How quiet are shower pumps?

Because water is being moved at a high speed and being thrust out of a pump all shower pumps will make some noise. But different pumps can create different noises as water is moved in different ways depending on pump type.

Salamander have been awarded Quiet Mark because the innovations that have been introduced across their product range have allowed them to produce some of the quietest shower pumps in the UK. Here is how they do it.

Regenerative pumps (Salamander CT Xtra, CT Bathroom and CT Force).

They have an impeller within the end of the pump, which spins 2800 times per minute. When the water enters the pump from the inlet it is whipped around the end of the pump by the impeller. The water is stripped from the impeller and directed out the top of the pump by a stripping block. This is what makes a noise in a regenerative pump.

Salamander introduced some clever innovative technologies which help to reduce the noise of their pumps. Such as a specialised plastic which directs all of the vibrations down to the feet of the pump. All Salamander pumps are provided with noise-reducing feet which dampen the vibration. This reduces the vibration directed through the feet and to the base.

Centrifugal pumps (Salamander Right Pump range).

Water enters from the centre of the end of the pump and fills up the impeller. The impeller spins and throws the water outwards, using centrifugal force, this creates a higher pressure in the overall chamber and forces water out the top of the pump. Centrifugal pumps are quieter because the water is being spun from the impeller and there is no physical act of stripping.

Salamander installation tips for reducing noise

1. Install a pump mat.

It will reduce the vibration that is passed down from the pump and onto the surface of the pump is sitting on.

2. Fit the feet.

They will further reduce the vibration that is passed down onto the surface the pump is sitting on.

3. Keep AV hoses straight.

They should not bent more than 35°. There must be no excess strain on them.

4. Clip the pipework from the pump.

This will reduce the vibrations transferring from the pump to the pipework.

5. Fit a flange.

Flanges ensure that the water drawn from the hot water cylinder has minimal air in it, this is important as air makes the pump noisy.