Guide on Choosing a Shower

As you craving a breathtaking shower experience? Then you need to plan adequately and consider a lot of things. Basically, you will have to consider the type of closure you want, the kind of showerhead, and of course, the type of shower tray and kind of shower you want. You do not need to stress yourself too much. Here, we have detailed everything you need to know about shower installation for your bathroom.

Types of Shower

There are different types of showers, and the best type largely depends on what your personal preferences are. 

1. Mixer Showers

Do you need a supply of cold and hot water? Then a mixer shower is your best option. As the water leaves the showerhead, it combines the water in the unit. Particularly, if you live in a house with a massive hot water cylinder or a mixer-boiler, then mixer showers will be just appropriate. This is simply because these units depend on the availability of ready hot water for efficient performance. If the low water pressure is a concern, you can always add a pump. 

2. Electric Showers 

This type of shower works by heating water when you need it. It simply transfers water from the primary cold water storage down to the heating element in the shower unit. The primary benefit you stand to gain from using this is that you won’t run out of hot water. Also, since they heat water on demand, this simply means that there would be no unnecessary storage or wastage of water that can cause damage to the energy efficiency of the overall shower unit. 

More costly models use integral pumps. These help to enhance the flow rate of the shower. They are also available in a variety of modern designs. If you would be installing an electric shower, then it’s pertinent to understand that the lesser kilowatt rating you select, the lower the flow will be. The situation is also vice versa. 

Lastly, are more cost-friendly compared to mixers. In terms of water usage, they are relatively cheap to run. However, one downside you may want to consider is that they are a bit bulkier than mixer showers. They also need a supply of high-capacity electricity to be directly operated from the fuse box on their own personal circuit.

3. Eco version Showers 

Do you need something that can be specified for both mixer and electric showers? Then you should consider the Eco versions. They reduce the flow rate of the water to an efficient level that offers a 50% decrease in water usage that is also usable. This is quite an edge to the regular mixer showers.

4. Thermostatic Showers

Have you ever experienced freezing or scalding when someone flushes a toilet or turns on a tap somewhere else? If you haven’t, trust us it’s not a pleasant experience. This is why the thermostatic shower is your best bet to prevent this from happening. 

How does it work? Simple! All you have to do is set the desired temperature, and then the mixer will automatically continue to run at that setting. Consequently, it gives you the desired level of cold or hot water. However, where the elderly or kids are involved, the thermostatic shower is most recommended for safety. 

5. Digital Showers

This type of shower can be accessed via a panel that is positioned within a radius of 10m around the shower. The function of the panel is to interact with the power unit to increase or decrease the temperature and flow of the water. The power unit is usually positioned in the airing cupboard or loft. 

After that, water at the desired flow rate and the temperature are passed through the wall or ceiling to the showerhead. Digital showers are usually regulated through remote control, and they are available in the variations of a mixer or electric shower. The best part is that there are currently some advanced digital showers on the market that have integration with Amazon’s Alexa. 

Guide on choosing a Shower Head

There are 5 types of showerhead, and they are:

• Fixed shower heads – the ones that are mounted on the wall. 
• Handheld showerheads
• The ones that involve a combination with several body jets 
• Ceiling mounted shower heads
• Handheld showerheads on a slider rail

Handheld showers are particularly beneficial when it comes to rinsing off messy kids or washing the bath. Since they can be fitted to a slider rail, it means that their height can easily be adjusted. 

Nowadays, a lot of showerheads are available with a plethora of spray options. The most popular ones are the Huge shower heads and the Multiple-jet showers. The former is designed to completely drench you within seconds, and the latter consists of plenty of sprays and side jets, not just a single showerhead. 

Enclosures or Walk-in Showers?

If you want an enclosure, we advise that you don’t squeeze it into a tight space so as not to create a claustrophobic environment. We recommend that you shouldn’t go below 900mm² for enclosures. 

On the other hand, a walk-in shower is different since it is more of a showering unit, unlike an enclosure. If you want a walk-in shower, then you should make sure that the floors and walls are waterproofed, as well as the wet rooms. 

How about buying a shower tray? 

You should buy a quality shower tray where water can easily drain away. Except you want an over-bath shower, in that case, you may not need a shower tray or base. Depending on the manufacturer, some shower trays are made to be used with enclosures, while others are made to lie smoothly with the floor for walk-in showers. The common types of trays are:

• Acrylic trays
• Enameled steel trays
• Ceramic trays

If you want something made from stone and even hardwoods that are resistant to water, then you should consider picking between acrylic and enameled steel trays. 

However, ceramic trays remain the most recommended option because it is highly stable and strong. 

Note: Before you install the tray, keep in mind that you will need accessibility to the waste for maintenance. 

The Ultimate Shower Cabins and Shower Panels

Indeed, shower cabins are the ultimate all-in-one units and systems. The panels offer a lot more features than the regular shower enclosure. Shower cabins incorporate enclosure, body and shower jets, shower trays/base, and of course the modern designs that include: 

• Music
• Fragrance
• Steam
• Seating
• LED mood lighting etc. 

Shower columns or panels are even yet another modern innovation. They comprise: 

• A single wall-mounted unit
• Body jets
• Showerhead
• Controls, and many more. 

The only issue with shower panels is that they use so much water. Regardless, they will give your bathroom the feel of a spa. Considering their numerous features, it’s only expected that they come at quite the higher-end price. 

Conclusion

To get the best results, make sure you hire an expert to help out with the installation. For more information or cost-effective electric shower installation, reach out to our emergency electricians today at 020 71834006.