Shower from mains vs from tank

MichaelR

Hello,

I mentioned this in my other topic but I think it deserves a topic of its own, especially since I'm probably not the only one with the question...

Our house is a semi-D with a good size tank in the attic. However, we currently have a Triton Rally shower running off mains cold water. It was installed by previous owners, likely because a mains shower needs no pump and so was, at the time, far less noisy.

We are doing a refit of the shower enclosure and want to replace the shower. We have the option of switching to tank+pump, with a Triton T90SR or Mira Elite silent-running shower. Alternatively we can keep the mains but install a thermostatic shower to mitigate the changing pressure/temperature problems (Triton T80Z). Which one is the better option?

Notably, is the pumped one likely to last less, or to develop noise issues?

Sleeper12

Mains fed showers aren't designed for Irelands low mains pressure. As you found out with your T80 it can be difficult to control the temperature. Building regulations & local bylaws state that electric showers shouldn't be connected to the mains. A mains fed shower should be taken from the tank & a pump installed between the tank & the shower. It's far simpler to install a Mira Elite SE or Triton T90SR. These were both designed for Ireland. Plumbers in the UK haven't ever heard of a T90, yet it's the biggest selling shower in Ireland for decades.

A T80 taken off the tank with a pump will never give the issues you have with yours. You will never have these issues with a T90 or Elite. You have the issues because the installer didn't follow the installation instructions where it says to follow building regulations & bylaws

MichaelR

What I have now is a Rally, not a T80, and in fairness it seems to be about 10 years old.

If I go for "designed for Ireland" I guess it's hello Triton T90SR. Unlike the T80Z and the Mira Elite, it is not available in Screwfix (might have to do with Screwfix being a UK-headquartered company) and also has its advertised power rating correct for Ireland not the UK! I can apparently pick one up from Woodies.

This, actually, seems like a good solution. Triton has an excellent reputation, my existing Triton was as good as a mains-fed non-thermostatic shower could be and lasted very long (I am replacing it now only because we are doing a refit of the encolosure), and I am probably not going for that dual head anyway (because I am worried about the complicated hose switching system starting to leak down the line).

Sleeper12

You should avoid Screwfix for showers. They don't buy from the Irish agents & as a result their showers have no Irish warranty. If the shower fails you have to pay someone to remove it & return it to them for repair. Then pay to have it installed again. Same with many of B&Q showers.

Triton T90SR is €239.99 in Woodies. This is as cheap as you will find them as Triton increased the cost of them by €20 a few months back. Many trade counters aren't this cheap.