Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about our shower systems, shipping, returns, and more. Can't find your answer? Get in touch, we're happy to help!

General

Shipping

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, we ship worldwide. All orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), meaning duties and import taxes are included,so there are no unexpected charges upon delivery. Shipping costs vary by destination and are calculated automatically at checkout.

What are the shipping costs?

Shipping costs depend on your destination and are calculated automatically at checkout after you enter your address. We ship DDP, so duties and import taxes are already covered. No surprise fees when your order arrives.

What is the delivery time?

Delivery times vary by product. Most orders are ready to ship within 5 business days. For the Blue, please allow approximately 3–4 weeks. Once your order is on its way, you’ll receive an email with a tracking link.

How does Refer a Friend work?

Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit. Your friend receives 10% off their Hamwells order, and once they’ve placed their order using your personal referral link, you’ll receive 10% cashback on their purchase.

To get started, request your personal referral link via webshop@hamwells.com and share it with a friend.

Blue

About Blue & Heat Recovery

What is shower heat recovery?

Shower heat recovery captures heat from warm shower wastewater and transfers it to incoming cold water. This preheats the incoming water and reduces the amount of new energy required to produce hot shower water.

How does a shower heat exchanger work?

Warm wastewater and cold incoming water pass through separate channels in the heat exchanger. Heat transfers through the separating walls, while the two water streams remain physically separated.

Does shower heat recovery reuse wastewater?

No. The wastewater is not reused as shower water. Only its heat is recovered.

Does shower heat recovery save energy?

Yes. It recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be lost through the drain. The actual reduction in purchased energy depends on the complete installation, hot-water system, temperatures, flow rates and other factors.

Is shower heat recovery safe?

The wastewater and potable water remain physically separated. The Hamwells Blue 21XE uses a double-wall construction to maintain separation between the two water streams.

Is shower heat recovery suitable for homes?

Yes. It can be particularly attractive in homes with frequent or long showers, because the system can recover heat every time the shower is used.

How efficient is the Hamwells Blue 21XE?

The Hamwells Blue 21XE has a stated heat recovery efficiency of 70.6% at 8 L/min, with 10°C incoming cold water and 38°C wastewater entering the heat exchanger.

Installation & Requirements

Can the Blue be connected to any hot water supply?

Because the Blue systems make use of the residual energy in the wastewater, it does not matter how the hot water is heated.

Does Hamwells install the Blue?

Hamwells develops and manufactures Blue, but does not install the system itself. Blue is designed for straightforward installation, so any qualified plumber, tradesperson or bathroom specialist can install it.

For more information check our installation manual.

Does the Blue have to be built-in to the bathroom cavity wall?

Building the Blue in isn’t a requirement. In a lot of cases it is possible to install the Blue into a shaft or technical room near the bathroom, but having the Blue built-in to your bathroom is possible as well.

Can the Blue be installed completely behind a wall?

The Blue can be built into the installation, but it should not be permanently enclosed without suitable access.

The installation must provide sufficient access for service, repair and replacement of components.

Please follow the latest Hamwells installation instructions when planning the installation.

Does the Blue need to remain accessible after installation?

Yes.

The Blue should remain sufficiently accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement of components.

We strongly recommend checking the required access before permanently closing or finishing the surrounding wall, floor or other construction.

What is the size of the waste water connection?

The Blue has a 50 mm (2") waste water connection.

How tall is the Blue?

The height depends on the model:

  • Blue-10XE: 100 cm / 39.4 in
  • Blue-21XE: 210 cm / 82.7 in

Please refer to the installation instructions for the required installation dimensions and clearances.

Does the Blue need a special electrical connection?

The Blue requires a mains connection within the specified electrical range of 100–230 VAC and has a maximum power consumption of 48 W.

The electrical installation must comply with the applicable local regulations.

Using & Maintaining Blue

How much electrical power does the Blue use?

The Blue has a maximum power consumption of 48 W.

The system can be connected to a mains supply between 100 and 230 VAC.

