Will McPhee, Technical Sales Manager, Pump Technology answers some questions on wetroom installations and the importance of selecting an appropriate pump.
Q. When undertaking a wetroom installation what are some of the main aspects bathroom fitters need to consider?
A successful wetroom installation starts long before the tray or floor former is fitted. Careful planning is essential to ensure the finished room delivers both the appearance and performance the customer expects.
Installers should consider the overall layout, the available drainage route, floor construction, waterproofing and future accessibility. Creating the correct falls towards the drain is critical to prevent standing water, while ensuring the waterproof membrane or tanking system is installed correctly helps protect the building fabric from moisture ingress.
It’s also important to think about maintenance. Choosing products that allow easy access for servicing and cleaning can save significant time and cost later. As more homeowners choose wetrooms for contemporary styling, accessibility or multi-generational living, reliability has become just as important as aesthetics.
Q. When it comes to drainage what are the key things for installers to focus on?
Efficient drainage is fundamental to the performance of any wetroom. The drainage system must be capable of removing water at least as quickly as it enters the shower area to prevent pooling or overflow.
Installers should pay close attention to pipe sizing, routing and gradients where gravity drainage is possible. In situations where gravity drainage isn’t practical—such as basements, internal rooms or extensions—a pumped waste solution may be required.
It’s equally important to minimise restrictions within the pipework by avoiding unnecessary bends and ensuring connections are correctly installed. Selecting a drainage solution that is designed for the expected flow rates and installation environment helps deliver consistent long-term performance while reducing the likelihood of future call-backs.
Q. Do installers need to consider the type of shower being used in the wetroom?
Absolutely. Different shower systems can produce significantly different flow rates, and the drainage solution must be selected accordingly.
High-performance mixer showers, digital showers and pumped shower systems are capable of delivering much greater volumes of water than standard electric showers. If the drainage system cannot keep pace, water can accumulate on the wetroom floor, affecting both safety and customer satisfaction.
Understanding the shower’s maximum flow rate allows installers to select an appropriate waste solution with sufficient capacity. Considering future upgrades can also be worthwhile, particularly where homeowners may replace the shower with a higher-performance model later.
Matching the drainage solution to the shower specification helps ensure reliable operation throughout the life of the installation.
Q. How has the Instant Match Premium range been designed to support wetroom installations?
Whale’s Instant Match Premium range has been developed to simplify product selection while delivering reliable performance across a wide variety of bathroom and wetroom installations.
The range has been engineered to accommodate different shower flow rates and installation requirements, making it easier for installers to identify the most suitable solution without unnecessary complexity. Compact designs provide greater installation flexibility where space is limited, while quiet operation helps create a better experience for homeowners.
Ease of installation has also been a key design consideration, helping reduce installation time while maintaining dependable performance. Combined with Whale’s focus on quality engineering and long-term reliability, Instant Match Premium gives installers confidence that they are fitting a solution designed to perform day after day.
Q. Can Instant Match Premium be paired with a solution to shut-off water supply if pump performance is compromised?
Yes. For additional protection, Instant Match Premium can be paired with Whale Sense, Whale’s intelligent electronic shut-off system.
Whale Sense continuously monitors pump operation and is designed to detect conditions that could indicate reduced pump performance or a developing fault. If an issue is identified, the system automatically isolates the incoming water supply, helping to prevent flooding and minimise the risk of water damage.
This additional layer of protection provides reassurance for both installers and homeowners, particularly in higher-value properties or locations where leaks could cause significant disruption. It can also reduce the likelihood of costly remedial work and insurance claims resulting from overflow incidents.
By combining Instant Match Premium with Whale Sense, installers can offer customers a complete wastewater management solution that not only performs efficiently during everyday use but also actively protects the property should unexpected issues arise.
Image: Whale
