Another option is to install a power shower. A power shower uses both hot and cold water to feed the shower. For this reason, you need to have plenty of hot water available in the hot water tank. They work in much the same way as a shower pump and actually have a pump installed inside the box on the wall that boosts the pressure of the water.

A timing belt or chain is part of an internal combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. Although they both have the same function, some vehicles will have only one or the other. We explain the difference in this article.

If you have problems with your shower, including low water pressure in the shower, then you will know that it is not a good way to start your day. The struggle to wash properly, the water cooling down before it reaches your body, the shampoo that you can never seem to rinse from your hair. So frustrating.

Stuart Turner Monsoon Shower Pump Range: Designed for installation into vented systems to pump both hot and cold water supplies, the Stuart Turner Monsoon range is one of the most popular shower pump solutions on the market. Designed to the highest standard of both performance and durability, the Stuart Turner Monsoon pumps are brass bodied pumps with anti-vibration feet. They also feature an automatic pressure and float switch, making it a tech-packed piece of kit for your bathroom.

If your shower head has a special “water restrictor” in place, then you may be able to find and remove it by following the instruction manual. Saying that, it’s unlikely that you have the shower head manual lying around. You now have two choices. You can either:

Well, in our opinion, there are only three pump brands that you should choose from. These are Grundfos, Stuart Turner and Salamander.

One of the most common reasons for low water pressure is undersized supply piping. This is common in older houses where the original plumbing system is still in place. This will restrict the amount of water coming into your home and to the shower. Again, it is quite disruptive to replace so it’s likely previous homeowners have not fixed the issue.

Again, if you live in an older house, then you may be using old, iron piping in your home water system. Iron is vulnerable to rusting which can break off and cause an obstruction within the pipe. This issue will often be made worse if dirt, gravel or sand enters your system through older entry piping.

Timingchainlifespan

Before you buy a shower pump or replace any piping, first try cleaning the dirt and sand out of the shower head. Fine sediments can enter the home water system via the mains supply and can often build up over time and reduce the water flow at the shower head.

Another common reason that you may be experiencing low water pressure is an obstructed shut off valve. If you’ve just bought a new home, or you’ve recently had building work done, then you should check that your shut off valve is fully open. The shut-off valve is usually located under the kitchen sink. If you believe the water valve to be broken, contact a plumber immediately.

Saying that, look at the list of solutions below. Start by trying the cheap and simple solutions first. If that doesn’t work, try the next solution.

Fortunately, if you are suffering from low water pressure in the shower, there are a range of quick fixes that can improve the flow of water in your shower. These include:

If this is the first time you’ve had a shower pump installed in your home, then we estimate it will take about a day and will cost around £200. Prices do vary from location to location, so please shop around and make sure you get quotes from a range of plumbers before choosing one.

Timing beltchainreplacement cost

Most BMWs and some Mercedes-Benz cars are usually fitted with timing chains. You can also check under the bonnet – if it has a plastic cover on the front, it uses a timing belt because it runs dry and doesn’t need extra protection. In contrast, if you find that it is sealed under a metal cover (to prevent leaks), then it is quite likely fitted with a timing chain.

Timing belt vs timingchaincost

One common reason that is often overlooked is the shower head. Modern showers often use “flow restricting” or “water saving” shower heads. Flow restricting shower heads were first introduced under The National Energy Act in the United States. Many manufacturers in the UK have followed the example set by the US and are now installing water restrictors in an attempt to help homeowners reduce water bills and stop people wasting water.

All questions that are likely to overwhelm someone new to the plumbing world. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to increasing water pressure in your shower. Taking you step-by-step through the world of low water pressure, we answer every question we’ve ever been asked about increasing pressure in the shower, so you can find the answer to your queries.

Chain cambeltreplacement

If you’re on the hunt for a shower pump then you will no doubt find the number of options on offer a little daunting. No doubt you’re thinking:

To determine whether your car has a timing belt or a chain, you can also consult your car’s owner’s manual which will provide you with detailed information about the engine system.

Amazon ‘Ultra Quiet’ Brass Range: If you’re looking for a pump that can boost the water flow in the shower and is super quiet, then the Amazon range by Grundfos would make an ideal choice. Built with heavy-duty brass impellers and anti-vibration technology, these pumps are super quiet and are perfect for domestic showers.

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Salamander CT Xtra Pumps Range: When considering which shower pump to buy, along with the price there are two main factors which people tend to look for — ease of installation and versatility. The Salamander CT Xtra Range meets both of these criteria. Not only is it relatively straightforward to install, but it is suitable for use in a number of different shower types, including conventional models, multi-function showers and those with Victorian can-style shower heads.

Chain cambeltreplacement cost

Timing belts are made from reinforced rubber which means they are generally cheaper to manufacture than timing chains. However, this also means that they are more prone to sudden failure rather than gradual failure which is the case with more durable timing chains.

