What Is a Power Shower? A Simple Guide
Ever wondered what puts the ‘power’ in a power shower? It’s a shower designed with an integrated pump to take low water pressure and turn it into a strong, satisfying flow. If your home has a gravity-fed plumbing system, you'll know how frustrating low pressure can be—and a power shower is the perfect solution.
How Does a Power Shower Work?
A power shower works by taking hot and cold water from your home’s storage tanks, mixing them to your desired temperature, and then using its built-in pump to supercharge the flow rate. This simple but effective process solves one of the most common bathroom problems: a weak, unsatisfying shower caused by a low-pressure, gravity-fed system.
It's a common misconception that a power shower heats the water. It doesn't heat the water itself; it simply takes the warm water you already have and gives its flow rate a massive boost. This is why it's the go-to solution for homes with low-pressure systems.
If you suspect your home has low pressure, it's worth taking a moment to how to check water pressure to see if a power shower is the right fit for you.
The Benefits of Upgrading to a Power Shower
If you're tired of a weak shower, a power shower is a game-changer. The biggest benefit is the luxury of a high-pressure spray, turning your daily wash into something you genuinely look forward to.
It delivers a consistently strong flow and a stable temperature, ending those annoying hot and cold fluctuations that plague low-pressure systems. With showers being a core part of UK homes—86% of households have at least one—it makes sense to ensure the experience is a good one. You can discover more insights about UK shower habits here.
For anyone with a traditional gravity-fed plumbing system, a power shower is the simplest way to get a powerful spray without the cost of re-plumbing the entire house.
Power Shower vs Electric and Mixer Showers
Choosing the right shower can be baffling. The three main types—power, electric, and mixer—all work differently. Understanding the basics is the first step to finding the perfect fit.
An electric shower takes cold water from your mains supply and heats it instantly as it passes through. This makes it a versatile option for almost any home, regardless of the boiler system. You can learn more about the history of the shower here.
A mixer shower is simpler. It takes your existing hot and cold water supplies and blends them to the temperature you want. The catch? The pressure you get is completely dependent on your home's water pressure.
And that brings us to the power shower. It also blends hot and cold water like a mixer shower, but it has one crucial extra component: an integrated pump. Its entire job is to boost the water flow, turning a dribble into an invigorating spray.
Comparing Shower Types for UK Homes
To make the choice clearer, here’s a direct comparison to help you decide which one is the right match for your home.
| Feature | Power Shower | Electric Shower | Mixer Shower |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Blends hot & cold water, then pumps it for high pressure. | Instantly heats cold mains water with an internal element. | Blends existing hot and cold water supplies. |
| Water Pressure | Excellent, thanks to the built-in pump. | Independent of your home's system; pressure can vary. | Depends entirely on your home's water pressure. |
| Best For | Homes with low-pressure gravity-fed systems. | Almost any home, especially those with combi boilers. | Homes with good, reliable hot water pressure. |
| Energy Use | Can be high due to the pump and use of stored hot water. | Generally energy-efficient as it only heats water on demand. | Efficiency depends on your boiler and water usage. |
| Installation | More complex; requires connections to hot & cold supplies. | Simpler; only needs a cold mains feed and electrical supply. | Straightforward plumbing into hot and cold pipes. |
If you have a gravity-fed system and crave a strong, consistent flow, a power shower is the undisputed champion. If you need a reliable solution for any plumbing setup, an electric shower is your safest bet. And if you’re already blessed with great water pressure, a simple mixer shower might be all you need.
What to Know Before Installation
Before buying a power shower, check your home's plumbing first. A power shower needs a low-pressure, gravity-fed system with separate hot and cold water tanks. Unfortunately, this means it is not compatible with modern combi boilers.
Because the integrated pump needs an electrical supply, installation is a job for a qualified professional. It's not a DIY task. Our experts can handle both the plumbing and the electrical work during our professional shower installations, ensuring everything is safe and up to standard.
Regular cleaning of the showerhead is also a must to prevent limescale from building up and clogging the jets. It’s a simple but important step for maintaining performance and hygiene. Understanding these requirements will help you make the right choice for your bathroom.
Your Power Shower Questions Answered
Got a few lingering questions about power showers? Let's clear them up.
Can I Use a Power Shower with a Combi Boiler?
That's a definite no. A power shower is built specifically for low-pressure, gravity-fed water systems. A combi boiler already delivers water at high pressure. Hooking one up to a power shower would overwhelm the pump, causing it to fail. For a combi boiler, a thermostatic mixer shower is the right choice.
Do Power Showers Use a Lot of Water and Electricity?
Yes. The pump is designed to create a powerful, high-flow spray, which naturally uses more water than a standard electric or eco-model shower. The pump also needs electricity to run, so you can expect a slight increase in your utility bills.
Is Professional Installation Necessary?
Absolutely. Fitting a power shower involves a mix of complex plumbing and electrical work. For your safety and to ensure the shower works correctly, you must hire a qualified professional. They'll make sure the installation meets all UK safety regulations. For more detailed advice, check our extensive shower repair FAQs.
Time to Upgrade Your Shower Experience?
If you're tired of a weak shower, a power shower is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect way to turn frustratingly low water pressure into a powerful, invigorating experience. Our expert plumbers specialise in fitting the ideal system for your home, making sure it’s installed safely and efficiently so you can enjoy the perfect pressure every time.
Ready to make the change? For expert advice and installation, trust Go Assist. Learn more about our services and book your appointment today.
