electric showers

annmariem · 31-05-2010 6:44pm #1

hi

can anyone help im looking to get electric shower supplied and fitted im in lucan so anyone got any numbers to try, finding it hard to find places also wats best shower go for. looking for something reasonably priced..

Joey the lips · 01-06-2010 1:06pm

It all depends on what your looking for in a shower.

click on the link attached to my name

Thinking of a new shower....

The most popular on the market is a mira elite 2 or triton t90. But these are all pumped electric...

annmariem · 01-06-2010 10:52pm

thanx, i heard alrith that them and the triton were good, is it easier to get the shower then just get someone to fit or to get it all 2gether. im new to this forum how do i click on the link..

Joey the lips · 02-06-2010 5:08pm

annmariem wrote: »

thanx, i heard alrith that them and the triton were good, is it easier to get the shower then just get someone to fit or to get it all 2gether. im new to this forum how do i click on the link..

If you get someone to fit it they do a supply and fit price. Anywhere between 450 and 700 euro

Frequently asked questions about suitable electric showers!
There are many types of shower on the market today. Many buyers are traditional in there methods of buying and usually relie on price rather than model. This is a mistake as different functions of showers call for different prices.

Pumped Electric Showers
This the most common type of shower on the market that is electric powered supply.The water is pumped and heated at the same time. This provides instant hot water which is useful if you fail to set the immersion however it is a little louder than all the other showers. This uses cold water from the attic storage tank. This must not be connected to a mains water .This is available in many power sizes ie 8.5 / 9.5 /10.8 however becuase of the irish system of electric only arriving at 220volts you will generally only get 8.5 kw no matter what model you go for. Its life span varies but usually suffers from over use becuase its the most convienent shower. Eg Triton T90/ Mira Elite 2 / Redring pumped electric shower.

Power Shower
This is probably the second most popular model of shower. What this does is take cold water from the attic storage tank and hot water from the hot press cylinder. This generally tends to be slightly quiter than the pumped electric but the disadvantage is that it relies on a store of hot water. People usually install this as a second shower because they dont need the second one to be instant hot and You cannot fit a second pumped electric shower without fitting a special switch which only allows one shower work at a time and this usually proves expensive.

You do not need to do this with a powershower and pumped electric shower fit together but ask your electrician for advice on your own grid. Because the power shower only pumps the water it generally pumps at a higher pressure giving an exhilarating and invigorating shower. However the downside is if you forget to set the boiler for hot water you will be having a cold shower. Becuase the hot water in the tank can be at different temperatures power showers can be bought with or without thermostats Eg: Aqualisa power shower. Redring 520 Expressions Triton AS2000

Electric Showers
Electric showers take cold water direct from the mains and heat it as it passes through the shower. This gives instant hot water so no need to have stored hot water. These relie on good mains pressure and will not work well if mains is bad. Better to have a plumber check your mains pressure. These come in many different wattages and the higher the wattage the better the heater.These are sometimes used in attic conversions because the shower is above the tank. Eg: Triton T80/Redring Selectronic Thermostatic shower.

Mixer Showers
Lastly there is mixer showers. These are generally not electric. They do the exact same thing as the power shower except they do not have a pump. Ie They take hot water from the cylinder and cold water from the attic tank.They usually rely on gravity and a stored cylinder of hot water. However where attic conversions are done a booster pump is usually fitted to these because the dropping of the tank causes a drop of pressure. These come in thermostatic and manual. In the last number of years builders have in general fitted the cheaper manual shower with fixed head however the most prefered one by far is a thermostatic one with a riser rail kit. Eg: Most of the brass bodied chrome showers abailable on the market with or without riser rail kits.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Special note: This information is solely for information purposes only. Please varify all this in the shop you are buying the shower to ensure there has been no change in specification that renders the showers mentioned above unsuitable for your application.

oh and happy showering!

ashblag · 10-08-2010 10:46pm

hi hope i'm posting in the right place. since yesterday my shower has started playing up. I cant get it to regulate the water.
It's just scalding hot. Tried turning the temp nob but when it's near the blue numbers it's freezing and the red numbers it's roasting. Any advice? Is it f*cked? Shower is 2years old.

