Do I need a megaflow when I have my loft converted?

[BootleBumtrinket]

We are having our loft converted soon and have had several quotes. All the builders have been a bit vague as to whether we actually "need" a megaflow system installed. We aren't being pushed to have one but no-one will give me a firm yes or no as to whether it would better to have one.

Our water pressure is fine and we only have a 3 bed semi - so not a mansion, but I know several people who had one installed when they had the loft done. They cost at least £2k so if we could save that amount and not have it done then obviously it would help but I don't want to have the conversion done and then wish we had gone for one after all.

We have a 9 year old combi boiler so if we don't have one then we can never have the two showers running at the same time. DH thinks this isn't a problem but at the moment the kids are very young. I just wonder if, as they get older, we will wish we had the megaflow. It is my understanding that it is much more work and cost to put one in afterward so if we were thinking of it then it makes sense to have it done now.

Anyone got any thoughts or experience on this dilemma?!

TIA

If you've already got a combi then you can stick with that if water pressure is good enough to serve an extra storey. The problem with combis, as you know, is that the water runs cold if someone in another bathroom runs the tap so maybe that is why they are suggesting Megaflo. Also, some people may have hot water cylinders in parts of the house that are going to be used for stairs etc in loft conversions so maybe they're automatically assuming that's another reason to upgrade. If your boiler is 9 years old, you might need to think about a new system anyway - I have a Megaflo and it is great (it's about 150cm tall but it only cost c. #800).

If you want to get rid of your water storage tank in the loft yes its wise to do it with the loft conversion.If you want a megaflo-type system the water pressure coming from your mains has to be strong enough for a pressurised water tank[ one type of a pressurised water system is called a megaflo as a trade name].We have just had one installed with a new boiler and the pressure is now brilliant-in our old house.I would get a plumber round to discuss possibilities as builders can be vague about things like this.

Sorry, I should have made it clear that all our water comes off the mains - we don't have a water storage tank in the loft or a hot water cylinder.

Lala - I think the problem is that we aren't going to know if the water pressure will adequately serve the extra storey. The builders all turn the taps on and go "fine" but then are a bit vague. We need a horizontal megaflo as we have a problem with storage space and they are much more expensive. I have a feeling that the boiler isn't going to last much longer either - it was very temperamental last winter

Teta - I didn't think of getting a plumber round. It makes sense - at least he can give me some expert advice. Good idea

I had a megaflo in our old 3 storey house and we are about to convert the loft in our new house and will definitely get one again. Was worth it's weight in gold. We had 3 bathrooms and could have all the showers running and the washing machine on and the pressure was fantastic in the taps still, well worth it IMO

Just got one. Loft conversion and megaflo. It is fantastic. Like you I have young 'uns but know it will really come into its ownwhen they're showering twice a day (or need to ). Lots more hot water, heated more quickly and efficiently. Would have been a trickle if we'd not done it. We kept our 3 year old system boiler.

We have just had one installed and had the water pressure tested beforehand - the water board came out and advised what the pressure was at the lane and then what it was coming into the house. They did not charge for this.

Can I hijack? What's involved in fitting one? We currently have a combi and no tanks but our boiler is getting on so will be replacing in a year or two anyway...

We had one installed in summer 2009. It only took a day to put in, not much hastle at all and it's sooooooo worth it.

We had a condensing boiler and a megaflo put in last week.It took 3 days and cost 3700 pounds [ it replaced a 17 year old very inefficient boiler].The water pressure has gone from a trickle to a rush and hopefully our heating bills will reduce by about 25%.