Which System Do I Have?

For a really good shower you are likely to require:
● A good supply of hot and cold water
● High-quality shower equipment
● Good installation and plumbing
An individual’s perception of what is a ‘good shower’ is of course infinitely variable! However you will want to get the best shower from your water system.

But what system have you got?

Unvented instantaneous electric or gas/oil fired combination boiler system.

There is no stored hot or cold water. Cold water (typically fed from the mains) flows through the boiler and is heated ‘instantaneously’.

The pressure of the mains supply will determine the pressure of your shower.
You cannot fit a pump to these systems, but this system will give you a really good shower.

Unvented high pressure stored system.

Hot water is stored at pressure, provided by your mains water supply, in a cylinder. The cold water comes directly from the mains.

These high pressure systems will give you an excellent shower.
You cannot fit a pump to these systems.

Traditional low pressure/gravity system also known as vented.

The hot water is stored in a cylinder, which is often located in the airing cupboard. The cold water is stored in a large tank in the loft. (There will also be a smaller tank in the loft but that is to feed the water to your boiler)

The height of the cold water storage tank above your shower will determine the pressure of your shower. A pump can be used to increase that pressure and this will provide a very good powerful shower.

Some showers have a built in pump, these can only be used on gravity systems and will give you an excellent shower.

The drawings and descriptions are a simplified version to help you identify your system. If you are in any doubt consult your dealer or plumber.