bath/shower mixer taps

[Riz1]

Further to my enquiry about shower pumps, to maximise my "new shower" experience i am also considerring changing the mixer taps to a thermostatic bath/shower mixer tap. this would also have the benefit of replacing the shower hose with one that can tolerate the higher pressures and also provide more variations in spray type from the shower head.

However, i have only either seen one from Aqualisa that is around £200, or else one from an ebay shop for around £80 [less well known brand but 3 year manuf warranty quoted in details of product].

This latter product has prssure ranges from 0.5-5Bar so within the

1.4bar pump pressure. However, if i use the shower head/bath filler with the pump switched off [ie gravity pressure only] and it were to be at a pressure below the quoted pressure of this mixer tap, what happens? no water comes, rumbling in pipes, air blocks or some other such catastrophy?

advise about the above, as well as comments/pointers to other inexpensive [relative to the aqualisa] thermostatix bath/shower mixer taps is greatly appreciated

Riz

[Christian McArdle]

It would produce a trickle rather than a flood. But then, why would you switch the pump off? In any case, it won't do anything catastrophic.

Christian.

[Christian McArdle]

Remember that it is also very useful to specify one with "pressure balancing" operation. This responds much quicker to other outlets in the house being turned on and off and also helps if there is a considerable pressure mismatch between hot and cold. It is possible to get standalone pressure balancing valves if your chosen shower mixer doesn't have it built in.

Christian.