PrismES · 10-08-2010 10:50pm

ashblag wrote: »

hi hope i'm posting in the right place. since yesterday my shower has started playing up. I cant get it to regulate the water.
It's just scalding hot. Tried turning the temp nob but when it's near the blue numbers it's freezing and the red numbers it's roasting. Any advice? Is it f*cked? Shower is 2years old.

What make of shower is it?

ashblag · 10-08-2010 10:54pm

it's a triton t90xr...sorry should've said that.

PrismES · 10-08-2010 11:25pm

ashblag wrote: »

it's a triton t90xr...sorry should've said that.

If you let it run for a while when its scalding, does it go cold then?

Check the manufacture date you may still be under warranty. Call earthridge in Maynoth.

Joey the lips · 10-08-2010 11:29pm

Sounds like a blockage in the head....

Take the head off and soak it overnight in a solution of 50% vinager and water. Dont use malt as it stains.

Then rise the head clean

ashblag · 13-08-2010 5:43pm

Joey the lips wrote: »

Sounds like a blockage in the head....

Take the head off and soak it overnight in a solution of 50% vinager and water. Dont use malt as it stains.

Then rise the head clean

Hi...Sorry for the late reply tried that the other night worked a treat. Pressure coming from the shower much better now also. I must remember to do this on a regular basis.

Much obliged.:D

JohnB9 · 11-10-2010 12:20pm

annmariem wrote: »

hi

can anyone help im looking to get electric shower supplied and fitted im in lucan so anyone got any numbers to try, finding it hard to find places also wats best shower go for. looking for something reasonably priced..

If you are lookingf for some one to install i could give you a reasonable price.

Phone numbers to be PM'd only please.

Please read the charter before posting again. Thanks

Stratus · 12-10-2010 8:16pm

ashblag wrote: »

Hi...Sorry for the late reply tried that the other night worked a treat. Pressure coming from the shower much better now also. I must remember to do this on a regular basis.

Much obliged.:D

If i may add my 2 cent one of the reasons that happens is cuz the element that heats the water gets coated with lime-scale and over time with the heating and cooling the lime breaks of and lodges in the shower head. So the next time the shower head needs cleaning try taking the shower head of and leave it to one side then turn on the shower with the temperature up full leave it run for a minute or 2 then turn down the temperature to is lowest settings and you might see small flakes (grain of salt size) on the shower floor repeating that a few times may help lengthen the cleaning intervals

Sparkpea · 12-10-2010 9:34pm

Stratus wrote: »

If i may add my 2 cent one of the reasons that happens is cuz the element that heats the water gets coated with lime-scale and over time with the heating and cooling the lime breaks of and lodges in the shower head. So the next time the shower head needs cleaning try taking the shower head of and leave it to one side then turn on the shower with the temperature up full leave it run for a minute or 2 then turn down the temperature to is lowest settings and you might see small flakes (grain of salt size) on the shower floor repeating that a few times may help lengthen the cleaning intervals

handy to know

I also find putting the head in the dishwasher gives it a good clean

Joey the lips · 12-10-2010 10:17pm

Stratus wrote: »

If i may add my 2 cent one of the reasons that happens is cuz the element that heats the water gets coated with lime-scale and over time with the heating and cooling the lime breaks of and lodges in the shower head. So the next time the shower head needs cleaning try taking the shower head of and leave it to one side then turn on the shower with the temperature up full leave it run for a minute or 2 then turn down the temperature to is lowest settings and you might see small flakes (grain of salt size) on the shower floor repeating that a few times may help lengthen the cleaning intervals

Although i see your logic i have to dispute this... One of the reasons pumps burn out quicker with a particular brand is because they suggested this...

The pump relies on back pressure from the water hitting the head to stableise it and with the head off this is not happening..

I dont care if anyone does it but i would not.

yeronlyman10 · 30-10-2010 11:39am

Be sure before you buy a shower to find out what your house plumbing system is. Alot of companys (internet) dont state that most showers run on mains only, not tank fed.If your replacing go with like for like i.e same power and make.Saves a lot of trouble if you know what suits your system.

Sigma Force · 30-10-2010 10:12pm

Got tired of our T90s breaking because of limescale so we installed a water filter but I've found they only last about 2 years anyway one we have now next time I'm trying another brand not sure if it will make a difference they just don't seem to last very long.

