Digital Showers and Swapping to a Combi Boiler
Are you planning to replace your open vent (gravity-fed) heating system with a modern combi boiler? That’s a smart move for improved efficiency and endless hot water on demand. However, if you have a digital shower designed for gravity-fed systems, you might encounter a compatibility snag. Don’t worry—Boilerhut is here to guide you through.
The Challenge: Digital Showers and Open Vent Systems
Digital showers are a luxurious addition to any bathroom, offering precise temperature control, easy operation, and sleek designs. However, many models are engineered specifically for open vent heating systems (also known as gravity-fed setups). These rely on a header tank in the loft to feed water to your hot water cylinder.
When you switch to a combi boiler, which heats water directly from the mains without a tank, these gravity-fed digital showers won’t function properly. The system is designed to ‘pull’ water from the hot water tank and pump it to the shower.
Key signs your digital shower works with a gravity fed system:
- It requires a pump or is labelled for “gravity” or “open vent” use,
- Brands like Aqualisa and Mira often specify this in their product details.
The Solution: Upgrade to Combi-Compatible Digital Showers
The good news is that you don’t have to ditch your digital shower dreams. Most manufacturers offer alternative versions of the controllers that can be inserted instead of the current controller so there would be minimal disruption to your current set up. These typically feature:
- Thermostatic mixing valves optimised for mains pressure,
- No need for additional pumps – perfect for a combis’ on-demand hot water.
Upgrading ensures seamless performance, but it does come at an extra cost—usually £200 – £500 depending on the model.
Recommended Combi-Compatible Digital Showers
Based on popular brands like Aqualisa and Mira, here are some examples that work effortlessly with combi boilers.
This is the Aqualisa box which is listed at £422.20
Example of Mira Platinum Single Outlet processor £528.79
What Does the Upgrade Involve?
- Assess Your Current Setup: Our Boilerhut engineers can inspect your existing shower during your combi boiler installation quote, but it’s best if you let us know for the first quote to avoid delays,
- Choose a Compatible Model: We’ll recommend options based on your budget and preferences,
- Professional Installation: Swapping the valve or full unit takes 1–2 hours. Total upgrade cost: £300–£800 (including parts and labour),
- Bonus: Upgrading now avoids future headaches and could qualify for energy-saving incentives.
Why Choose BoilerHut for Your Upgrade?
At BoilerHut, we specialise in seamless transitions to combi boilers, including bathroom tweaks like this. Our certified installers handle everything – from boiler fitting to shower upgrades under one roof. Plus:
- Free online quotes and phone surveys (no need to visit for the first survey),
- Up to 12-year warranties on boilers,
- Expert advice.
Ready to make the switch? Contact Boilerhut today for a personalised plan.
Please note that prices and availability are subject to change.
Need a new boiler?
If you need a new or replacement boiler or are looking at having a central heating system installed, get an online quote (it takes less than 1 minute), and you’ll get an instant price. But why choose Boilerhut:
- Next day boiler installation.
- Instant, no-obligation quote in less than 1 minute.
- New boiler finance options are available for new boilers and central heating installation.
- 10 to 12-year warranty on boilers.
- ‘Excellent’ 5* customer satisfaction on Trustpilot.
- Fixed prices. No hidden extras.
- Get up to three quotes for different-tier boilers.
