Ask an Expert :? What should I consider when choosing a new shower - If you buy a new shower, you'll want to make sure that you choose the most appropriate type of system, the water pressure in your house will support it, and it does exactly what you need to do. To understand all this, and gen on the types of showers and valves available, read on for tips three pros in the know.
Professional advice from:
Heidi Beresford UK Bathroom
Duncan Heeles of Bagnodesign Glasgow
Barbara Osborne Methven UK
Professional advice from:
Heidi Beresford UK Bathroom
Duncan Heeles of Bagnodesign Glasgow
Barbara Osborne Methven UK
Andy Marshall (architectural Photography)
shower bases
Before you even start looking for your new shower, get familiar with your water system and to know that the pressure of the water is in your home, because this seemingly trivial information will affect your options.
"shower systems providers, heads and combined provide a minimum requirement of water pressure adjusted to their products," says Barbara Osborne. "You really need this for the shower to work properly or, in some cases, for it to work at all."
Before you even start looking for your new shower, get familiar with your water system and to know that the pressure of the water is in your home, because this seemingly trivial information will affect your options.
"shower systems providers, heads and combined provide a minimum requirement of water pressure adjusted to their products," says Barbara Osborne. "You really need this for the shower to work properly or, in some cases, for it to work at all."
London Basement
water system Types
There are three common types of water system in the UK. This can give you a clue as to whether you have high or low water pressure in your home.
The first is a gravity fed system, which means a cold water tank in the loft and a water cylinder directly below (usually in a dryer). This type of low pressure system is in most homes.
The second type of water system is an unvented system. This means a storage cylinder hot water takes cold water directly from the mains - which means you do need a cold water tank. The water is heated by a coil construction; the coil gets hot, the water in the cylinder heater, ready for use. This is a high pressure system.
The third type of water system you may have is a combination boiler, which heats water on demand whenever a hot water tap is turned on. Water is fed directly from the system without a cylinder or tank. A combi boiler is a high pressure system.
There are three common types of water system in the UK. This can give you a clue as to whether you have high or low water pressure in your home.
The first is a gravity fed system, which means a cold water tank in the loft and a water cylinder directly below (usually in a dryer). This type of low pressure system is in most homes.
The second type of water system is an unvented system. This means a storage cylinder hot water takes cold water directly from the mains - which means you do need a cold water tank. The water is heated by a coil construction; the coil gets hot, the water in the cylinder heater, ready for use. This is a high pressure system.
The third type of water system you may have is a combination boiler, which heats water on demand whenever a hot water tap is turned on. Water is fed directly from the system without a cylinder or tank. A combi boiler is a high pressure system.
STEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTS
Your water pressure
Each shower system, shower head and handset is labeled with its requirements of water pressure, so once you know what kind of water system you have, it should be much easier to choose the most appropriate type of shower.
"the water pressure is a measure of the force of the water is pushed through the pipes and your shower, said Barbara Osborne. 'It is measured in bars. A rating of 0.1 bar is considered low pressure, while 1.0 bar and above is considered high blood pressure. A qualified plumber can test your system to determine the exact pressure if you need this.
Each shower system, shower head and handset is labeled with its requirements of water pressure, so once you know what kind of water system you have, it should be much easier to choose the most appropriate type of shower.
"the water pressure is a measure of the force of the water is pushed through the pipes and your shower, said Barbara Osborne. 'It is measured in bars. A rating of 0.1 bar is considered low pressure, while 1.0 bar and above is considered high blood pressure. A qualified plumber can test your system to determine the exact pressure if you need this.
types of shower
once you understand your water system and the water pressure, it's time to actually choose a shower.
There are different types to choose . Here are the pros and cons of each so you can decide which would be best for you.
once you understand your water system and the water pressure, it's time to actually choose a shower.
There are different types to choose . Here are the pros and cons of each so you can decide which would be best for you.
Ace your Space
electric showers
If you do not have a power or hot water boiler, this is a problem you can solve quickly with an electric shower. "The electric shower heats water for the perfect shower temperature," says Heidi Beresford. "The only downside is that it is a slightly dated style shower which gives a volume of water below a luxurious deluge head.
electric showers also tend to lower flows mixer and power showers. To improve the water pressure, choose an electric shower with an integrated pump.
