It’s not hard to choose the right shower for your bathroom. There are many options, including mixer showers and thermostatic valves.
We’ve done the research to provide all the information you need about showers, including how they are made, the differences between them, and what to look out for before you make a purchase.
We will help you choose the right shower for you, and your needs.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SHOWER-THINGS TO CONSIDER
It can be difficult to choose the right shower, given the variety of options available. Do your research before you make a decision. This will help you to choose the best shower for you.
There are many things you should consider when buying a shower. You can find information about water pressure, water systems and other details in our guide to creating a memorable shower experience.
What is the purpose of a shower?
Different shower types work in different ways.
Shower valves use the hot and cold water feeds from your existing system to mix the water in a cartridge within the body of the valve. The water flows through the showerhead at a temperature and flow you control.
An electric shower uses cold water to heat water and then passes it over an electronic element to heat water. The shower head will supply hot water at the temperature you choose.
Shower panels work in the same way as shower valves. They take hot and cold water and mix them to your desired temperature. To ensure maximum performance, they require higher water pressure.
How are showers made
Shower valves are usually made from cast brass and have a ceramic cartridge and a chrome-plated trim. A plastic moulding covers the electrical and other parts of an electric shower. Shower panels come pre-plumbed to connect to the shower valve, shower head, and body jets. They are simpler than other types of showers, but will require a high-pressure water supply.
Clean your shower
Many household cleaners contain chemicals and abrasives that can damage plated fittings. Use a mild soap or washing-up detergent and dry with a soft cloth.
A high-quality shower is an essential part of your bathroom. We understand how difficult it can be to find the right one when faced with confusing terminology. These are some terms and phrases that you might encounter when looking for a shower.
Shower valve concealed
The concealed shower valve, which is hidden in the wall, controls the flow of water and the temperature.
Shower valve exposed
An exposed shower valve can be mounted on a wall and regulates the water flow and temperature. Installing an exposed shower valve is easier than installing a concealed one.
Manual shower valve
If another water outlet is installed in your home, a manual shower valve will not keep the desired pressure and temperature attained.
Shower valve that is thermostatic
A thermostatic shower valve controls temperature and flow precisely and can be used to protect your home from temperature fluctuations if there is another water outlet.
Flow rate
The flow rate, measured in litres per hour, is the amount of water that different showers produce. It will vary depending on the type and configuration of your shower system and the water system. A more powerful shower will result from a higher flow rate.
Water system
This refers to the type of plumbing system that is installed in your home. There are three types of water systems: gravity, pressurised, and combination boiler.
CHOOSING A SHOWER VALVE
Shower valves control the flow of water from the outlets. There are two types of shower valves: thermostatically controlled or manually controlled. We’ll explain the differences.
Manual shower valves
Manual shower valves are simple to use. They typically have a single lever that controls the flow rate and temperature. Manual shower valves do not have a thermostatic control. This means that water can be run hot or cold if someone uses a tap or flushes the toilet in another bathroom.
A quick glance:
A lack of thermostatic control could lead to sudden temperature changes
Not suitable for young children
An affordable option
Only manual control
Use with an overflow bathtub filler or shower handset
Shower valves that are thermostatic
Thermostatic shower valves allow for precise control of the water temperature. They maintain water temperature within a range of +/- 2 degrees Celsius. The valve will react to any sudden changes in temperature or flow rate and keep the water at the same temperature. A thermostatic shower valve prevents scalding by shutting off cold or hot water immediately.
Depending on the number of outlets you need, thermostatic shower valves typically have two to three handles. You have the option to choose from one, two, or three outlets so that you can create a shower system that suits your needs.
A quick glance:
Provides precise temperature control
Water at a pre-set maximum temp
Anti-scald device that automatically works
Ideal for young children
Use in conjunction with any outlet
Manual valves are more expensive
CONCEALED SHOWER VALVE
Hidden shower valves are built-in valves that are hidden behind tiles. Only the trim plate and handles are visible. This shower valve hides any unsightly fittings and pipework, giving it a clean, sleek look. Concealed valves come in a variety of styles that will enhance any bathroom design.
Consider the recess required behind the tiles if you are considering a concealed shower valve. They typically require a recess of around 100mm. If you don’t have enough space, you can build a thin stud wall. The handles can be easily removed so that the valve can be accessed in the future.
