High pressure taps and water pumps..

[Paul Andrews]

Earlier this year we bought a bathroom suite and all fittings - very nice they look too. The taps are high-pressure types and at the time of purchase we assumed this would simply require that we add a pump to provide pressure to them - in much the same fashion as our power shower.

Our plumber has suggested that it's not wise to do this and suggested we take the taps back.

A phone call to the tap manufacturers tech support said that it was no problem using a pump to pressurise the taps and recommended a Stewart Turner pump, 3 Bar pressure. He also suggested that our existing pump probably wouldn't be up to the job - newTeam as fitted by the gas board many years ago - as he suspected it probably only supplied 1 Bar pressure. There was also a warning about having sufficient capacity in out cold water tank (CWSC).

So is the plumber right and the manufacturer is shooting me a line- or the other way around?

Thanks,

Paul

[Rob Morley]

I suspect the plumber just doesn't want the hassle of sorting it out

- or maybe he knows that there is insufficient storage capacity.

Along the same lines, does anyone know an easy way of arranging for the pump to cut out if the cold tank empties?

[Christian McArdle]

An excellent pump.

Obviously not up to the Stuart Turner. However, I had a cheapie New Team 1 bar single impellor. I was surprised to say that it was absolutely fine. I could fill my bath in less than 2 minutes. The shower was absolutely excellent.

I'd keep the NewTeam. Only bother putting the Stuart Turner in if the NewTeam really can't keep up or it expires.

You might want to upgrade to a 50 gallon tank (or add an additional 25 gallon one) if you haven't got one already.

Christian.

[Doctor Drivel]

Or better still take the taps back and get the proper taps.

[Christian McArdle]

That depends. You can get very nice looking taps if you have high pressure. Low pressure taps can sometimes look a bit bulky and the range is limited.

Christian.

[Pete C]

This sort of thing? :

Check it can handle enough current and can tilt over when the tank empties.

cheers, Pete.

[Doctor Drivel]

Far less hassle than silly pumps and float switches, etc. He may as well go all the way and have a heat bank fitted and be mains pressure all around.

[Paul Andrews]

I guess you're living up to the name. We bought the taps and a shower unit because we liked the way they looked. If we can use them, then all well and good; if not we'll change them.

Paul

[Paul Andrews]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Paul

[Rob Morley]

That's the sort of thing, thanks. I Googled for other suppliers and found some stuff that set me thinking - with a plastic tank you can do it quite simply with a float, a relay and a magnetic reed switch.

[Doctor Drivel]

Because I have to snip drivel regularly and I was tempted with yours. Best you appreciate the advice of a pro; advice which is free.

Change them. If you keep them, then you may as well go for a high pressure mains system using a heat bank, rather than piss about with noisy pumps, bigger tanks, flow switches, etc. That is the "best" approach, one which you clearly cannot see.

[Pete C]

Or maybe have a microswitch in a box at the top of the tank activated by a float and shaft that goes into the box. As long as the box is above the overflow you should be OK.

BTW the above seller has posted the same at a more reasonable starting price and P&P:

cheers, Pete.

[Rob Morley]

I just bought some 15A microswitches to have a play with - maybe low- tech is the best approach :-)

[PC Paul]

But you *don't* snip drivel... you carry on and post it!

[Doctor Drivel]

I said "Best you appreciate the advice of a pro; advice which is free". Instead of acting like a silly pillock.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Maplin do a liquid level controller kit which might be rather more sophisticated. VF11 at 14.99

[Dave Plowman (News)]

But anyone can call themselves a 'pro' on here so it's best to ignore those who do so without proof. Since they're often lying.

And although that 'advice' may be free the cost of following it is likely to be anything but - which lends force to the argument that you're not a pro at all.

[Doctor Drivel]

...the pills have worn off.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Then take some more - but avoid mixing them with the amount of alcohol you commonly take.

[Doctor Drivel]

Do they mix chocky with the pills?