Daisy! · 01-11-2010 6:14pm

Hi there. Does anyone know where I could get the switch box of a power shower....you know the white box with the red light and string that you have to pull to turn the shower on? Ours has gone. We opened it up and it looks like the spring part is broken. Checked in Woodies and they don't stock them...does anywhere or is this a job for a plumber? Thanks.

Joey the lips · 01-11-2010 8:24pm

Daisy! wrote: »

Hi there. Does anyone know where I could get the switch box of a power shower....you know the white box with the red light and string that you have to pull to turn the shower on? Ours has gone. We opened it up and it looks like the spring part is broken. Checked in Woodies and they don't stock them...does anywhere or is this a job for a plumber? Thanks.

Pull cord switch and back box. In an electrical wholesale or retailer...

eg T O Reilly

I am amazed woodies dont do them. I would not get them in b&q. I would imagine they do the cheap ****ty ones. Tell the folks in the electrical shop you dont want it getting stuck in a year.

Daisy! · 02-11-2010 6:42pm

Joey the lips wrote: »

Pull cord switch and back box. In an electrical wholesale or retailer...

eg T O Reilly

I am amazed woodies dont do them. I would not get them in b&q. I would imagine they do the cheap ****ty ones. Tell the folks in the electrical shop you dont want it getting stuck in a year.

Thanks Joey, picked one up in an Electrical Wholesale place in Swords today, thanks. Woodies seem to do every little part of a shower except what I needed

Rob113 · 02-11-2010 11:03pm

Joey the lips wrote: »

Pumped Electric Showers
This the most common type of shower on the market that is electric powered supply.The water is pumped and heated at the same time. This provides instant hot water which is useful if you fail to set the immersion however it is a little louder than all the other showers. This uses cold water from the attic storage tank. This must not be connected to a mains water .This is available in many power sizes ie 8.5 / 9.5 /10.8 however becuase of the irish system of electric only arriving at 220volts you will generally only get 8.5 kw no matter what model you go for. Its life span varies but usually suffers from over use becuase its the most convienent shower. showering!

Joey,

I have a triton t90 and from your posts above I reckon it must be fed from the tank. Does the temperature of the water in the tank have any bearing on the heat of the water coming from the shower.

I was on here last year looking for advice as I thought the element was gone in the shower. The water was only mildly Luke warm coming out. Didn't do anything about it though cause I was smashed at the time and the problem seemed to have sorted itself out, strangely enough as the weather got milder. Worked like a dream all summer but vie noticed a dramatic drop in the temperature of the water coming out of the shower these last 2 weeks.

Is it just coincidence or is the shower just playing up?

Joey the lips · 03-11-2010 6:45pm

Rob113 wrote: »

Joey,

I have a triton t90 and from your posts above I reckon it must be fed from the tank. Does the temperature of the water in the tank have any bearing on the heat of the water coming from the shower.

I was on here last year looking for advice as I thought the element was gone in the shower. The water was only mildly Luke warm coming out. Didn't do anything about it though cause I was smashed at the time and the problem seemed to have sorted itself out, strangely enough as the weather got milder. Worked like a dream all summer but vie noticed a dramatic drop in the temperature of the water coming out of the shower these last 2 weeks.

Is it just coincidence or is the shower just playing up?

Sounds like your heating element is going. If the pump was going you would also notice that noise change as well..

captainboaby · 08-11-2010 7:47pm

Hi, I've just joined the board to ask a question thanks. Can anyone help with a very high pitched triton t90xr shower, only happened 2 weeks ago. Temperature control and water pressure are normal. From other threads I see folk are saying it happens and it coincides with another problem in the shower unit but everything else works fine, in fact the solenoid is brand new.
Ta for your help

bbability · 15-11-2010 10:30am

Folks I have a triton aspirante electric shower. When it's on the the high setting it's too hot. When its on the medium setting I have it a number 8 to get it to temp. Ive bought a new shower head thinking it would cure the problem but no such luck. Oh I'm one of those peoe who cleans the shower head every 10 days or so. The water in my area wouldn't be great so I'm thinking heater element?

Its 5 yrs old this month. Would I be better off replacing the shower?