If you do not have a power or hot water boiler, this is a problem you can solve quickly with an electric shower. "The electric shower heats water for the perfect shower temperature," says Heidi Beresford. "The only downside is that it is a slightly dated style shower which gives a volume of water below a luxurious deluge head.
electric showers also tend to lower flows mixer and power showers. To improve the water pressure, choose an electric shower with an integrated pump.
Folio Design London
installing electric showers
always get a qualified installer to install an electric shower. 'This is mainly because it has involved the electricity there and everyone knows the dangers of mixing electricity and water! "Says Heidi Beresford. "Some manufacturers even say in their guarantees a qualified person must install the shower for your warranty to be valid. So it is worth to get it done professionally if you encounter errors in the future. "
always get a qualified installer to install an electric shower. 'This is mainly because it has involved the electricity there and everyone knows the dangers of mixing electricity and water! "Says Heidi Beresford. "Some manufacturers even say in their guarantees a qualified person must install the shower for your warranty to be valid. So it is worth to get it done professionally if you encounter errors in the future. "
David Churchill - Architectural Photographer
mixer showers
A shower mixer did exactly what it said on the tin, combining water hot and cold on demand. Because the mixers can be adapted for either low to high pressure water systems or, check that the one you buy is appropriate.
A luxurious shower rain like this require a high water pressure. If yours is small, you can always consider buying a separate pump to increase the water flow.
A shower mixer did exactly what it said on the tin, combining water hot and cold on demand. Because the mixers can be adapted for either low to high pressure water systems or, check that the one you buy is appropriate.
A luxurious shower rain like this require a high water pressure. If yours is small, you can always consider buying a separate pump to increase the water flow.
Randell Design Group
bath shower mixers
If you combine your bath and shower, you will need a mixer shower bath . These come in a range of styles and prices, so shop around.
A popular option includes bath taps and a shower, as seen here. You simply turn on taps to fill the bathtub like, pull the diverter and the water flowing through the shower head instead. Always check that the deflector is of good quality and easy to use.
Read expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
If you combine your bath and shower, you will need a mixer shower bath . These come in a range of styles and prices, so shop around.
A popular option includes bath taps and a shower, as seen here. You simply turn on taps to fill the bathtub like, pull the diverter and the water flowing through the shower head instead. Always check that the deflector is of good quality and easy to use.
Read expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
Change your bathroom, Inc.
showers digital
the latest trend in bathrooms is the digital shower. You can get digital showers in electric models or blender.
"A digital shower incorporates technology without shower panel wire," said Duncan Heeles. "This means that thermostatic mixes hot and cold water temperature and pressure that you have chosen.
The advantages of digital showers include temperature and precise control of pressure and easy installation, since you no longer need to access the pipes. "Most digital showers are equipped with pre-programmed settings and should tell your shower experience is free of those pesky temperature peaks when someone uses a kitchen or bathroom faucet at the same time," adds Duncan. They, however, tend to be more expensive than other types of shower.
the latest trend in bathrooms is the digital shower. You can get digital showers in electric models or blender.
"A digital shower incorporates technology without shower panel wire," said Duncan Heeles. "This means that thermostatic mixes hot and cold water temperature and pressure that you have chosen.
The advantages of digital showers include temperature and precise control of pressure and easy installation, since you no longer need to access the pipes. "Most digital showers are equipped with pre-programmed settings and should tell your shower experience is free of those pesky temperature peaks when someone uses a kitchen or bathroom faucet at the same time," adds Duncan. They, however, tend to be more expensive than other types of shower.
Luke Cartledge Photography
the lowdown on shower faucets
water valve may not sound very exciting, but it is what pushes water handset shower or fixed head. "It's important because it's how you use the water flow and temperature of your shower, said Barbara Osborne.
Unless you have an electric shower, which is in its own unit, the shower faucet can be either hidden or exposed.
See 5 ways to brighten a windowless bathroom
water valve may not sound very exciting, but it is what pushes water handset shower or fixed head. "It's important because it's how you use the water flow and temperature of your shower, said Barbara Osborne.
Unless you have an electric shower, which is in its own unit, the shower faucet can be either hidden or exposed.
See 5 ways to brighten a windowless bathroom
the benefits of a concealed valve
a concealed valve is built into the wall; the controls are on the surface, but all the water points and the pipes that connect them are hidden inside the wall.
"Visually, a concealed valve can be attractive because it hides the piping and fittings, 'said Barbara Osborne . "There is often a more flexible design options with hidden valves, manufacturers provide a wide range of concealment of plates and different handles. And you can use hidden valves with many different shower / head combination, which means that you can usually get both aesthetics and functionality you want.
