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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 - |
- My
purchase is still under warranty and....
- Can
you send me a brochure?
- Combination
boiler and booster pump....
- Manual
shower mixer with combination boiler
-
I need spare parts.
- Low
shower pressure (using stored hot water)
- Temperature
swings (shower mixer valves)
- Temperature
swings (electric showers)
- Additional
parts?
- I need
advice
- Operational
and technical questions
- Low
water pressure and electric showers
- Installation
service
| Q. I
have a problem with my purchase and it's still under
warranty. What should I
do? |
|
|
A.
Problems that require attention under warranty may be dealt with in several
ways. It is worth remembering though, no matter how it is deemed best to
solve a problem you remain our customer as your purchase is made through us.
We will always seek satisfaction for you.
These days manufacturers tend to underwrite the statutory guarantee offered
when you purchase a product. Because the manufacturer possesses expert
technical knowledge of your product it is often more expedient to allow them
to deal with any problem directly. Allowing them to make direct arrangements
for an engineer to call (should this be deemed the appropriate solution) can save an awful
lot of time. You will only require proof of purchase when reporting a fault
if you go directly to a manufacturer. A visiting engineer will either
repair, replace or make a recommendation to the manufacturer based on
findings.
If your product is faulty because of a manufacturing defect and is within
the guarantee period a manufacturer will either deal with you directly to
organise a replacement, or request you deal with us (your supplier) to make
the necessary arrangements. Misuse, excessive use, abnormal use, or normal
wear and tear do not qualify for repairs or replacements under your
warranty.
All products sold by us carry a statutory minimum warranty of one year from
the date of purchase. Any variation to this (for example where a
manufacturer might offer an extended warranty whether this be free or at
extra cost) will be expressly stated in the sales particulars of the
product. Extended warranty periods (outside the Statutory minimum of 12
months) are by agreement between you and your
product manufacturer. Any claim made during an extended warranty period
(i.e. after 12 months) must be made directly with the manufacturer or their
warranty agent. We cannot deal with extended warranty issues save to help
you with proof of purchase.
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
(and KINEDO) Products
call 020 8842 4040
For advice or reports of faults on other
products please contact us via our
Contact Page . |
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| Q.
I would like a brochure, can you send me one? |
|
|
A.
Because we have such an extensive portfolio of products it is impossible
to carry brochures for every product advertised on this website. We
do however try to publish as much information on each product as is
available (often more than contained in a sales brochure). Sometimes we will
even publish a link to a brochure where possible. If we haven't offered a
brochure, it's probably quicker to call the manufacturer and order a brochure
by calling 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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of page
| 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 heat water quickly enough to provide a flow rate
compatible with such demands. The boiler can only supply water as
fast as it can heat it (and the limited supply from the boiler is normally
delivered in a pipe only 15mm in diameter). Performance may not be enhanced
by pumping to improve pressure or flow (it is against Water Bye Laws to
boost your incoming mains pressure or flow). Pumps are generally not
designed to connect directly to the incoming main, so guarantees would be
invalidated. |
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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. Peculiar results can manifest themselves if you try
because the hot and cold supplies originate from the same source (the
incoming cold main) adjusting temperature can prove difficult and mains
water is subject to pressure fluctuations. |
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| Q.
Where can I obtain spares? |
|
| A. It
is normally possible to obtain spares and service kits for shower valves 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 us through
the Contact Page
Just a thought...
Consider carefully. Are you
repairing something that might develop some other fault next month? Repairs
can sometimes save you money, but you might be throwing good money after
bad. |
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| Q. I
have a cylinder with stored hot water and 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 a vented storage cylinder is directly
related to the height of the loft tank (header tank) above the cylinder,
or, 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 greater the distance the greater
the pressure. Make sure
there is a good head of water.
There are only a couple of things you can do to improve performance:
- Raise your loft tank to increase your
'head' of water (creating a slight increase in pressure)
- You should also ensure there a no
restrictions or constrictions in the pipework.
- Ensure the pipework is the appropriate
size for the outlet.
- Also check that the shower is not
scaled or furred through limescale deposits.
- Consider installing a booster pump*.
*There are several things to consider
(including legalities and operational considerations/limitations) when
thinking about a booster pump. You are welcome to call us and discuss the
issues on 02392 349636.
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? |
|
| A1. 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 is 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 to 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.
A2. If you have an Electric
Shower and experience temperature swings it is likely that the unit
is not thermostatically controlled. Manual electric showers are at the
mercy of the incoming cold water pressure upon which they rely so much.
Mains pressure fluctuates all the time, and should somebody open a tap
elsewhere in the house this too will affect the pressure and hence
performance.
The solution is to install a
thermostatically controlled electric shower. This will make internal
adjustments to compensate for pressure or flow rate changes, stabilising the
temperature to +/- one degree C.
If you already have thermostatic
equipment and are experiencing problems it is likely that the thermostatic 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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of page
| 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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of page
| 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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of page
| 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. If we can help then
we will. But remember, whilst we have experience we do not hold ourselves to
be experts. 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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of page
| 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
a 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.
Don't hesitate to call for more advice.
This shower may not be connected
directly to mains pressure water. |
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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. See
our Guide to Plumbing and
Heating Installers 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. |
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