Joey the lips · 15-11-2010 11:52am

captainboaby wrote: »

Hi, I've just joined the board to ask a question thanks. Can anyone help with a very high pitched triton t90xr shower, only happened 2 weeks ago. Temperature control and water pressure are normal. From other threads I see folk are saying it happens and it coincides with another problem in the shower unit but everything else works fine, in fact the solenoid is brand new.
Ta for your help

It sounds like the motor, Its brushes might be going.

bbability wrote: »

Folks I have a triton aspirante electric shower. When it's on the the high setting it's too hot. When its on the medium setting I have it a number 8 to get it to temp. Ive bought a new shower head thinking it would cure the problem but no such luck. Oh I'm one of those peoe who cleans the shower head every 10 days or so. The water in my area wouldn't be great so I'm thinking heater element?

Its 5 yrs old this month. Would I be better off replacing the shower?

Is the head you bought a triton head? When you say aspirante is it a T80 aspirante or a T90 aspirante...

bbability · 15-11-2010 4:07pm

It's a triton shower head alright. The shower has no model number although it's silver if that helps and also sounds v noisey/whiney. My folks have same shower, same age but sounds alot quieter

Joey the lips · 15-11-2010 5:12pm

bbability wrote: »

It's a triton shower head alright. The shower has no model number although it's silver if that helps and also sounds v noisey/whiney. My folks have same shower, same age but sounds alot quieter

Is it a T80 or a T90.

t80 Mains fed.

t90 Tank fed.

This is important. You need to check

Malachy Fahy · 18-11-2010 11:47pm

You should try get the same type that you had before to make it easy to install it.

bbability · 29-11-2010 10:38pm

Joey the lips wrote: »

Is it a T80 or a T90.

t80 Mains fed.

t90 Tank fed.

This is important. You need to check

Its a T90. It seems the heater element is gone. So I'll think I'll just get a new shower. Comes with 2 year warranty compared with 6 months on a repair.

jection · 09-12-2010 1:04pm

Please read the charter before posting.... Please read the general charter as its your first post...

redstarblanch · 12-12-2010 2:00pm

I have a Mira Elite ST. I worked fine ontil last night, when during a shower the pump motor started to speed up and the shower stops working. The low pressure light now comes on when I test it. I checked the filter and its clean and water supply seems ok. Anyone got any ideas?

Joey the lips · 12-12-2010 2:54pm

redstarblanch wrote: »

I have a Mira Elite ST. I worked fine ontil last night, when during a shower the pump motor started to speed up and the shower stops working. The low pressure light now comes on when I test it. I checked the filter and its clean and water supply seems ok. Anyone got any ideas?

it sounds like the heating element is going. However because its the pressure light that came on i wonder if the brushes are going on the motor.

Have you a multi meter to check the element and the brushes should be obviouis if you can get to see them

Ms. Captain M · 02-02-2011 3:27pm

Looking for a bit of advice, my Triton t80 xr gave up the ghost, an electrician friend of my brothers had a look he said it looks like the pump is gone and I'll need a new shower.

I rang one place asking if they had them in stock and the said that the Triton T80 z (€180) is what's being sold now for the T80 xr, another place had the T80 xr (€200) in stock.

The reason I want a T80 as opposed to a T90 is that it can be replaced with as little fuss as possible ie taking it out and replacing it without having to take out part of the wall. So basically what I want to know is, is the T80 z the exact same as the xr, as in fitting it into the place where my current one is?

Joey the lips · 02-02-2011 3:33pm

Ms. Captain M wrote: »

Looking for a bit of advice, my Triton t80 xr gave up the ghost, an electrician friend of my brothers had a look he said it looks like the pump is gone and I'll need a new shower.

I rang one place asking if they had them in stock and the said that the Triton T80 z (€180) is what's being sold now for the T80 xr, another place had the T80 xr (€200) in stock.

The reason I want a T80 as opposed to a T90 is that it can be replaced with as little fuss as possible ie taking it out and replacing it without having to take out part of the wall. So basically what I want to know is, is the T80 z the exact same as the xr, as in fitting it into the place where my current one is?

a t80 does not have a pump so i think your brothers friend is mistaken.

A t80xr is the same as a T80 but it has a bow type riser rail kit. This is all that is available now. So you will have to go with it.

