With water bills on the rise in many parts of the UK, many people are reconsidering the type of shower they use. The power shower and the electric shower are both fantastic options that can help you achieve a decent flow rate even with lower mains pressure. But how can you tell which one is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll compare these two types of showers to help you make an informed decision.
Power showers
Unlike standard mixer showers that rely solely on your mains pressure, power showers use a combination of hot water from your boiler or tank and cold water from the mains. A pump then increases the flow rate of the combined water before it reaches the showerhead.
This lets them deliver powerful and invigorating shower experience even in homes with low water pressure.
Pros:
- Powerful flow: Power showers are perfect for those who crave a luxurious showering experience with a strong, consistent flow.
- Versatility: They can be paired with a variety of showerheads, including multi-spray options, for a truly customised showering experience.
- Aesthetics and Design: There is a reason there are in every hotel and spa bathroom, they are more aesthetically pleasing.
Cons:
- Running costs: Power showers use additional electricity to operate the pump, which can add to your energy bills.
- Water usage: The increased flow rate can lead to higher water consumption, so they might not be the most eco-friendly option.
- Installation: Power showers require professional installation due to the pump unit.
Electric showers
Taking a slightly different approach, electric showers heat water internally using electricity. They’re essentially self-contained units that draw cold water directly from the mains and heat it up on demand, letting you adjust the temperature using a control panel.
Pros
- Cost-effective: Electric showers can be cheaper to run than power showers, especially if you’re on a good electricity tariff. They also tend to use less water per shower.
- Easy installation: Electric showers are easy to install compared to power showers, and some DIY-enthusiasts might be able to tackle it themselves.
Cons
- Limited flow rate: Electric showers are restricted by your mains water pressure and their own heating capacity. They might not be ideal for homes with very low pressure or those who desire a super-powerful shower.
- Temperature fluctuations: Maintaining a consistent temperature can be a challenge with electric showers, especially if there are fluctuations in the mains pressure or cold water supply.
- Power supply required: This should be fitted by a qualified electrician.
Which should I pick?
There’s no easy answer; the best choice for you depends on your circumstances and priorities. Go for a power shower if you you’re prepared to pay higher running costs for a powerful and luxurious showering experience. But an electric shower could be more suitable if you’re on a budget and have decent mains pressure.
Just remember, the flow rate might not be as strong with an electric shower. Plus there are a few other plumbing system impacting factors that should influence your research and decision. The type of boiler you have, how many floors/showers you have, and any immersion heater and hot water tank location. The TLDR is gravity plays a big part in water pressure, if you are sending water up from a combi boiler to the third floor, then the water pressure would not be as good as the floor below.
For the record, I have a power shower on the 1st floor and 2nd floor, with a combi boiler and it’s fine, but the water pressure into the house is pretty good to start with. Some people recommend a thermostatic mixer shower, but you have to turn the hot and cold water on simultaneously and get the balance right for temperature control. The style I have (pictured above) you just turn it on and the temperature is just right once it warms up.
Ultimately, you should consult a qualified plumber if you want to know which type of shower you should pick. They’ll be able to assess your water pressure and existing hot water system, then recommend the most suitable shower type for your needs.
