Are you struggling with low water pressure issues in your home and looking for the best mixer showers to improve your showering experience?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top mixer showers specifically designed for low water pressure systems in 2024. We will delve into the features and benefits of popular models from leading brands such as Mira, Triton, and Bristan. From the high-performance Mira Excel to the budget-friendly Bristan Acute, we will highlight the best options available to enhance your showering experience.
Additionally, we will discuss alternative solutions such as fitting a shower pump or opting for an electric shower to address low water pressure concerns.
Keep reading for valuable insights, recommendations, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision for your low water pressure system.
Best Mixer Showers for Low Water Pressure Systems at a glance
- Best overall: Mira Excel
- Best Budget: Bristan Acute
- Best from Triton: Exe Lever Bar Mixer
How do I know if I have low water pressure?
Do you know if you have low water pressure? Understanding the water pressure in your home is crucial for ensuring optimal performance of your mixer shower and other water systems.
Low water pressure can be identified by measuring the water flow rate. If your flow rate is below 10 liters per minute, it indicates low water pressure. This can affect the performance of your shower head and other fixtures.
Factors such as the type of water system and location can contribute to poor water pressure. It’s important to identify your water system, whether it’s an unvented, combi boiler system or a gravity-fed system, as different solutions may be required.
For unvented or combi boiler systems, ensure your stop tap is fully open and the pressure is at least 1 bar.
For gravity-fed systems, consider installing a shower pump to enhance water pressure. Without one it is especially important to pick the right shower as often the pressure to the shower head is around 0.1 bar and so the valve needs to maximise the flow at this pressure.
Analysis of low pressure showers from Mira, Triton and Bristan
Let’s analyse the best low pressure showers from Mira, Triton, and Bristan.
We have looked at the product information for all the exposed valves from each of these manufacturers, we wanted to include showers from Aqualisa, Grohe and others for this article but couldn’t find any information on performance on their websites. Below are tables of what we found for each manufacturer note each manufacturer provides flow rates at different pressure, for :
Mira Showers
| Model | Flow rate at 0.5bar (l/min) | Suitable for low pressure systems (without a pump)? |
| Mira Excel | 13 | Yes |
| Mira Select EV | 10 | Yes |
| Mira Minimal Single Outlet | 9.5 | No |
| Mira Coda Pro EV | 9 | No |
| Mira Relate EV | 9 | No |
| Mira Reflex EV | 9 | No |
Triton Showers
| Model | Flow rate at 0.1bar (l/min) | Suitable for low pressure systems (without a pump)? |
| Dene Cool Touch Bar Mixer Shower | 8 | Yes |
| Dene Sequential Mixer Shower | 8 | Yes |
| Exe Cool Touch Bar Mixer Shower | 8 | Yes |
| Elina Exposed Concentric Type 3 TMV Inclusive Mixer Shower | 8 (at 0.2 bar) | No |
| Tian 2 Bar Mixer Shower | 8 | Yes |
| Valdi 2 Concentric Mixer Shower | 8 | Yes |
Bristan
| Model | Flow rate at 0.2bar (l/min) | Flow rate at 0.5bar (l/min) | Suitable for low pressure systems (without a pump)? |
| ACUTE | 10 | 18.9 | Yes |
| COLONIAL Thermostatic Exposed Mini Valve Shower | 10 | 15.8 | Yes |
| CAPRI | 10 | 12.49 | Yes |
| 1901 Exposed Concentric Chrome | 8.5 | 11.8 | Yes |
| SONIQUE Exposed Mini Valve Shower | 5.9 | 10 | No |
| PRISM Exposed Dual Control Shower with Adjustable Riser | 4.4 | 7 | No |
| ZING Safe Touch Bar Shower with Fast Fit Connections | 2.7 | 4.8 | No |
| FRENZY | 2.5 | 4.7 | No |
| Design Utility Lever Bar Mixer | 2.3 | 4.2 | No |
| ARTISAN | 2.1 | 4 | No |
| PRISM Thermostatic Bar Shower | 2.1 | 4 | No |
| CLARET | n/a | 3.5 | No |
Best overall mixer shower for low pressure – Mira Excel
When it comes to choosing the best mixer shower, Mira Showers Excel Mixer Shower Exposed Variable (EV) Mixer Shower Chrome 1.1518.300 stands out as a top contender. It’s the UK’s best-selling mixer shower and is packed with features that make it the preferred choice for professional installers.
With Mira Magni-flo technology, it delivers up to 3x more flow even at low pressure. The thermostatic temperature stability ensures safe showering, while the separate temperature and flow controls allow for customization. The 4 spray showerhead with rub-clean nozzles makes it easy to remove limescale, making it ideal for hard water areas. The ceramic flow control also helps in keeping limescale at bay. Additionally, the maximum temperature stop feature increases safety, with an override option for hotter showers.
Best overall mixer shower for low pressure
Mira Excel
- Mira Magni-flo technology delivers up to 3x more flow, even at low pressure
- Thermostatic temperature stability ensures safe showering
- Separate temperature and flow controls for customization
- 4 spray showerhead with rub-clean nozzles for easy limescale removal
- Ceramic flow control keeps limescale at bay, ideal for hard water
- Maximum temperature stop for increased safety, with override for hotter showers
Best budget shower for low pressure – Bristan Acute
The best budget shower to consider is the Bristan AE SHXAR C Acute Thermostatic Surface Mounted Shower Valve with Adjustable Riser. This small, contemporary valve is suitable for small showering areas and comes with TMV2 thermostatic performance for high levels of thermostatic protection. It’s also suitable for all plumbing systems, including low pressure and high pressure. The shower kit and adjustable fixing bracket are included, and it comes with a high shine chrome plated finish. With a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can trust the quality of this budget-friendly shower unit.