Ms. Captain M · 02-02-2011 3:38pm

Thanks, you're on the ball! Maybe he didn't say pump but when he opened up the shower it's the black box so whatever that's called. One of the places had the T80 xr in stock, so should I go for that or the T80 z

Joey the lips · 02-02-2011 4:42pm

Ms. Captain M wrote: »

Thanks, you're on the ball! Maybe he didn't say pump but when he opened up the shower it's the black box so whatever that's called. One of the places had the T80 xr in stock, so should I go for that or the T80 z

I dont know anything about the t80z sorry.

Billy Bunting · 02-02-2011 4:49pm

Ms. Captain M wrote: »

Thanks, you're on the ball! Maybe he didn't say pump but when he opened up the shower it's the black box so whatever that's called. One of the places had the T80 xr in stock, so should I go for that or the T80 z

The pump on a T90 has a black cover around it, are you sure it was a T80? a T80 is a mains operated shower while the T90 it tank fed.

Ms. Captain M · 02-02-2011 5:00pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

The pump on a T90 has a black cover around it, are you sure it was a T80? a T80 is a mains operated shower while the T90 it tank fed.

Yep it's definitely a T80, that's what it says on it anyway! When he took off the white cover there's a black box inside it.

Billy Bunting · 02-02-2011 5:12pm

Ok, the T80xr did come with a black heating element assembly.

The T80z is the latest T80, it is slightly larger in the case so can cover areas other larger showers may have been sighted on. There is little difference between the Z and the XR, both should be a straight swaps.

Ms. Captain M · 02-02-2011 5:33pm

Great, thanks

Lottie79 · 08-02-2011 6:12pm

Hi
I have a mire elite2 and it's dying (hot, cold then low flow) it's at least three years old as that's how long we're in the house but I'd say it's a good bit older.
Just wondering what my options are to replace it? Have been advised that "electric showers" are no longer viewed as efficient so would like to replace it if possible with something that is.
Only have the one shower and it's over the bath on opposite end to bath taps. Sorry bit clueless about these things and don't want to spend money to be told that we shouldn't have done it that way!!
Any advice appreciated thanks,
Lottie

Stratus · 08-02-2011 8:14pm

Lottie79 wrote: »

Hi
I have a mire elite2 and it's dying (hot, cold then low flow) it's at least three years old as that's how long we're in the house but I'd say it's a good bit older.
Just wondering what my options are to replace it? Have been advised that "electric showers" are no longer viewed as efficient so would like to replace it if possible with something that is.
Only have the one shower and it's over the bath on opposite end to bath taps. Sorry bit clueless about these things and don't want to spend money to be told that we shouldn't have done it that way!!
Any advice appreciated thanks,
Lottie

First off there is a few different reasons that might happen to an electric shower lime scale, component and blockage in pipe work IE filter on the inlet to the shower is block (check this link http://www.mirashowers.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/1056830_w2_g_mira_elite_st.pdf to locate where the filter is on the bottom left hand corner of the shower). One other thing as this shower is feed from the tank in the attic you should check that the isolation valve isn’t after been closed by accident if for example the wall the shower is on backs on to the hot press/airing cupboard ( but its rare these days to find an isolation valve on a shower supply pipe especially if its an estate house and built in the Celtic Rush)

if its lime scale(a good indicator of this is your kettle if there is a lot of lime in the water it will also deposit in the kettle) you should be able to see small particles of lime in the shower head or run the shower without the shower rose attached and turn the temperature control knob from cold to hot a couple of times leave the water heat up first and then to cold. Cooling the lime coating the element quickly will cause some of the lime scale to flake of the element. (This is more of a temporary solution or a way to determine if there are heavy deposits of lime).
As efficiency goes id have to say that electric showers are very efficient in terms of energy usage (but not the best in terms of quality of water jet or having a decent shower from) as they only heat the water as its needed as appose to a power shower which uses stored hot water (that is a separate hot and cold water supplies)

As the cheapest of all option would be to replace like with like and if as you, you have got over 3 years with this shower your doing very good (as usually it is water quality that determines the life span of the shower and then the amount of usage
hope this is of some help

mattman087 · 09-03-2011 10:17pm

I had same problem and all i did was screw off the shower head and run the shower , turn up and down the temp, and if the water heats and cools as normal then the head is blocked with limescale, if this the case then disolve a calgon tablet in a large jug and put the shower head in it overnight or as long as posible and replace head and happy showering ,. otherwise check the water pressure, it could be fed of the storage tank or of the mains .

miss choc · 11-03-2011 2:56pm

Hi

Just a quick post I'm looking for a recommended supplier and fitter of a Triton T90xr in North Dublin area. My Triton T90i is banjacked only flowing cold water/loud noises. I'm giving a rough guess of €400 for fit/supply/labour anyone know of a cheaper quote?

