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Frequently Asked Questions
We are contacted every day with a vast assortment of enquiries. Here are some of the questions we are asked and the most common solutions. Please remember that similar problems can be caused by differing factors. This page is provided only as a general guide to help you. It is not intended to provide definitive solutions.

If you feel you can contribute to this page for the benefit of other users please e-mail us with your comments to contributions@ifservices.co.uk 

Click on the topics below to view popular questions -
  1. My shower is still under warranty and....
  2. Can you send me a brochure?
  3. Combination boiler and booster pump....
  4. Manual shower mixer with combination boiler
  5. My shower has begun to leak / I need spare parts....
  6. Low shower pressure (using stored hot water)
  7. Temperature swings (shower mixer valves)
  8. Temperature swings (electric showers)
  9. Additional parts?
  10. I need advice
  11. Operational and technical questions
  12. Low water pressure and electric showers
  13. Installation service

 

Q. I have a problem with my shower and it's still under warranty. What should I do?
A. If you have a technical or warranty query you will need to speak with the customer services department.

For Mira products call 01242 262 888

For Aqualisa products call 01959 560010

For Bristan products call 01827 311345

For New Team products call 01536 264012

For Sanilfo Products call 020 8842 4040

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Q. I would like a brochure, can you send me one?
A. You can order a brochure on specific manufacturers ranges by call the following numbers -

Mira - Tel: 0800 975 8790 (Literature Hotline) Fax request: 0800 975 8791

Aqualisa - 01959 560020

Bristan - 01827 68525

New Team - 01536 409220

Sanilfo - 020 8842 4040

Triton  -  024 7637 2222

For details of how other brochures may be obtained please call us on 02392 349636

Product information contained on this website is in some instances more comprehensive than will be found in sales brochures. Remember, you can print any web pages that are of interest.

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Q. I have a combination boiler, can I install a booster pump for my shower?
A. No. The outflow from a combination boiler can not normally be boosted. For this reason you should consider the type of boiler and hot water system you select in conjunction with the demand you plan to place on the system.

For example, Combi boilers do not work well in conjunction with multiple bathrooms or shower areas (or cubicles) with multiple jets. A combi boiler cannot generally provide a flow rate compatible with such demands. Because the boiler can only supply water as fast as it can heat it (and the limited supply from the boiler is normally only 15mm and may not be pumped or improved), this type of configuration does not work satisfactorily.

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Q. Can I use a manual shower mixer with my combination boiler?
A. Not advised. You should use a pressure balancing mixer valve, or a thermostatic valve.

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Q. Where can obtain spares?
A. It is normally possible to obtain spares and service kits complete with easy to follow instructions. Provided there is nothing more serious wrong with your unit this will often cure dripping due to internal wear and tear on seals and 'o' rings.
Action: Service kits and spare parts may usually be obtained by calling the following numbers

For Mira products call us on 02392 349636 / 352957

For Aqualisa products call us on 02392 349636 / 352957

For Bristan products call 01827 311345

For New Team products call 01536 264012

For Triton Products call 024 7637 2222

Don't forget to check back here if servicing your unit does not work out to be cost effective

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Q. I have cylinder stored hot water with a loft tank, however the pressure at my shower head is poor. Can I do anything about this?
A. The pressure at which the hot water leaves the storage cylinder is directly related to the height of the loft tank (header tank) above the cylinder. More importantly the height of the loft tank above the outlet point (for example, the shower head) will determine the pressure at that point. The higher the greater. Make sure there is a good head of water.

You should also ensure there a no restrictions or constrictions in the pipework.

Also check that the shower is not scaled or furred through limescale deposits.

Consider installing a booster pump see Mira, Aqualisa, Stuart Turner Pumps and New Team

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Q. Why does the water temperature from my shower mixer sometimes fluctuate from freezing cold to scalding hot?
A. The most common reason for this symptom is that you are using a manual mixer valve supplied from a system with other appliances demanding water while you are showering. In other words the pressure of the hot and/or cold supply in fluctuating. If for example somebody flushes a toilet elsewhere in the house the cold water pressure drops as the cistern fills and the result is usually a sudden increase in temperature at the shower head. Similarly if somebody turns on a hot water tap elsewhere your shower will go cold. Washing machines and dishwashers will have the same effect.

The above description can apply top both gravity and mains pressure hot water systems (including Combi boiler systems).

If you have recently had your central heating system or boiler changed, make sure your shower valve is compatible. Manual mixer valves for example do not give adequate control over water temperature when used in conjunction with a combination boiler or a main pressure hot water system.
Remedy: Install a thermostatic mixer valve. This will stabilise the temperature regardless of other household demands.

If you already have a thermostatic valve and are experiencing problems it is likely that the cartridge is faulty. In this case you will need a service replacement.

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Q. I have an electric shower. Why does the water temperature vary from freezing cold to scalding hot without me touching the controls?
A. The reasons are similar to the question above. The pressure of the cold water supply to the shower unit is fluctuating. An electric shower commonly works by varying the amount of water that passes over the heating element. When you set the desired temperature this is adversely effected by other demands on the household water supply - hence for example a sudden increase in water temperature.
Remedy: Consider installing a thermostatically controlled electric shower unit.

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Q. Is it possible to buy additional parts, such as a new shower head, complete mixer valve or riser rail without having to purchase the complete shower?
A. Yes. If you require individual components or hardware (e.g. internal service kits, handset holders, knobs, covers or replacement thermostatic cartridges) we should be able to help.  - click here for details
Action: Call our order line 02392 349636. They will be able to advise on products, availability and cost. If you wish to place an order they can take this over the telephone. If we cannot help for any reason we will try to provide an alternative number to call.

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Q. I have looked through the website, used the product selectors and have read the FAQ's, but am still unsure. Can you give advice?
A. Yes. If you are still unsure which product will suit your needs we will be happy to advise on product suitability. Please remember though, advice is based on information you provide and can only be given in general terms. You are recommended to seek the opinion of a reputable plumber who is familiar with your specific installation or check with the equipment manufacturer.

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Q. I have an operational / technical problem with my shower. What could it be?

(issues include: unit cuts out when in use, unit makes whistling sound during use, difficulty obtaining correct temperature, schematic diagrams, faults, lost and damaged parts)
A. You need to speak with customer services for your manufacturer -

For Mira products call 01242 262 888

For Aqualisa products call 01959 560010

For Bristan products call 01827 311345

For New Team products call 01536 264012

For Triton products call 024 7637 2222

For Sanilfo Products call 020 8842 4040

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Q. I live in an area with low water pressure and would like to install an electric shower. Is this possible and what should I do?
A. There are a couple of options. You could install an adequately sized loft tank at a suitable height above the shower head to give you low (but acceptable pressure) and use this to supply water to the shower, or consider a shower such as the Mira Elite 2. Whilst this should be installed in conjunction with a cistern (gravity) supply the unit has an internal pump which boosts the pressure slightly to provide a normal output. Please note, the pumped electric shower (like the Mira Elite) should not be confused with a power shower.

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Q. Do you offer an installation service or recommend installers?
A. No. I'm afraid we do not offer an installation service. We are compiling a list of regional installers but at present this service is limited.

We suggest you look locally. If possible choose a company by recommendation. Obtain competitive quotes for the work you want done. Try to see previous works they have carried out. Don't be guided too much by price - it's quality of workmanship, reliability and service that are important.

It is advisable to ensure that your installer is fully competent and insured to perform the task. If an installer objects to you asking questions, look elsewhere.
Note: We would be interested to hear from you if you have had a particularly poor service from an installer, or if you wish to praise the service you have received. We may at a later date dedicate a new section and include your comments.