Salamander Mains Booster Pump

[bainbrig]

We’ve had the Salamander booster pump recommended for our shower, which runs at 10 litres per minute or less.

The Salamander (allegedly) runs at 12 lpm consistently.

Some reviews say the pump is very noisy. Any experiences welcome.

BillB

[fbg40]

Hi bainbrig
Heard of Salamander pumps, but I've had Stuart Turner Monsoon pumps for approximately 20 years - first one lasted 12 years, next one still being used. Very quiet and very efficient. Hope this helps.
FBG40

[bainbrig]

Thanks fbg, yes, that does help.

[The Builder]

I imagine you're thinking of the Salamander Mains Boost Pump, Bill?

Just clarify - adding a pump AFTER the water has left a Combi boiler, will have little or no effect. Combis just don't work like that.

But, boosting mains pressure (usually to the incomer, so the whole house benefits), is often used.
Salamander, as with fbg's Stuart Turner, is an industry standard. I've not heard of any noise problems, but anyway, this is taken care of by siting the pump in an accessible, but separate location.

A pump is entirely dependent on the available amount of water given to it. This is the "Flow", nothing to do with the "Pressure".
A pump could rattle away quite happily until the available flow is no longer able to keep up with it. When, or if, that happens, then all benefit is lost.

Assuming your combi has been checked to be Ok, then it's becoming more likely that you have low mains pressure, as you've thought all along. The age of your building does rather suggest you may have an iron mains supply. These were never very big (bore) to begin with. Over time, they rust and reduce their bore.

You and your neighbour share this supply. I would definitely anticipate low flowrate problems if there is any restriction in the supply incomer.

I dunno, Bill. I'm shooting in the dark here. I just wish I could wave a magic wand and run in a nice new 32mm polyethlyene supply from the pavement outside your building.

[bainbrig]

Builder: many thanks, as per, for the information and pointers. Starting to make sense...

However: We have nice new polyethylene pipes in the street, up to our nice new stopcock in the middle of our front lawn. From there, old lead pipes go upstairs to one flat, and under the concrete before emerging below our kitchen, from thence up to the boiler area (in the kitchen).

We live in a small series of cul-de-sacs, all maisonettes, probably 200+ in all. Mostly occupied by couples, many young. Thus, from about 6.30-08.00 each morning, everybody (except the lazy *** down the road) is getting up, showering etc. And the water delivery is under huge pressure.

During that period, our Aqualisa shower only works if you 'trick it' by turning the bath on (better water flow) which kicks the boiler in, then you can also turn on the shower, turn off the bath, and keep your fingers crossed.

So not sure how replacing our old lead pipes (stop-cock to kitchen) would help. (Water Board would do this, and charge about £500 - one or two neighbours have had it done, for whatever reasons).

We do have a trustworthy and intelligent plumber (I know, we'll nail him down), and we'll put the same questions to him - i.e. would the pump be totally useless(!), etc.

You don't work around London, I suppose? No, course you don't - we live in the wrong place!

BillB

[The Builder]

Interesting, Bill.

Lead pipework? Yes, had to be lead or iron. I still come across lead pipes occasionally. Again, they tend to be small-bore. This wouldn't normally be a problem since you have modern pipework to the point where the services split. It's quite telling that others have had the lead replaced. Same problem as you, I guess.

200+ houses?
Mmm, sounds suspiciously like the Water Board's main supply is undersized.

Decision time, Bill. £280 for a Salamander pump (plus fitting) versus £500 for a pump?
My first thought would be to go for the new polyethylene pipework, but maybe ask the neighbours who've had it done. If the main is seriously undersized, then you may be wasting your money either way.

Do keep me posted

TB

[The Builder]

^^^ oops .............

Decision time, Bill. £280 for a Salamander pump (plus fitting) versus £500 for replacement pipework.......

... is what I meant to say.

And no, near Exeter. No good to you at all ;o)

[TonyV]

From personal experience just fitting new polypropylene pipe from outside stopcock to inside made massive difference to pressure. A lot of digging to get trench deep enough but once inside the house just left it under suspended floor with insulation on.

[TonyV]

Meant to say when I looked inside replaced pipe it was down to less than a 1/4 inch bore due to lime scale build up

[The Builder]

I think you've nailed it there, Tony. Just what I was thinking.

I was trying to head Bill off there... £280 for the pump plus something for fitting plus electrical supply........... getting pretty close to £500?

[TonyV]

Builder yes depends on your local building department and their regs think last one I did had to be at least 700mm deep to prevent from any frost damage. That will be one hell of a winter. Lol