Joey the lips · 11-03-2011 6:29pm

miss choc wrote: »

Hi

Just a quick post I'm looking for a recommended supplier and fitter of a Triton T90xr in North Dublin area. My Triton T90i is banjacked only flowing cold water/loud noises. I'm giving a rough guess of €400 for fit/supply/labour anyone know of a cheaper quote?

If your getting it for 400 Your doing well. It will normally cost around 600 supply and fit. If you need someone in north dublin at that price let me know. I know a couple of people that direction. However as per rules i will PM you if you request.

miss choc · 11-03-2011 11:58pm

Are you serious? :eek: thats a crazy price maybe I should buy Triton t90xr myself and get someone to fit it not being funny but my budget is 350 not 600!!

cast_iron · 12-03-2011 12:08am

miss choc wrote: »

Are you serious? :eek: thats a crazy price maybe I should buy Triton t90xr myself and get someone to fit it not being funny but my budget is 350 not 600!!

I can't see it costing much more than 300-350. The shower itself is about 220 to buy. A simple swap for your t90i shouldn't be that much work. Maybe joey thought it was a new location and has to be freshly plumbed and wired.

miss choc · 12-03-2011 12:12am

its just upgrading it like for like, a pumped electric shower so hoping its a supply fit and labour job no extra messing

cast_iron · 12-03-2011 12:19am

Often, depending on the shower rating, the cable may need upgrading to 10sq, as 6sq was more common back in the day. Today's showers consume more power than the older ones, and hence the bigger cable may be required.
It should also be on an RCBO, and this was not common practice years ago either, so modification of the consumer unit (fuseboard) may also be needed.

So thinking about it now, the 600 price may be quite close to the mark if this work is required.

Joey the lips · 12-03-2011 10:25am

cast_iron wrote: »

Often, depending on the shower rating, the cable may need upgrading to 10sq, as 6sq was more common back in the day. Today's showers consume more power than the older ones, and hence the bigger cable may be required.
It should also be on an RCBO, and this was not common practice years ago either, so modification of the consumer unit (fuseboard) may also be needed.

So thinking about it now, the 600 price may be quite close to the mark if this work is required.

We have clearly traveled the same road. If its a simple change over on the shower it will cost about 150 on the price of the shower. However tritons are good showers and i find they are in a min of 5 years and over. The majority i came across is in 10-12 years.

This usually requires changing of the cable, fitting of a new rcd. pull chord switch is faulty and sometimes the plumbing needs to be moved because its too low down in the tank and has now started to collect all the scum.Then there is the footprint. Somtimes tiles need to be changed as well.

Pay 150 to a cowboy and enjoy but personally standing in a bath with 8.5kw of electricity and a nice flow of water around me..I would consider it as important to have the correct installer as i would having an rgii person for gas

Clonganny · 14-03-2011 2:43pm

I am looking to install a mains fed electric shower into our holiday home. There is a 1/2" mains fed pipe going to the bathroom.I got a pressure gauge from a plumber an put it on it and got a reading of 3bar. I then filled a bucket for and got a flow of 6.6litres in a minute. Are these figures good enough for an electric shower( can you recommend one) or do I have to look to install a tank in the attic?

bretttp1 · 18-03-2011 11:01am

I am doing the work myself, just reconnecting the existing electrical and plumbing connections.
My question is about the existing shower, it has an earth wire connected to the copper pipe with a small fitting, this has not come with the new shower and the manual states that none is to be used, is this correct?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_AvkeJGXFudY/TYNHanymVUI/AAAAAAAAAFU/XuNksItTB-0/s288/DSC02472.JPG

electric showers

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