Mains fed or tank fed electric shower?

number_1

I am considering fitting an electric shower and have the option of either a tank fed or a mains fed shower.

What are the advantages of both and what would people here recommend? Is it a case that one is better, with the other type only being used when the former type is not practical for installation? Or is it just a case of personal preference, in which case what are the main differences between both types?

Billy Bunting

Does the tank fed have a pump ?

What sort of pressure on the main ??

Make/Model

K.Flyer

number_1 wrote: »

I am considering fitting an electric shower and have the option of either a tank fed or a mains fed shower.

What are the advantages of both and what would people here recommend? Is it a case that one is better, with the other type only being used when the former type is not practical for installation? Or is it just a case of personal preference, in which case what are the main differences between both types?

The primary difference between the two types is noise.
A tank fed unit has a pump to bring up the pressure and the pump can be a bit noisey, especially if its used at odd hours of the night.
A mains fed unit has no pump, therefore its almost silent. However you will need a minimum working pressure in order for the unit to operate safely and effeciently. I would usually fit one only if I can get a minimum of 1 bar showing at the attic tank filler point with the kitchen tap turned on full.
Another point would be that a mains fed unit can have pressure fluctuation as other items may be used in the house, where a tank fed unit has an independent feed which is not affected by other water usage.
Electrical connections for both are the same.
Hope that helps.

Sparkpea

tank fed if you've a problem with water pressure, expect a bit of noise from a pump

mains fed if you've no problems with water pressure

I normally opt for mains fed however some people like to know they will always get a constant flow of good pressure even if the washing machine etc is on so they opt for the tank...

number_1

Thanks for the replies. The mains pressure isn't great so I'm leaning towards the tank fed models. Is plastic piping acceptable for supplying the shower or is copper piping required to cope with the thermal output of the shower?

Sparkpea

Plastic is fine