On Sat, 03 Apr 2004 18:16:16 GMT, "Peter"
wrote:

I can't help wondering, and would be interested in anyone else's views,

1. Are shower pumps used anywhere else in Europe or is it another quirk of
our UK low pressure stored water heritage?

Not as far as I know. The stored arrangement that we have does
mean that a shower, if properly connected, will maintain a flow
independent of the supply pressure.

2. If this is a niche market why do we put up with such high prices for what
is basically an induction motor and some mouldings and seals?

The prices don't strike me as particularly high. You can buy a
good quality pump from Stuart Turner or you can buy junk from the DIY
store and pay less.


3. Why are they always specified as this or that Bar rating when this is
meaningless without a corresponding flow at given pressure.

The rating is at zero flow and represents the equivalent of a head of
water that the pump will create. The data sheet should then have
graphs of pressure/flow.


4. Do the manufacturers complex warranties actually mean anything? Perhaps
their failure costs are factored into the selling price.

I tend not to screw around with warranties unless they are simple and
virtually unconditional, preferring to buy a good quality product.

I then expect a good lifetime and if I don't get it use persuasion of
the supplier backed up with the suggestion of legal measures if
necessary.

Difficulties come with the cheap products where people expect a lot
and there are all sorts of weasel words in what appear to be
attractive warranties.

Caveat Emptor, and Nil Illegitimis Carborundum just like anything
else.


..andy

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