Is the Blue noisy when the pump is running?

The pump produces approximately 48 dB(A) while running.

The pump only operates during showering, so there is no continuous pump noise when the shower is not being used.

The actual perceived sound level may vary depending on the installation, surrounding materials and the room in which the Blue is installed.

How often does the Blue pump run?

The pump operates only when the shower is being used. It does not continuously run when the shower is not in use.

Does the Blue require regular maintenance?

No. The Blue does not require regular maintenance.

We do recommend keeping the Blue accessible after installation, so that the pump and other components can be inspected, serviced or replaced if necessary.

This is particularly important because the Blue is designed to be installed as a built-in system.

What happens if the pump needs to be replaced?

The pump is a serviceable component of the Blue and can be replaced if necessary.

This is why maintaining suitable access to the Blue after installation is important.

What happens if the power is switched off?

The Blue requires electrical power to operate. If the power supply is switched off or interrupted, the system will not operate until power is restored.

Can I shower if the power goes out?

Yes. The heat recovery function will stop because the pump requires power, but the shower can still be used as long as the drainage system is functioning normally.

Warranty & Support

How long is the warranty?

The Blue-10XE and Blue-21XE are covered by a 5-year commercial warranty.

For full details, please see our [Warranty Terms].

Your statutory consumer rights remain unaffected by the commercial warranty.

What if I have a problem with my Blue?

Please contact Hamwells customer service. We may ask for your order number, the Product serial number, photographs or videos, and some information about the installation and the problem.

We will then help determine the cause of the issue and the appropriate next steps.

Is the Blue shipped worldwide?

The Blue systems can be shipped to any location. In several countries, we have a network of partners and distributors.

Loopz

About Loopz

How does the Loopz water filtration system work?

Depending on your Loopz model, the recirculated shower water passes through a two- or three-step filtration process before being returned to the shower head.

You can find more information about the individual filtration steps and filters on the Loopz page.

How much water does the Loopz recirculating shower need?

The Loopz needs at least 6 litres of water to operate. The reservoir can hold up to 9.5 litres.

More water doesn’t mean more water pressure or a better shower, so there’s no need to fill the reservoir all the way up. In fact, adding too much water can prevent the filters from working properly and reduce the effectiveness of the filtration system.

For the best performance, we recommend using around 6 - 7 litres of water.

How much water does the Loopz shower use per minute?

The Loopz has a water flow of around 3 to 4 litres per minute. That may not sound like much, but together with the Loopz shower head it provides a comfortable shower experience.

Because the water is filtered and recirculated instead of continuously going down the drain, you can enjoy a longer shower with a limited amount of water.

Can I use the Loopz as a normal shower without recirculating the water?

The Loopz doesn’t have a separate mode for switching between a conventional shower and a recirculating shower.

It is possible to create a setup like this yourself, though. You could use the overflow kit and add a second shower head connected to your own water and heating system.

Installation & Off-grid use

Can I install the Loopz recirculating shower in a campervan, RV or boat?

Yes, absolutely! Several of our customers have installed the Loopz in their campervan, RV or boat. Have a look at our socials for some examples and inspiration.

We’re not van builders ourselves, though, so if you need advice on installing the Loopz in your specific setup, we recommend getting in touch with a professional builder or installer.

Does Hamwells offer custom Loopz sizes for campervans or RVs?

We don’t offer custom sizes, but you’re welcome to adapt the Loopz to your setup. For example, you can trim the sides and create your own support or mounting solution.

With so many different campervan, RV and boat layouts out there, unfortunately we can’t accommodate every custom request.

Are you a distributor? Please get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities.

Does the Loopz need a water connection or drain?

No, the Loopz can be used without a fixed water or drain connection. Simply fill the reservoir using an external water source, such as a jerry can, and you’re ready to shower.

The standard Loopz comes with a plug to seal or drain the water reservoir, so a connection to a wastewater drain isn’t required either. After your shower, you can simply empty the reservoir in an appropriate place.

