Shower from mains vs from tank

MichaelR · 30-08-2021 11:23PM #1

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?

31-08-2021 08:38AM

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 · 31-08-2021 09:15PM

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).

01-09-2021 08:26AM

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.

Shower from mains vs from tank

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