A quick glance:
This creates a clean, sleek look
Fitting and buying are more expensive
Placement of outlets and valves allows for greater flexibility
There are many designs to choose from
EXPOSED SHOWER VALVE
An exposed shower valve is a horizontal bar that’s attached to the wall. All the parts are contained within. An exposed valve is less expensive than the concealed option and requires less installation.
Exposed shower valves work well with brick walls. The only thing that needs to be chastened in the wall is the cold and hot water pipe feeds. This will lower the cost of installation.
Concealed valves can also be placed on a wall far from the outlet. For example, you could place the valve near the shower entrance on one side and then place the kit inside the enclosure on the other. Exposed shower valves are not as flexible because the length of the shower hose limits their flexibility.
A quick glance:
Valve is exposed so it doesn’t look as neat
It is easier and more affordable to buy and fit your item.
Shower kit should be placed with valve to ensure that the shower hose is properly connected.
Not as many design options
SHOWER TOWERS
Shower towers provide a great showering experience with body jets, a large fixed shower head, and a shower handset. Thermostatic shower towers can be customized in many different styles. A shower tower is easy to install and use. It requires hot and cold water feeds, with at least 2.0 bar pressure.
Shower towers are suitable for fully modulating combi boilers and pumped water systems. They also have a thermostat that regulates the temperature to prevent extreme heat. You can also switch between different outlets with the diverter.
A quick glance:
It is easy to install
It is simple to use
Creates a designer look
Showering in a luxurious way
Large range of styles
CHOOSING A SHOWER HEAVEN
When choosing a new shower, it is important to choose the right shower head. There are two main types of shower heads: fixed and hand. There are many styles and sizes of shower heads, including traditional and modern.
Fixed shower heads
Fixed shower heads can be mounted to the ceiling or wall with an arm, creating a designer look.
This shower head delivers a refreshing rain effect and provides an exceptional showering experience.
It can’t be removed for cleaning around the enclosure. This makes it a poor choice for busy family bathrooms.
A slide rail kit with a detachable shower is a better choice.
Shower heads with recessed handles
A recessed showerhead is the ultimate luxury in modern showering. It is typically a rectangular or square-shaped shower head that is installed in the ceiling above your head.
The design elements of your bathroom will influence the choice of a rectangular or square shower head. It also depends on how large or small your shower space is.
High performance showerheads with easy-to-clean nozzles and an anticorrosive stainless steel construction will provide high performance. Rainfall effect showering is a seamless, direct water flow from the top.
A recessed showerhead looks great with modern and angular elements such as square-sided bathtubs, subway tiles, and matching brassware in black, chrome and gold.
Showers for hands
Hand showers are available as part of a sliding rail or rigid riser kit. They can also be provided with a hose, wall bracket or on their own.
Slide rail kits are very popular because they are simple to install and really practical.
The hand shower is connected to a flexible tubing and can be moved up or down on the rail.
You can remove the hand shower holder and clean your shower enclosure easily.
FIXED SHOWER HEADS
A fixed showerhead is available in many sizes and styles. Some can be mounted directly to the ceiling or wall with an arm. Others can conceal the pipework within the ceiling or wall. Fixed shower heads can be placed in any position. Fixed showerheads provide a refreshing rain effect and are great for creating a designer look.
A quick glance:
Creates a designer look
Refreshing rain effect
There are many sizes and styles to choose from
Attached to the ceiling or wall
SHOWER HANDSETS
Shower handsets are smaller than fixed shower heads and connect to flexible shower hoses. A shower handset is available in both traditional and modern styles. It can be attached to a rigid riser, slide rail, or bath mixer tap. If you are looking to replace an existing shower handset, you can buy them as a standalone item or attach to a bracket to mount to the wall. You can remove the handset from the bracket to clean your shower enclosure or bath.
A quick glance:
Both traditional and modern styles are available
You can rinse and clean your dishes more easily.
SHOWER KITS
Shower kits come in many styles, from traditional to modern. Shower kits typically include a riser rail and hose, as well as a shower handset. Some kits may also include an outlet elbow. You can attach the rail to the wall and adjust the height of the handset by sliding it up or down on a bracket.
A quick glance:
There are many designs to choose from
It is simple to use
Practical and stylish
