How to find out what shower style is best for you?
Photo by Dan Smedley on Unsplash
When it comes to shower fixtures, we’re more than just customers. It freshens our spirits, warms our hearts when we’re cold, and gives us a calming pat on the back when we’ve just worked out hard. Taking care of our shower fixtures is an integral part of our connection with them. Consider these factors if you’re looking to replace your shower system.
For example, you’ll need to think about what kind of spray type you prefer and how much money you have to work with before deciding on a shower fixture for your bathroom. Other factors to think about are the dimensions of your bathroom and the types of shower fixtures that are commonly found in nearby homes.
Types of shower fixtures
There are five basic types of showerheads. You may alter the spray pattern and strength by adjusting the settings on some models.
We’ve been using the same type of showerhead for decades: the bulbous, adjustable nozzles with a single spray head. Single-head nozzles have four or more nozzles that spray in various ways. A little lever on the nozzles allows you to switch from a wide spray pattern to more concentrated streams of water.
This showerhead has a large flat head suspended from a ceiling and sprays the user directly down.
In dual and multiple showerheads, there is a single set of levers that regulate multiple showerheads (or handles). In most cases, a fixed showerhead is combined with a portable version. Diverter valves let you simultaneously control the water flow from either the left or right showerhead.
Showering with a single head spray coupled to a flexible hose is a breeze with handheld showerheads, ideal for cleaning hair and getting into tight spaces. People with restricted mobility and others who prefer to shower while sitting can benefit from handheld showerheads.
Multiple spray heads are built into the shower wall of body sprays. Both the charges and the wall surfaces are flat and virtually flush with one other. As long as you have 45 psi (pounds per square inch) water pressure delivered through three-quarter-inch supply pipes, the possibilities are only limited by your creativity. Pre-configured systems can cost as little as $500 and $5,000.
Finishes for shower faucets
Polished chrome and brushed chrome showerheads, handles, and valve controls are just a few of the various finishes available for these components, including polished nickel, polished nickel, pounded nickel, steels, and brushed bronze. If maintaining a uniform appearance throughout your bathroom is essential, go with the same brand for your fixtures, faucets, and accessories.
Polished surfaces may be beautiful, but they necessitate regular maintenance to preserve their luster and absence of blemishes. Brushed or matte finishes more easily conceal watermarks and fingerprints.
Drains for the shower
There is a lot of beauty in places you can’t see, such as water temperature and pressure valves, which control water flow. What’s the point of caring? So that you may make an informed decision about the best faucet for your demands as well as the cost.
Valve for combining temperatures
Using this equipment, you may make a simple hot/cold water mixture. You’re altering your mixing valve when you turn the temperature control knob up or down.
Valve for balancing pressure
Water temperature is maintained by altering the intensity of your heated and cooled supply. Your heated water pressure will not suddenly drop if you don’t do this beforehand. Known as an anti-scald valve, it’s an excellent safety feature for children and the elderly. The overall flow velocity of water may fluctuate because it maintains a steady temperature by varying the pressure.
Valve with anti-scald protection
In the construction of new homes, these valves are mandatory. It’s possible that a pressure-balance valve won’t work effectively if it’s installed in an older home because of clogged or corroded pipes, but this isn’t certain. If you have any concerns, you should get your water pressure checked by a professional plumber.
Thermostatic valves
A more advanced version of a pressure-balancing valve is available here. In contrast to the typical pressure-balance valve (PBV), the thermostatic variant maintains a steady pressure. A thermostatic valve costs nearly twice as much as a conventional pressure-balancing valve.
Are you familiar with the different types of showers?
There are a variety of showers to choose from now that you know what pressure systems are available in your home. For your convenience, we’ve broken out each shower’s operation, minimal needs, and potential users so that you can quickly determine which one is right for you.
With a hand-mixes showerhead
When using a mixer shower, you can adjust the temperature of the water by combining the cold and hot feeds. Showers with mixers can be used with a shower motor to increase pressure and flow, allowing for a more rejuvenating showering experience. For homes with high-pressure water systems, mixer showers are a great option.
Electric showers
If your home has a gravity-fed water supply, an electricity generation shower is an excellent option because the built-in pump boosts the flow rate. Compared to standard electric showers, which use a hot element to heat the water, power showers use a system that stores heated water. Consequently, a conventional or heat-only boiler home is the most excellent fit for these radiators. In addition, the combination of cold and hot water allows you to manage the flow rate and temperature of the water, allowing you to have a more pleasant shower.
Infra-red showerheads
It’s possible to revolutionize your bathroom and everyday washing routines with the help of an innovative digital shower, which has a slight modification, such as clock displays, shower timers, and eco-settings. To avoid getting out of bed for a chilly shower, you can use a digital shower that you can manage with a smartphone or remote control. Digital showers are beneficial, but they are also straightforward to set up. You won’t have to worry about damaging your existing tiles or surfaces when you install a digital shower control in the loft.
Shower powered by electricity
As a result, electric showers are a popular choice for homeowners because they are highly cost-effective and straightforward. Electric showers are designed to only heat water utilized during showering, so there is no wasted hot water. As long as you have a cold-water supply, you can use them with any system regardless of water pressure. Electrified showers are ideal for today’s hectic households, combining efficiency and style in a compact design.
Showers with thermostatic mixers
Mixer showers that include thermostatic controls are ideal for those who wish to maintain a consistent temperature in their showers, even when other faucets are turned on in the house.
How to pick the ideal shower stall
Enclosures for showers
When selecting a shower enclosure and tray for your bathroom, there are many factors, including its size and style. Wet room screens and walk-in bathroom enclosures are just some options available to you for shower enclosures.
Shower enclosures are available in various styles and sizes to suit virtually any bathroom or en-suite design. Whatever the size of your bathroom, a shower enclosure or bathroom cubicle is available to suit your needs. You may construct a section that looks good and offers that all-important practicality to your bathroom with this product’s reversible fittings and anti-limescale protection.
What is the cost to install a shower?
A shower installation might cost anywhere from £60 to $600, plus labor, depending on the sort of shower you want to be installed. You’ll have an electric shower at the cheaper end, but you can get a digital shower if you’re willing to pay a premium.
How long does installation usually take?
It generally takes around eight hours to install the new shower, including the time to change the showerhead and about an hour for the switch and tiling. Your choice of shower cubicle may necessitate the services of a plumber to adjust the water supply, which could add significantly to the overall labor cost.
Conclusion
There are five basic types of showerheads. Handheld showerheads are ideal for cleaning hair and getting into tight spaces. Pre-configured systems can cost as little as $500 and $5,000. Other factors to consider are the dimensions of your bathroom. Go with the same brand for your fixtures, faucets, and accessories.
Brushed or matte finishes more easily conceal watermarks and fingerprints. A thermostatic valve costs nearly twice as much as a conventional pressure-balancing valve. The anti-scald valve is an excellent safety feature for children and the elderly. Mixer showers are a perfect option for homes with high-pressure water systems. Brilliant digital showers can be controlled via a smartphone or remote control.
Electric showers are cost-effective and straightforward to install and are ideal for families with a traditional or heat-only boiler. Shower enclosures are available in various styles and sizes to suit virtually any bathroom or en-suite design. A shower installation might cost anywhere from £60 to $600, plus labor, depending on the sort of shower you want to be installed.