What kind of shower do I need to replace this with?

[Sambo94]

Hi all,

Apologies for my limited knowledge!

I've moved into a house that has this shower (see pic). I believe the cold water comes from loft tank, and hot water from hot water tank in airing cupboard next to bathroom, with a pump.

Is this shower a power shower and can I just replace this for another power shower? I'm guessing these ones do not require electricity.

If I was to buy a replacement do I need to make sure that the hot and cold water in pipes are similar distance to fit a new unit, or are these easily adjusted?

Thanks in advance.

 

[stem]

That's an Opella mixer which has a normally closed magnetic switch inside it. The design is such that it's intended to be connected to a power shower pump located elsewhere, usually next to the hot water cylinder. When the mixer is turned on water flows, the contact opens and switches on the shower pump.

If you still have the original shower pump connected to it, usually a 'Brightplan' then unfortunately you will have to replace both because they only work as a pair.

If you no longer have the original power shower pump that needs the electrical connection and the Opella mixer is being used only as a mixer, then it can be replaced with a proprietary unit, although you will have to change the pipework.

I had to change mine. You can read the thread complete with before and after photos here.

 

[Sambo94]

Thanks for the info stem and a speedy response!

It looks like it's currently hooked up to a salamander pump, so I'm guessing it's just being used as a thermostatic adjuster.

I've had a browse and seen some faucet adjustable swing arms, if I was to buy a thermostat with a wider fitting, can you think of a reason why these wouldn't make up the difference? Hoping to avoid causing too much destruction!

Thanks in advance.

​

 

[stem]

OK. Sounds like the original pump has been replaced with one that has integral flow switches that control it. That makes sense as I imagine the magnetic switch in the Opella mixer would have failed long ago.

I've never seen 'faucet adjustable swing arms' before but I imagine it would be almost impossible to find some that would make the exact transition required between the existing fixed pipework and the inlets to a new mixer. Also, as the name suggests they may be from North American and may not have the same threads as we use in the UK.

The only way I can think of is to connect new fittings to the existing elbows and then add new sections of pipes and bends to make the transition to a new mixer. It won't look particularly nice though.