25 Step Guide to Designing and Buying a Bathroom
A Professional Designers Guide
Step 17. Shower Valves and Shower Systems Guide
Shower valves are available in many styles shapes and material options. I have detailed most of these below with comments about their suitability. I have provided links to some top companies that I have used over the years. Before you choose a shower it is important to know what water system you have. I have outlined the 4 most common systems below with the best shower option
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water systems options
Low pressure - gravity system
This is still the most common system. there is normally a cold water tank in the loft, and a hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard. The water is pressurised by the gravity pressure from the cold water in the loft tank.
The recommended options for showers are, mixer showers, pumped digital mixer showers, and all-in-one power showers.
There are various pumps available to increase the flow rate on a standard mixer valve, these are normally sited in the airing cupboard or loft.I have provided a section on pumps below.
High pressure system-mains pressure combination boilers
This is a popular option because there is no need for any hot or cold water storage, unless you opt for a boiler with integrated tank. The mains cold water pressurises the system forcing water through the boilers burners heating the water . The average pressure is about 2 bar which is more than adequate for one shower.
The recommended shower options are digital mixers and standard mixers. A good back- up is an electric shower for the second bathroom.
High pressure - mains pressure system unvented
This system has a water cylinder which stores mains pressure hot water. There is no cold water storage. The hot water is heated by boiler, immersion heater and solar panels.
Shower options are mixer showers and digital mixer showers
Cold mains pressure supply
If you do not want to use- up your stored cold water and wish to retain your stored hot water, then an electric shower can be connected to your mains cold water.
Shower options are an electric shower or pumped electric shower for low pressure situations
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Shower options
Non thermostatic mixers trad and mod
The most basic and cheapest valves are non-thermostatic and not recommended where temperature needs to be regulated and constant , even when there are pressure fluctuations ( someone switches on another tap or bath etc ). They are available in modern and traditional options.
Bristan mixer valves . Hansgrohe mixer valves . Aqualisa mixer valves . Mira mixer valves . Hansgrohe mixer valves rs . Hansgrohe valves es
Pressure balanced mixers
This is a valve developed for systems with fluctuating water pressure such as combi boilers. It does not have a thermostat option.
Mixer showers
Contemporary mixer showers
The most popular choice for style and options. with various finishes from chrome through to black and white. Most choices are either recessed or surface mounted. Some ranges offer one valve with both options for either recessed or surface mounted. The best option is always thermostatic for temperature control. Controls are either single or double lever. double lever allow for fixing the control at your favourite temperature.
Mira shower valves rs . Hansgrohe shower valves rs . Hansgrohe shower valves rs
Mira mixer es . New Team mixer es
Combined recessed and exposed option
Some valves have been developed for recessed and exposed installation by use of a move in or out cover plate. This option allows for varied wall thicknesses and types of material by giving the plumber options.
Transitional mixers
For if you are not sure whether you are traditional or modern but want the looks without making too much of a statement.
Mixers with diverter
If you require a combined fixed head and adjustable shower additionally in one system whether traditional or modern then there are options with most suppliers. I have provided links below.
Mira shower valves ed . Mira shower valves ed . Grohe shower valves ed
Classical mixer showers
For a more traditional look with chrome rails and period styling. this option is not so popular these days even in traditional properties.
Classical fixed rail showers
For the traditionalist who requires a classical look with all the accessories. The styling is chrome with ceramic inserts.
Digital mixer showers
This option is considerably more costly because there is a digtal unit to control temporature and flowrate, that can be sited elsewhere in the bathroom or loft. Control of the valve can be by conventional or remote control.
Electric mixer showers
This option is useful when there is no hot water stored or you require back up to retain what hot water you have. The best option is pressure stabilised for a regular flow rate and is available in standard and advanced form. The flow rate is dependant on kilowatt input. options vary from 7.5 kw up to around 10.5 kw. Electric showers are also available as thermostatic for better temporature control. Mira are well known for choice and durability and one of my favourite options
Power showers with integrated pump
Power showers with internal pumps are a simple way to boost hot water pressure from gravity systems. The flow rate is fine for most situations. If you require a stronger flow rate then you require a valve with a seperate pump that can be as large as you like.
Bath type shower mixer
Standard type
Mounted on the bath in traditional tap mixer form, this option is an unfussy and simple option to install. As long as there is reasonable hot water pressure they work fine
Thermostatic type
There are thermostatic versions of this simple option if you require controlled temperature settings whatever the water pressure.
Pole type integrated systems
This type of shower system is a neat way to combine a shower valve and water pipework by hiding it in the shower rail . This is normally a fixed head option and can be found with body jets on some ranges.
Easy-fit pole systems
A recent addition to this pole idea is the use of a pole system and valve that buts up to the ceiling so that hot and cold pipework can be connected in the loft.
For the forward thinking who require something new and interesting.
New team shower . Grohe shower . Kholer shower . Hansgrohe shower head
Integrated shower enclosure systems
Some walk-in shower enclosures provide an integrated shower system with overhead large diameter fixed head and seperate adjustable head controlled from one valve. The fixed head and pole act as a support for the glass enclosure front panel. Aquata and Showerlux have good examples which I have sold but I cannot find them on their websites.
Panel systems
Some shower systems are available as a decorative panel with shower valve, body jets, adjustable head and fixed head. The glass and metallic type options are more stylish than the white upvc plastic type.
Grohe shower panel . Showerlux showerpanel . New Team shower panel . Novellini shower panel .
Body jet options
Body jets are available in various formats: Wall mounted ; Panel mounted ; Shower pole mounted and shower enclosure integrated panel mounted . Numbers of jets and placement are possible with wall mounted options. Jets are available with adjustable spray patterns and angle of spray. This option will normally need a pumped supply of hot water.
Combined adjustable and fixed head systems
These are mentioned in other sections in more elaborate forms but are available in budget form and with simpler style options in both modern and traditional.
Mira trad shower ed . Grohe shower . Bristan shower . Bristan shower ed . New Team shower ed
Pumps
If you require more water pressure and have room for a pump then most systems made for high pressure can have water pumped to them. Pumps are either single impeller or twin for hot and cold pressurised water. Pumps also are either plastic bodied or brass bodied. Brass bodied are more durable and expensive but have a better reputation for longevity.
Head and shower set options
It is always possible to reconsider your shower head option and change many types for alternatives. If you like a particular rail and valve option but the head is too small, then you can upgrade to a better and larger more adjustable option. The price to do so is dependant on your supplier and whether the rail can be purchased as components. Fixed heads are available in lots of styles and shapes. Ceiling fixed options are becoming more popular with wetroom designs.
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