Advice from OCUK plumbers

Associate
Joined
21 Oct 2002
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UK
Hi all,

I am about to have a new combi boiler installed to replace my dead one and have been told by one of the plumbers that I need to have a new shower fitted (a thermostatic shower) as it's dangerous not to have one when using water directly from a combi boiler.

We were thinking of just getting a set of taps with the shower feed off them but apparently this isn't good enough.

Is the plumber correct in this case? I don't mind paying for the shower if it is needed but not sure if it is.

Thanks

Matt
 
I don't use one, I have my hot water on the boiler set at a reasonable temperature and have a normal MIRA shower which I adjust manually.

I give it a few minutes to settle before jumping in.
 
What do you have now.

Most NON electric showers will be thermo controlled some better than others

MIRA one of the better ones.
 
Thermostatic valves protect you from sudden surges of very hot water. If the combi throws a wobbly and spews out a load of hot only, you'll get scorched with a manual mixer. On the other hand, it'll be fine.
 
As its a combi you will have pretty much instant hot water when you turn on the tap.

Since the mixer will use a hot and cold feed the situation could arise that if someone turns on the tap downstairs or in another bathroom then the cold water pressure drop meaning less cold water into the shower.

You could end up scalding yourself if the hot water is very hot. It all depends on what your cold water pressure and feeds are like.

The thermostatic valve will adjust the flow rates of the hot water if the pressure drops on the cold feed so that there is not a dramatic change in temp. Also works the opposite way but since the combi will presurise the hot water system its not so much of an issue.

Most mixer showers these days will have a thermostatic valve on them. Handy if you have kids so they cant burn themselves but not dangerous as long as you know not to flush the bog when the mrs is showering.
 
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