Most hidden valves are designed to allow easy access for maintenance and repair, often simply by removing the cover-plate.
a concealed valve is built into the wall; the controls are on the surface, but all the water points and the pipes that connect them are hidden inside the wall.
"Visually, a concealed valve can be attractive because it hides the piping and fittings, 'said Barbara Osborne . "There is often a more flexible design options with hidden valves, manufacturers provide a wide range of concealment of plates and different handles. And you can use hidden valves with many different shower / head combination, which means that you can usually get both aesthetics and functionality you want.
Most hidden valves are designed to allow easy access for maintenance and repair, often simply by removing the cover-plate.
Colin Cadle Photography
the advantages of an exposed valve
an exposed valve usually consists of water controls and a horizontal bar , and all points of sale and associated pipes visible on the wall. "They are quick and easy to install and cause any disturbance of the tiles in the bathroom, said Barbara Osborne . "For valves budget conscious, exposed also tend to be cheaper. They can offer a variety of features such as separate flow and thermostatic temperature control, the eco-speed control and preset maximum temperatures.
The main disadvantage of an exposed valve is the lack of design options. "As the work is visible on the wall, which can hamper the aesthetic and leave less choice for the design," says Barbara. "They can also take up more space in your shower area.
an exposed valve usually consists of water controls and a horizontal bar , and all points of sale and associated pipes visible on the wall. "They are quick and easy to install and cause any disturbance of the tiles in the bathroom, said Barbara Osborne . "For valves budget conscious, exposed also tend to be cheaper. They can offer a variety of features such as separate flow and thermostatic temperature control, the eco-speed control and preset maximum temperatures.
The main disadvantage of an exposed valve is the lack of design options. "As the work is visible on the wall, which can hamper the aesthetic and leave less choice for the design," says Barbara. "They can also take up more space in your shower area.
black and Milk Residential
shower faucets Manuel
shower valves can either be manually or thermostatically.
A manual valve shower allows you to adjust the temperature and flow. "Manual valves offer a high level of temperature control through the valve. But if the cold water supply is reduced by something like another tap in the house is on, you would have to adjust the shower to stop the rise of the temperature, "says Barbara Osborne . "The manual valves tend to be less expensive and offer great value for money.
shower valves can either be manually or thermostatically.
A manual valve shower allows you to adjust the temperature and flow. "Manual valves offer a high level of temperature control through the valve. But if the cold water supply is reduced by something like another tap in the house is on, you would have to adjust the shower to stop the rise of the temperature, "says Barbara Osborne . "The manual valves tend to be less expensive and offer great value for money.
Drummonds Bathroom
thermostatic shower faucets
thermostatic shower valves are perfect for families as they can precisely control the temperature of the water within ' an agreed level, which is preset to install. 'This means that if the temperature of the incoming water changes, the valve responds to compensate and maintain constant temperature, "says Barbara Osborne . "And if the flow of hot or cold water fails, the valve will be closed to prevent burns. - Particularly important if you have young children at home
thermostatic shower valves are perfect for families as they can precisely control the temperature of the water within ' an agreed level, which is preset to install. 'This means that if the temperature of the incoming water changes, the valve responds to compensate and maintain constant temperature, "says Barbara Osborne . "And if the flow of hot or cold water fails, the valve will be closed to prevent burns. - Particularly important if you have young children at home
outlets and diverters
water valves control the flow of water to the "outlets" or as we tend to know them a shower.
There are four main types of shower:
Although it may seem complicated, knowing the options means you can choose your ideal shower system and really understand the differences. And after the hard work is done, you will be able to relax in style in a shower which is the ideal temperature and pressure for you.
Tell us ...
What kind of shower you? Share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
water valves control the flow of water to the "outlets" or as we tend to know them a shower.
There are four main types of shower:
- fixed and mounted on the wall
- Mounted on the ceiling
- a shower column, consisting of a fixed shower head and a hand shower
- a shower kit and slide, consisting of a hand shower on sliding rail.
Although it may seem complicated, knowing the options means you can choose your ideal shower system and really understand the differences. And after the hard work is done, you will be able to relax in style in a shower which is the ideal temperature and pressure for you.
Tell us ...
What kind of shower you? Share your thoughts about it in the comments below.