Best budget shower for low pressure
Bristan Acute
- Affordable option for those on a budget
- Suitable for small showering areas
- TMV2 thermostatic performance for high levels of thermostatic protection
- Suitable for all plumbing systems, including low pressure
Best Triton Shower for low pressure – Exe Lever Bar Mixer
Consider the Triton Exe Lever Bar Mixer Shower as the best Triton shower option for low water pressure systems. This mixer shower features easy-to-operate lever handles for separate flow and temperature controls, allowing you to customize your shower experience. With thermostatic temperature control, you can enjoy added peace of mind knowing that the water temperature will remain consistent throughout your shower. The Triton Exe Lever Bar Mixer Shower is suitable for all pressure systems, making it a versatile choice for various homes. It also has an automatic shutdown safety feature in case of a hot or cold water supply failure. The rub clean shower head offers three spray patterns for a refreshing showering experience.
Best Triton Shower for low pressure
Exe Lever Bar Mixer
- Easy-to-operate lever handles for separate flow and temperature controls
- Thermostatic temperature control for added peace of mind
- Suitable for all pressure systems
Are there any alternatives for low pressure systems
If you’re dealing with low water pressure in your shower, there are a few alternatives you can consider.
One option is to fit a shower pump, which can help increase the water pressure and improve your showering experience.
Another alternative is to fit an electric shower, which heats the water as it flows through the unit, ensuring a consistent temperature and pressure.
Lastly, you can opt for a pumped digital shower, which combines the benefits of a shower pump and a digital control system for precise control over water pressure and temperature.
Fit a shower pump
Looking for the best shower pump to improve water pressure in your low pressure system?
While a shower pump is a popular solution, there are alternative options available as well.
In this discussion, we’ll explore the different options and help you find the most suitable solution for your needs.
Best shower pump for a single shower
You can enhance the water pressure in your low pressure system by fitting a shower pump. One reliable option is the Stuart Turner Showermate S1.5 bar Twin shower pump. This shower pump is designed to boost hot or cold water supplies in low pressure gravity systems.
It’s suitable for use in open vented systems and can be used to boost the flow to a single shower. With a flow rate of 32 Litres Per Minute, this pump delivers plenty of water for a satisfying shower experience. It features anti-vibration mounting feet for quiet operation and comes pre-wired with a 1.5 metre power cable for easy installation.
Best shower pump for a single shower
Stuart Turner Showermate
- 1.5 bar pressure
- Suitable for positive head applications
- Supplied with 4 x 15mm anti-vibration flexible connection hoses
- Anti-vibration mounting feet
- High reliability induction motor
- Continuously rated performance
- Pre-wired with 1.5 metre power cable
- 3 year warranty
Fit a Power shower
Consider installing a power shower as an alternative for low pressure systems. Power showers, are specifically designed to work efficiently in low pressure situations. They have an integrated pump that boosts the water flow, providing a powerful and invigorating shower experience.
You can find our top picks of the best power showers here.
Fit an electric shower
Electric showers are a popular choice for those with low water pressure because they are easy to install and operate independently of the existing plumbing system, although they are plumbed in to your cold mains supply. They heat the water as it flows through the unit, ensuring a consistent temperature and eliminating the need for a hot water cylinder or boiler. When looking for the best electric shower for your low pressure system, consider factors such as power rating, water flow rate, and ease of use.
Choose the electric shower that best suits your low pressure system based on your desired power rating, water flow rate, and ease of use.
You can find our top picks of electric showers here.
Fit a pumped digital shower
If your low pressure system can’t accommodate an electric shower, an alternative option is to fit a pumped digital shower. This type of shower is specifically designed for low pressure gravity-fed systems, where water flow can be sluggish.
A pumped digital shower consists of a smart control unit that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and flow of water, combined with a built-in shower pump. The shower pump boosts the water pressure, providing a powerful and invigorating showering experience.
The digital control unit also offers additional features such as a timer, eco mode, and customizable presets, giving you complete control over your showering experience. With a pumped digital shower, you can enjoy the benefits of a power shower without the need for extensive plumbing modifications or a separate shower pump.
You can find our summary of the best digital and smart showers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Measure the Water Pressure in My Home?
To measure the water pressure in your home, start by purchasing a water pressure gauge from a hardware store. Attach it to an outdoor tap and turn on the water. The gauge will display the pressure in bar.
Can I Use a Regular Shower Mixer With Low Water Pressure?
Yes, you can use a regular shower mixer with low water pressure, but it may not provide a strong flow. Consider a mixer shower specifically designed for low water pressure systems to ensure optimal performance.
Are There Any Additional Accessories or Features That Can Help Improve Water Pressure in a Shower?
To improve water pressure in your shower, consider using additional accessories like a shower head with high-pressure settings or a shower pump. These can help enhance your showering experience and provide a more satisfying water flow.
Are There Any Specific Maintenance or Troubleshooting Tips for Low Water Pressure Systems?
To troubleshoot low water pressure in a shower, check for any clogs or blockages in the pipes, make sure the shut-off valves are fully open, and consider installing a pressure-boosting device. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help improve water pressure. In hard water areas limescale can be a major factor in flow rate from both scaled pipes and the shower valve/head. A water softener solves this issue over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when dealing with low water pressure systems, it’s important to choose the right mixer shower that can effectively enhance your showering experience.
After analysing shower options from Mira, Triton, and Bristan, we’ve determined that these brands offer reliable solutions for low pressure systems.
However, it’s also worth exploring alternative options, such as electric showers or boosting devices, to ensure optimal water flow and pressure.
Make an informed decision to enjoy a satisfying shower experience even with low water pressure.
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