Is there anything more refreshing than an refreshing shower to kick start your day? Find the perfect shower using our buying guide to experts.
For most of us shower is a vital element of our daily routine. It’s where we can do some of our best thinking, to get us up after a long night’s rest or wash away our cares and worries from a full life. This is why a high-quality shower that functions efficiently in a timely manner, is arguably one of the most crucial purchases you’ll ever make.
In this guide to buying a shower We’ll help you locate the perfect model, with brief descriptions of aspects you’ll need to think about when choosing. We’ll take a glance at water systems for domestic use and different types of showers, as well as the most essential things you’ll require when installing your shower.
What should I think about when choosing a shower?
When buying a new shower, the first thing you’ll have to think about are the water pressure and kind of water system that you have installed on your property. This could ultimately decide what kind of shower you buy.
What is the water pressure in your home?
The water pressure in your house will determine the strength of your shower, and affect the type of appliance you’ll need. You can test the pressure yourself by using an easy and quick method, however, it could be better and safer to get a professional instead.
Which water system do you have?
Different heating and water systems can affect the preference for bathroom showers. UK homes are usually built with three kinds of water system.
1. Gravity fed system
One of the most commonly used is that it has the cold water tank located in the loft space and a water cylinder in the airing cabinet. This could result in an insufficient pressure for water, but it is possible to use shower pumps to increase it. A single pump can supply three or two showers at once also, which makes it a great option for larger homes with several showers.
2. Combi boiler system
The boiler usually has no tanks or water cylinders which are designed to heat water as and as you require it. Combi boilers typically provide the greatest pressure for water and are compatible with shower mixers that provide hot water on demand.
3. Unvented system
A water cylinder is heated using an immersion heater or boiler under high pressure, which allows large amounts of hot water to be supplied.
When you are aware of your water pressure as well as your water system, you’ll be able to determine which shower models will suit your home, and what accessories you may need. Our experienced team will also be more than happy to assist you.
Types of shower
Manual mixer shower – Mixes hot and cold water sources manually. They’re easy to put in and simple to use.
Thermostatic mixer shower–Incorporates a thermostatic valve which keeps the water at a constant temperature. It is particularly suited to families with children younger than older people, since it reduces the risk of scalding.
Easy and quick to fit, electric showers have their own heating element . This means that only a cold water source is required.
Power showers can be confused with electric showers because of their similar design, power showers draw from both cold and hot water supply and include an internal pump that increases the water pressure to provide greater satisfaction.
Digital shower–An advanced form of thermostatic mixer, this type of shower uses digital technology to allow users to set a precise water temperature. Some models can also turn your shower on and off using the remote control or a smart phone.
Smart shower–The most advanced type of showering system on the market A smart shower works perfectly with home automation systems like Amazon Alexa, so you can customise and control, even using voice activation.
Alongside the technical considerations of choosing a shower to the home you live in, it is need to consider its design and style to make sure it is appropriate for your bathroom and personal preferences. There are lots of different types of valves, shower rails, and shower heads that you can pick from that are compatible with the latest bathroom fixtures.
We’ll then go over the details of the primary types of shower.
Manual mixer showers
This kind of shower works well in homes that have plenty of hot water, as well as high pressure in the water. It mixes the hot and cold water sources together , allowing you to set it to your desired temperature each the time that you bathe. Manual mixer showers are easy to set up and are very easy to work.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supplies. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure.
Recommendations for families with young children the use of a thermostatic mixer will prevent the danger of burning.
Benefits: Simple to install and simple use.
Thermostatic mixer showers
The mixer controls in this shower incorporate an automatic thermostatic valve which keeps the water at a steady temperature, which can be adjusted manually by the user. This makes it an ideal choice for children and older people, since there is a more secure control in the temp of the shower.
Requirements: Hot and cold water supply needed. The minimum requirement is 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use an electric water pump in order to boost the flow of water, in case it is needed.
Benefits: Prevents the possibility of scalding, and the temperature is not affected by water use elsewhere in the home.
Electric showers
Electric showers are a quick and easy way to set up a shower in almost every house. They contain their own heating systems and don’t require a hot water feed which makes them perfect to be installed in bathrooms or downstairs shower rooms.
Requirements The supply of cold water must be. A minimum of 0.1 bars of pressure. It must be set up by a fully certified professional plumber and electrician.
Recommendations: Use this as a simple solution for shower rooms and bathrooms that are ensuite.
Benefits: More economical. Temperature is not affected by any other water usage within the home.
Power showers
The term “power shower” is frequently used to describe any kind of shower that provides powerful flow. However, (if we’re being technical!) it’s actually a particular kind of shower.
Sometimes, they are confused with electric showers because of their identical appearance, power showers have an integrated pump, which is responsible for taking water from both hot and cold water supply and increasing the flow.
Power showers are available with manual or thermostatic controls, in accordance with your preferences. They are ideal for low pressure water systems, however, you will require a stable, high-quality source of water for optimal usage.
Requirements: Hot and cold water supply is required. Minimum 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use gravity fed water systems if your pressure is low
Benefits: It boosts your tension without necessity of an additional pump
Digital showers
A more sophisticated version of the thermostatic mixer showers, digital showers provide exact control over your water temperature thanks to the simple processor box. Certain digital showers offer remote control with an additional smartphone or controller, so you have the option of switching your shower on at the comfort of your mattress.
With a selection of concealed or exposed valves, digital showers are simple to install, which makes them ideal for contemporary bathrooms and ensuites.
Requirements: Hot and cold water supply, as well as electrical supply, needed. A minimum of 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with an electric pump to increase the flow of water, if required.
Benefits: Simple controls, avoids the risk of scalding , and the temperature is not affected by water usage other areas of the home.
Smart showers
If you want to take your showering enjoyment up a notch The smart shower is the right choice.
Requirements: Cold and hot water source required. A minimum of 1 bar water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with an electric pump to boost water flow, if needed.
Benefits: Fully customize your shower experience using sequenced programs. Connects seamlessly to popular smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Find elderly relatives, and design safe programming for children. Over The Air updates continually improve your experience.
The choice of a shower head
Shower heads are the most important component in designing your perfect shower because different shower heads result in very different experiences. There are three types of shower heads available:
Fixed shower head
Ideal for bathrooms with a designer look, this type of shower head is generally attached to the ceiling or the wall, giving a sleek and luxurious look. They are great for creating elegant and chic look as well as being extremely comfortable to use.
However, they may not be the ideal choice for a busy family bathroom since the head cannot be removed for more flexible use. There are contemporary and more traditional styles available that can be fitted to any bathroom design.
Riser kit shower head
The shower head can be mounted on a bracket that can be attached against the wall in the shower enclosure. Its location can be altered depending on the level of the person using it. It can also detach for just washing your hair or cleaning the shower or bath. There are a variety of styles available for this type of shower head, so they can suit a wide range of bathrooms.
Combination shower head
A combination set allows you to use both a fixed and a detachable shower head that can be used in a variety of ways to maximize versatility. There are many different designs offered in traditional and contemporary styles which means it’s easy to discover the style you’re looking for to create the look you want.
Menu