Prefer a fixed drainage setup? An additional drain connection is available, allowing you to connect the Loopz to, for example, your campervan's grey water tank.

Can I power the Loopz shower with a battery or solar power?

Yes! The Loopz runs on 12V, making it suitable for many campervan, RV, boat and off-grid setups.

As long as your battery pack or solar setup provides a steady 12V power supply and can connect to a car adapter or universal adapter, you can use it to power the Loopz.

Can I use the Loopz outdoors?

Yes! The Loopz is made with robust, UV-resistant materials, making it suitable for outdoor use. Whether you’re camping, travelling in your campervan or simply want to shower outside, you can take the Loopz with you.
As with any outdoor equipment, we recommend storing the Loopz properly when it’s not in use to help keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

Water, Temperature & Showering

Do I need fresh water for every shower?

Yes. We recommend draining the reservoir after every shower and refilling it with fresh water before the next one.

The Loopz is designed to recirculate water during your shower, rather than store and reuse the same shower water between different showers.

Can I use shampoo or soap with a recirculating shower?

Yes, you can use shampoo or soap with the Loopz. We recommend using it sparingly, though.

Substances that dissolve in water are difficult to filter out completely, so using a lot of soap can make the recirculated water a little soapy. The filtered water should therefore never be considered drinking water.

When showering outdoors, please make sure you don’t leave any traces of soap in the environment.

Can I reuse the shower water for washing dishes or other purposes?

We don’t recommend using the remaining shower water for washing dishes, drinking or anything else involving food.

If you haven’t used soap or other products, you could consider reusing the remaining water for other purposes, such as watering your plants. Just keep in mind that water filtered by the Loopz is not drinking-quality water.

Can I take a hot shower with the Loopz?

Yes, but the Loopz itself doesn’t heat the water. The easiest option is to fill the reservoir with warm water before you start your shower.

You can also create your own setup with an external water heating system if you want a more permanent hot-water solution in your campervan, RV, boat or off-grid setup.

Filters & Maintenance

How does the Loopz water filtration system work?

Depending on your Loopz model, the recirculated shower water passes through a two- or three-step filtration process before being returned to the shower head.

You can find more information about the individual filtration steps and filters on the Loopz page.

Is the Loopz microfilter reusable?

Yes! The microfilter is made from durable 325-mesh stainless steel and is designed to be reused.

Simply rinse the filter after every shower to remove any build-up and help prevent blockages. Regular cleaning will keep the filter working properly and extend its lifespan.

How often do I need to replace the filters?

Loopz filters are designed to last, so there are no filters that need regular replacement.

All Loopz models use a sediment filter and microfilter, both made from ABS / stainless steel. Simply rinse them with clean water or use a mild detergent, and they can be used again and again.

Loopz Plus also includes a UV-C LED as a third filtration stage. It can’t get clogged and has a lifespan of more than 10,000 operating hours. That’s enough for over 60,000 ten-minute showers, so chances are you won’t need to replace that either.

You could consider keeping a spare filter on hand, especially when travelling, but it isn’t required for regular maintenance.

How do I clean and maintain the Loopz?

Keeping your Loopz clean is easy, but regular maintenance is important to keep everything working properly.

Rinse the microfilter after every shower using a clean external water source. We recommend cleaning the water reservoir, control unit and deck weekly, and the shower head about once a month. You can remove the shower head lid occasionally to clear any build-up or obstructions from the nozzles.

To clean the pump and internal system, add a small amount of mild detergent to the water reservoir once a week and let the shower run for a few minutes. Empty and rinse the reservoir afterwards.

Avoid using aggressive detergents or cleaning products, as these may damage the system.

Warranty & Support

What happens if a Loopz component breaks?

The Loopz comes with a 2-year warranty, so if a component fails within that period, we’ll replace it according to our warranty conditions.

We also want you to be able to use your Loopz for as long as possible. That’s why we offer replacement parts, helping you repair individual components instead of replacing the entire shower system.

If you need any help, just send us a message at loopz@hamwells.com.