In her Suzuki Jimny 4-wheel drive, Louanne combines her sense of adventure with her automotive know-how, transforming every drive into a lesson and a pleasure.

Replacing a timing chain can sometimes be more labour-intensive due to the placement of the chain and ancillary components which can make inspection and installation slightly tricker. You can expect to pay on average £350 for a timing belt replacement whereas a timing chain replacement can set you back £800-1000.

However, if you are confident in DIY and you know how to find your water tank, then installing a shower pump is quite easy and all the instructions are included in the kit. If you do decide to go with a plumber, then it shouldn't be a costly job.

A timing belt is made of rubber and is subject to wear and tear, whereas a timing chain is made of metal and is generally considered more durable. Timing belts typically need to be replaced every 60,000 miles or so, whereas timing chains can last the engine’s lifetime.

If you think you have low water pressure issues in the shower, and you’re considering the purchase of a shower pump or power shower to improve the pressure, there is a simple three step test that you can conduct to test your flow.

Timing chains, as in the name, are made from metal and are considered more durable than timing belts. A timing chain itself can cost nearly double the price of a timing belt made from rubber; hence, a timing chain replacement job is generally more expensive than a timing belt replacement.

One of the issues with this option is the costly installation fee, so a shower pump may be a better, more cost-effective option.

Timing belt warning signs

Whether one is better than the other, really depends on the quality of the engine and components rather than the belt or chain alone.

If you can’t remove your shower head then you are going to need a rubber band and a sandwich bag. Fill the sandwich bag with vinegar and use the rubber band to attach the bag to the shower head. This should help remove the limescale and break down some of the sediment.

Well, if you have checked that the shut-off valve is fully open and you’re not using a “flow restricting” shower head, then it’s likely that the low water pressure is caused by low pressure in the mains supply.

*Please note that this may differ, so it’s always best to check the specific year and model. Alternatively, you can check by entering your car reg number or selecting the make and model here, and the next step will display whether it has a timing belt or chain.

“Which is the best pump for my shower? Why is there so much difference in price? What’s the difference between a positive and negative head pump?”

Timing belt vs timingchainpros and cons

A shower pump is cheaper than a power shower, electric shower or pressurised unvented cylinder. Installing a shower pump is a simple task for a plumber, taking around a day to fit. You could even fit it yourself if you are DIY competent. A shower pump is a quick fix that doesn’t involve replacing shower parts or replacing parts of the plumbing system.

Louanne is a marketing and communications professional in the automotive tech industry currently at ClickMechanic, boasting over 5 years of experience.

If you’re serious about increasing the water pressure in your shower, then you probably need to face the fact that you’re going to have to spend a little money (not a lot, a little).

The shower is entirely fed with cold water from an accumulator tank. An accumulator tank is a separate tank to your main water tank that stores water just for the electric shower. When the cold water reaches the electric shower, the shower heats the water and then fires high-pressure water out of the shower head.

You can input your postcode and car registration number on ClickMechanic to determine whether your vehicle has a timing chain or belt. The correct option will appear as a repair for your vehicle, alternatively, our Mechanic in Residence team can advise. You’ll also be able to get a price instantly and understand what a timing belt or chain replacement would cost you.

Timing belt orchainby registration

While installing a shower pump is a quick, effective fix, installing a pressurised unvented cylinder is a long-term fix that involves overhauling your current plumbing system. Specifically, this involves removing the cold water tank and replacing it with a pressurised cylinder that takes its feed directly from the mains.

If you’re new to the world of plumbing then even the idea of selecting (let alone installing) a shower pump can be overwhelming.

Another option is to fit an independent electric shower with a cold water accumulator tank. This option is usually installed when hot water is in short supply.

If you’re serious about fixing water pressure in the shower, then you need to purchase a high-quality shower pump. A shower pump is a small mechanical device that is fitted to your home water system.

This is a complex plumbing issue and therefore will need a highly qualified plumber to carry out the work. Often, this method will require replacing the entire plumbing system. This could be a good option if you have an older house and would like to update and modernise the water system.

Installing a shower pump is an easy and effective way to increase the water pressure in your shower. If you would like more information on shower pumps, read our complete guide to buying a shower pump here.

If you live in or close to a city or town centre, then it’s likely that your low water pressure is caused by the mains water system. This is due to mains water systems in city and town centres using much older pipes. It is also harder for the local government to replace the piping due to the disruption it would cause in a city centre.

If you have checked that the shower head is not restricted by dirt or a water restrictor, then you really only have one option:

Note: It is illegal to add a shower pump directly to mains water pressure. The added pressure created by a shower pump can damage mains pipework. In most cases, you will need to insert a break tank.

Louanne’s work at ClickMechanic might revolve around branding and customer engagement, but her passions extend far beyond the marketing sphere. A true foodie at heart, she loves exploring diverse cuisines and talking about her culinary adventures across the world. Her writing prowess shines through in her car-related blog content, where she offers invaluable driving tips and practical car repair advice.