Can I Install A Power Shower With A Combi Boiler?
We are often asked ”Can I install a power shower with a combi boiler?”. The short answer is no. A power shower needs access to a hot water cylinder, which a combi boiler does not possess, therefore making the two incompatible.
However it’s not all doom and gloom, there are a number of shower units on the market today, and they all have something different to offer. From electric showers through to power and digital models, the options are seemingly endless. In light of this, people may have a hard time choosing a unit for their home. Moreover, some shower systems are incompatible with certain households, making the decision even tougher.
Within this article we’ll take a look at two components: a Combi Boiler and a Power Shower; focus on what they are and why they do not work in unison. If you need any advice or assistance with your boiler and shower system, read on further or give us a call today.
What Is A Combi Boiler?
Before we can provide an detailed answer to the aforementioned question, we first need to explore some of the key terms. Let us take a minute to explain what a boiler, and more specifically a combi boiler, actually is. Simply put, we can imagine a boiler as a small furnace. This small furnace, so to speak, uses either gas, oil, LPG or electric to produce a steady supply of hot water, providing heating to your home.
Going further, there are a number of different boilers you can purchase. There are three main types of domestic boilers. These include: combi, regular and system. In recent years, the combi system has become widely popular.
Short for combination, the combi boiler is a single unit that functions as a water heater as well as the backbone of your central heating system. A water tank or hot water cylinder is not needed for combi boilers, as they directly access the water supply and heat it this way.
There are a number of key benefits associated with owning a combi boiler. Namely, they can supply hot water on demand. This is because the hot water is not being stored and accessed separately. Equally, as they are a dual functioning system in one unit, they are great for homes with limited space. The downside to not having a reservoir of hot water is that, when there are a number of uses at the same time, the pressure is likely to suffer.
What Is A Power Shower?
Now we have some information illustrating what a boiler is, it is worth explaining what exactly a power shower is. This way, the answer to ‘can I have a power shower with a combi boiler’ will make more sense. Although the term is used often, it is not always clear how power showers are different from a regular shower.
A power shower is a system that combines water from each of your cold and hot water supplies, and features a pressure pump to boost water pressure. In contrast, an electric shower heats cold water on demand and does not feature a pressure pump.
Some households with certain plumbing systems may suffer from low water pressure. Resulting in is shower experience that is underwhelming and frustrating. If that’s the case, a power shower system helps combat this.
Can You Have A Power Shower With A Combi Boiler?
Finally, the question you came here to get answered: Can you have a power shower with a combi boiler? In short, a power shower with combi boiler combination will not work.
As we discussed, power showers need access to a hot water cylinder to work. As combi boilers do not have this, the two are not compatible. The internal pump that is contained within a power shower unit also means that, unfortunately, the two cannot work together.
Before you begin to worry, let us explain. If you do have a combi boiler installed in your home, there are a number of other options available to you. Mixer, digital and electric showers are all compatible with combi systems.
These will all provide you with an excellent showering experience. So although you may not be able to install a power shower, there are perfectly worthy alternatives. If you had your heart set on a power shower, get in touch with our team and we can look into a more suitable boiler.
Need Some More Help? Give GK Plumbing a Call
Hopefully this article offered some insight into combi boiler and power shower systems. Although these two systems may not work together, there are still plenty of alternative options to ensure you have a hot and relaxing shower.
If you are looking to install a power shower, combi boiler or simply want to assess your options, our team are happy to help. We offer free bathroom quotes and estimates, and also can provide information on boiler replacements and servicing. Call us today to talk us through your project.
