mullethunter Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 When we get in the new house we need to install a shower. We're going to replace the whole bathroom and have a shower over the bath. The hot water is heated directly by the boiler (which also does the radiators) with no hot water tank. Am I right in thinking this is a 'combi' boiler? And that this means a power shower isn't an option? This being the case, with pretty good mains pressure, what's the power of a good mixer shower like compared to a power shower? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 That is a Combi Boiler. The Husband (who is a Gas Safe Heating Engineer) has just replaced our old tank Boiler with a Combi Boiler. We have pretty poor mains pressure, but as our new Boiler heats 14l of water per minute, it heats it fast enough to keep it hot as it comes through.We have an electric shower & it is very powerful, without being a power shower. He says that you only need a power shower if your mains pressure is low, to boost it up. He reckons the main consideration if that your Boiler is powerful enough to keep the water hot while it goes through the shower itself (IE, if the water is coming out TOO fast, then it won't have had time enough to heat up) You can get an engineer out to test this for you, & then advise on the shower, but it sounds like a power shower wouldn't be needed as you have good mains pressure. Hope this makes sense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 As said, the mains pressure and more importantly the delivery rate of hot water will dictate the shower you chose. There is a pressure loss through a comb-boiler which can seriously affect the way a mixer shower balances hot and cold. The other issue is if someone draws hot water off while someone else is in the shower, which will be a chilling experience! I would go for an electric shower of at least 9.5KW, which means that an electrician will be needed to wire it in. That could also be affected if the water supply to the property is poor, so someone needs to check all this out first. In the worst case you will need to fit a water accumulator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted January 25, 2015 Author Share Posted January 25, 2015 Thanks both. Mains pressure is good but no idea on output of boiler. Thinking I'll go for a mixer upstairs and top of the range electric downstairs (get me - 2 showers!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 If you are upgrading to a high KW electric shower you will need to have the mains fuse box upgraded or at least a new fuse unit for the shower. Our neighbours fell foul of this. There are calculators online to show you which amp fuse you need for which wattage of shower. We need to upgrade our over bath shower but currently have an old boiler. It is nearly 30 years old so we are waiting for it to pack up then will upgrade whole system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 I used to have an old style boiler and an electric shower, when I changed the boiler and re-did the bathroom, I changed to a combi boiler and a fixed head non-electric shower as the water pressure here is really good. I have a rainwater head and it works really well. What ever you do, buy a good quality shower cubicle - it really makes a difference. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted January 25, 2015 Author Share Posted January 25, 2015 Thanks DM. Chickencam OHs best mate is an electrician so should be able to sort out fuses etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I have a shower that runs direct from the combi boiler it is fantastic! Mind you the boiler is a beast!!! Having said that when I got the downstaris wet room done for my mother I opted for an electric standard shower as it means when the boiler conks out (which it does regularly) I now still have a working shower. If the leccy goes off neither works anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
