AKW DigiPump: M11 vs M17 vs M20 — Which Shower Waste Pump Do You Need?

AKW's DigiPump range gives you three shower waste pumps — the M11, M17 and M20 — for draining a shower where gravity alone can't carry the water away. They share the same all-in-one design; the difference is how much water each one moves. This guide explains the range in plain terms and helps you match the right pump to your shower.

What is an AKW DigiPump?

A DigiPump is a compact shower waste pump that combines the pump motor and a digital controller in a single housing. It draws water from the shower tray or waste and lifts it up or along to the drain, so you can fit a shower in a room where a conventional falling waste isn't possible — a basement, a solid floor, an upper-floor room or a wet room built level to the sub-floor. The digital controller monitors flow and adjusts pump speed automatically, with configurable start-delay and run-on so the tray drains fully.

The number is the flow rate

The simplest way to read the range: the model number is the maximum flow rate in litres per minute. The M11 pumps up to 11 L/min, the M17 up to 17 L/min, and the M20 up to 20 L/min. The more water your shower delivers, the more pumping capacity you need to clear it without pooling on the tray.

M11 vs M17 vs M20: quick comparison

Which DigiPump for your shower?

Electric showers — M11

Electric showers heat water on demand and run at a modest flow, so the 11 L/min M11 DigiPump has ample capacity. It's the most popular pump in the range and the one fitted with most electric-shower installations. An electric shower has a single feed, so no additional flow sensor is needed.

Mixer showers — M17

Mixer showers blend stored hot and cold water and typically deliver more flow than an electric shower, so the 17 L/min M17 DigiPump is the right match. Because a mixer draws on two feeds, it needs an additional DigiPump flow sensor kit so the pump knows when the shower is running.

Digital and power showers — M20

Digital and power showers push the highest flow of all, so the 20 L/min M20 DigiPump gives the headroom to clear the tray at full flow without pooling.

Features shared across the range

• All-in-one unit — pump and digital controller in one compact housing.
• Reversible, non-handed pump head — rotates to allow flow either way, so it fits left- or right-hand installs.
• Four-valve pump head — designed for better debris clearance.
• Wired or wireless — hard-wire to the flow sensor of an iTherm and many other electric showers, or connect wirelessly to AKW SmartCare Plus and SmartCare Lever showers.
• Configurable — adjustable start-delay and run-on for full drainage.
• Quiet in operation, IP45-rated, with a 5-year guarantee.
• Compatible with AKW pumped wastes and trays — including Braddan upward-discharge trays.

Wastes and flow sensors

All three pumps can be bought on their own or matched with an AKW pumped waste to suit your tray or wet floor former (PW50, PW90, Screedmaster or SilentFlow+). If you're fitting a mixer shower, add the flow sensor kit (25194). Choose your waste and sensor options on each product page.

DigiPump or a peristaltic pump?

The DigiPump is an impeller-style digital pump. If you'd like to compare it with the near-silent, maintenance-free peristaltic alternative, see our complete guide to shower waste pumps.

Technical downloads

• AKW DigiPump Range – Specification Sheet (PDF)
• AKW DigiPump – Installation & User Instructions (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

What does the M number mean?

It's the maximum flow rate in litres per minute — M11 pumps up to 11, M17 up to 17 and M20 up to 20.

Which DigiPump do I need?

Match it to your shower: the M11 for electric showers, the M17 for mixer showers, and the M20 for digital and power showers.

Do I need a flow sensor?

Electric-shower installs use the pump's built-in sensing; mixer showers need an additional flow sensor kit (25194).

Can it be fitted in the showering area?

The DigiPump is IP45-rated. Follow AKW's instructions and BS7671 wiring regulations, and have the electrical work carried out by a qualified electrician.

Shop the AKW DigiPump range

Browse all three with their waste and sensor options: M11 DigiPump · M17 DigiPump · M20 DigiPump. Competitively priced with fast UK delivery.