately equal to a column of water 10m high.

The water pressure required for an electric shower varies from one electric shower to another depending on the manufacturer. Some require half a bar, while others require one bar or above.

The minimum flow rate required to operate the shower efficiently also varies from one unit to another and can be up to 10 litres per minute.

The kW rating of the shower also affects the water pressure and flow rates required. For more information on kW ratings take a look at our "What is a kW rating" video.

For guidance on water pressures and flow rates contact your local water company or consult a competent plumber.

If the water supply is adequate, you simply need to take a connection from a rising cold mains supply and run a pipe to your shower. Fit an isolating valve into the pipe before the shower for future servicing.

Depending on the model of shower, the pipe will enter through either the top, bottom, sides or back of the unit.

Simply connect the incoming water supply to the inlet of the shower making sure the connections are good and tight so there is no risk of leaking.

If the required water pressure and flow rate is not available from your mains water supply then it it's unlikely that the shower will work.

However, this doesn't stop you getting the shower you want.

You can always fit a separate pump in the water supply before the shower.

In this case, the shower cannot be connected to the cold mains supply, but to a cold water tank, instead.

Alternatively, you can choose an electric shower with a built-in pump such as Triton's T90xr which also connects to your cold water tank.

For more information on this take a look at our "What is a pumped electric shower?" video.

The final thing to say is that all electric showers must be installed in accordance with all the relevant water supply, electrical and building regulations.

To find out what the electrical requirements are for the installation of an electric shower, why not take a look at our complementary video "Electric Showers: Electrical Requirements"