We are often asked to advise on the best type of shower by our customers so, In this blog, we have summarised the main types of showers and their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Electric Shower

This type of shower usually runs off the incoming cold mains water feed and instantaneously heats the water using an electric heater either within the shower unit fitted in the bathroom or in a separate heater unit sited close by. Some manufacturers now produce a shower that is designed to run off the stored cold water tank in order to provide improved pressure..

This differs from other types of shower that use existing hot water that has previously been heated by a boiler or hot water cylinder.

Advantages

1. This main advantage of an electric shower is that it runs independently from the household heating system and doesn’t require an existing hot water supply. In the event of a breakdown to the existing boiler or cylinder, this type of shower will still function as it provides a secondary hot water supply.
2. As instant hot water is provided, it will operate even if an annoying member of the family has used all the hot water up!
3. This type of shower is relatively cheap and easy to install as it only requires a single pipe although it does require a dedicated electric feed.
4. It does not require gravity to work so it can be installed in a loft or position higher than an existing cold tank (if you have a cold water tank system).
5. This type of shower is often quieter than a pumped power shower.
6. If you do not have an alternative source of energy from electricity, this will be your only choice!

Disadvantages

1. Needs a separate electric supply so you will need to employ a plumber and electrician!
2. The pressure is generally not as good as a pumped power shower.
3. Electricity is generally more expensive than gas so they cost more to run than other types of shower.

2. Gravity Shower

A gravity shower uses a conventional hot water cylinder and cold water tank and relies on the pressure created by gravity or head (i.e. the distance in height between the cold water tank and the shower outlet.)  Adjusting the shower valve will mix the hot and cold supplies to achieve the correct temperature.

Advantages

1. This is the most simple type of shower technically as there is no pump or heater unit to go wrong
2. This type of shower relatively easy and cheap to install and run
3. Gravity showers are often seen as being more environmentally friendly as they use less water and less energy to heat the water.

Disadvantages

1. This type of shower can lack power and have a low flow rate and the pressure is not as good as a pumped shower. This will depend on the head of the shower – i.e. the higher the cold water tank is above the shower outlet, the stronger the shower will be.
2. Requires gravity to work so not particularly good in loft conversions and won’t work if the shower outlet is above the cold water tank.
3. This type of shower is more prone to temperature fluctuation if other services are turned on and off whilst someone is using the shower.

3.  Pumped Power Shower

This type of shower uses a conventional hot water cylinder and cold water tank and pumps the hot and cold supplies to provide an increase in pressure. The pump can either be sited within the shower unit or separately.

This type of shower includes both positive and negative head pumps.

Advantages

1. This main advantage of this type of shower is that they are generally more powerful than electric and gravity showers. The strength will vary depending on the pump.
2. More powerful showers are generally thought to be more hygienic and relaxing than weaker showers.

Disadvantages

1. This type of shower can use up an existing stored hot water supply quite quickly, depending on the strength of the pump.

4.  Power Shower from Combi Boiler

This type of shower uses hot water fed directly from a combination boiler and cold water from the mains. No separate pump is required.

Advantages

1. Compared to electric showers, much higher flow rates can be achieved with this type of shower, giving much more powerful showers.
2. As instant hot water is provided, it will operate even if  the hot water has been used up!
3. It does not require gravity to work so it can be installed in a loft or position higher than an existing cold tank (if you have a cold water tank system).
4. More powerful showers are generally thought to be more hygienic and relaxing than weaker showers.

Disadvantages

1. Running costs are generally higher than electric showers.

5   Power Shower from Unvented Cylinder

This type of shower is run from an unvented cylinder such as a Megaflo cylinder and relies on the pressure for the unvented system.

Advantages

1. .A power shower run from an unvented hot water cylinder can produce phenomenal flow rates many times higher than electric showers or most gravity showers. The high flow rates make it possible to run several jets at the same time (shower head and body jets), depending on the shower equipment used.
2. More powerful showers are generally thought to be more hygienic and relaxing than weaker showers.

Disadvantages

1. A power shower run from an unvented hot water cylinder can be expensive to run if you use its full potential!