22MM Connection S Flange

Air causes a range of problems in pumps and can ultimately damage or break the pump.  The best way to prevent air getting into the pump is to ensure that a flange is fitted on the hot water cylinder.  Salamander sell an ‘S’ flange, which is a device used to remove air intake from the hot water cylinder from where the pumps draws hot water.  The ‘S’ flange sits on top of the hot water cylinder and will need to be installed by a competent and trained installer. Click here for further information on the S falnge.

Most of our pumps must have a flange fitted to ensure longevity of life of the pump and for the warranty to remain valid. Click here for further information and exceptions to this.

Please ensure that the pumps’ warranty and installation guide book is checked before pump installation.

A flange is a device that limits the amount of air entering a pump from the hot water cylinder.  Air in the system is called aeration and it can cause problems such as fluctuations in water temperature, noisy pipework and in the case of the pump, damage to internal components. Fitting a flange will prolong the life of a pump, and for the Salamander Right Pump range a flange is a requirement of the installation to ensure a valid warranty. It is always best practice to fit a flange in any shower pump installation in a gravity fed system.

1. Turn off the water supply to the hot water cylinder then open the hot water taps and empty the hot water cylinder.
2. Unscrew and remove any existing compression fitting from the top of the hot water cylinder and clean the pipes. Clean the area to remove any debris or remnants from the previous connection.
3. Use a pipe-cutter to trim the existing pipes to allow the flange to be fitted to the top of the hot water cylinder.
4. Wrap PTFE or potable jointing compound around the cleaned male threads of the S Flange. It’s important to note that when wrapping PTFE tape around a thread each revolution or layer should overlap the last one by roughly a half to ensure a good seal. PTFE tape should always run in the same direction as the thread itself.
5. Tighten the flange onto the hot water tank to ensure a watertight seal and carefully screw it into the hot water cylinder ensuring it is level.

Watch the video with the S-flange step-by-step installation.

A flange is a device that limits the amount of air entering a pump from the hot water cylinder. When water is heated, or replaced within the hot water cylinder, air bubbles are formed and collect around the side or the top of the cylinder.

If you are installing a pump, you need to ensure these air bubbles are not drawn into the pump.

By installing a flange, these air bubbles are prevented from entering the pump, as the flange can draw water from deeper within the hot water cylinder, allowing the air to pass up and out via the expansion vent pipe.

There are various flanges available, including:

• Surrey Flange, such as Salamander Pumps’ ‘S’ type flange
• Warix flange
• No Stop Essex flange

Salamander Pumps’ S-type flange and Warix flanges are both top entry, meaning that they connect onto the hot draw off connection on the dome of a standard hot water cylinder. On the S-type flange the side connection supplies the hot feed to the pump and the top connection to the open vent pipe, whereas on the Warix flange, the pump supply connection is taken from the top and the vent pipe from the side connection.

A no stop Essex flange is a side entry flange, which requires drilling into the side of the cylinder. This flange is best for when a pump needs to be situated above the hot water cylinder and provides an unrestricted hot water supply into the pump.

Air in the water supply can make the pump noisy and can cause premature pump breakdown.​ Pump degradation will result in an eventual leak​.

A flange installation is crucial for protecting the pump from damage caused by air​. It maintains the longevity of your pump​.

Fitting the flange is also required for Right Pump warranty.