What could be more refreshing than an revitalizing shower to begin your day? Find the perfect shower with our buying guide for professionals.
For most of us, our shower is an essential element of our routine. It’s where we do the most of our thinking, get ourselves ready after a restful night’s sleep or simply wash away the stress and anxieties after a long day of travel. This is why a high-quality shower that works effectively as well, can be arguably one of the most crucial purchases you’ll make.
In this guide to buying a shower will help you choose the ideal shower, along with an overview of the factors to take into consideration when deciding. We’ll review of the water systems used in homes and the various types of bathroom showers and the essential accessories you’ll require when installing the shower.
What should I consider when selecting a shower?
When you are looking to purchase a new shower, the primary things you’ll have to think about are your water pressure as well as the kind of water system that you have installed on your home. This will ultimately determine what kind of shower you purchase.
How do you think of your water pressure?
The pressure of the water in your home can affect the strength of your shower and will affect the kind of equipment you’ll need. You can test the pressure of your water yourself with an easy and quick procedure, however it might be safer and easier to get an expert instead.
What water system do you currently
Different heating and water systems can affect the selection of showers. UK homes are typically constructed with three kinds of water systems.
1. System fed by gravity
The most popular is that it has an underground water tank that is cold in the loft area and an water cylinder inside the airing cabinet. This could result in low pressure in the water, however you can utilize shower pumps to increase the pressure. A single pump can supply three or two showers at once as well, making it an ideal choice for homes with several showers.
2. Combi boiler system
Most boilers have no water cylinders or tanks that are designed to heat water based on as you need it. Combi boilers typically provide the greatest pressure for water and can be used with shower mixers to offer hot water upon demand.
3. Unvented system
A water cylinder is heated using an immersion heater or boiler at high pressure, which allows large quantities of hot water to be delivered.
When you are aware of the water pressure and system, you’ll know what shower types would best suit your needs, and the accessories you might require. Our knowledgeable team will be more than happy to assist you.
Shower types
Manual mixer shower – Mixes hot and cold water sources manually. They are simple to install and use.
Thermostatic mixer shower – Incorporates a thermostatic valve that keeps your water at a steady temperature. It is especially suited for families with children younger than older people, since it decreases the chance of burning.
Electric showers are quick and simple to install Electric showers come with their own heating element , meaning only cold water is needed.
Power showers are often confused with electric showers due to their similar design Power showers draw power from both cold and hot water sources and have an integrated pump that boosts the pressure of your water for an even more enjoyable experience.
Digital shower is a more advanced version of thermostatic mixers This type of shower makes use of digital technology to enable users to set a precise temperature for the water. In some models, you can also turn your shower off and on using the remote control or a smart phone.
Smart shower – The most advanced form of showering system available on the market Smart showers integrate perfectly with home automation systems such as Amazon Alexa, so you can customize and control it even with voice-activated.
In addition to the technical aspects of selecting the right shower for the home you live in, it is also must consider the style and appearance of the shower, to make sure it matches your bathroom and personal preferences. There are a variety of types of valves shower rails, shower valves, and shower heads that you can pick from that will work perfectly with modern bathroom suites.
We’ll then go over the details of the various kinds of showers.
Manual mixer showers
This kind of shower works best in homes with a an abundance of hot water and high pressure water. It blends hot and cold water sources to allow you to adjust it to your preferred temperature every when you take a shower. Shower mixers that are manual are simple to set up and are very easy to use.
Requirements: Cold and hot water sources. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: For families that have young children using a thermostatic mixer, it will reduce the chance of burning.
Benefits: Simple to install and simple to use.
Showers with thermostatic mixers
The mixer controls in this shower have thermostatic valves that keep the water at a steady temperature that users can manually adjust. This makes it a great choice for children and older people, since it gives you more control on the temperatures of water.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply required. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use with the aid of an electric motor to boost the flow of water, if required.
Benefits: Reduces the chance of burning, and the temperature isn’t affected by the use of water elsewhere in the house.
Electric showers
Electric showers are a simple and easy way to set up showers in virtually every home. They have their own heating units , and don’t require the use of an electric hot water supply which makes them perfect to be installed in bathrooms or shower rooms that are downstairs.
Requirements Water supply: Cold. A minimum of 0.1 bar pressure. It must be set up by a fully certified plumbing and electrician.
Recommendations: Use it as an easy solution for bathrooms with showers and ensuites.
Benefits: It is more cost-effective. Temperature is not affected by any other water usage in the home.
Showers with power
The phrase “power shower” is used to refer to any kind of shower that produces an intense flow of water, but (if you’re talking about technicalities!) it’s actually a particular kind of shower.
Sometimes, they are confused with electric showers due to their similar appearance, power showers have an integrated pump that draws water from both cold and hot water sources and increasing the flow.
Power showers are available with thermostatic or manual controls, according to your requirements. They are perfect for water systems with low pressure However, you’ll require a reliable, steady supply of water to ensure efficient usage.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply required. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use with gravity-fed water systems when your pressure is too low.
Benefits: Increases your drinking water’s pressure, without requirement for an additional pump
Digital showers
A more sophisticated version of the thermostatic mixer showers, digital showers provide exact control over your water temperature with the help of an easy processor box. Some showers with digital technology even provide remote control with an additional controller or smartphone, which means you have the option of turning on your shower in the at-home comfort of your mattress.
With the option of either concealed or exposed valves, digital showers are simple to set up, making them perfect for modern bathrooms and bathrooms.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply, as well as electricity, if required. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use with the aid of an electric motor to boost the flow of water, if required.
Benefits: Simple controls eliminates the possibility of burning and the temperature isn’t affected by the use of water elsewhere in the house.
Smart showers
If you’re looking to take your shower enjoyment up a notch entirely A smart shower is the ideal option.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply required. A minimum of 1 bar pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use with the aid of an electric motor to boost the flow of water, if required.
Benefits: You can completely customize your shower experience using sequenced programs. It seamlessly integrates with the most the most popular smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Monitor elderly relatives and develop safe programs for children. Over The Air updates continually enhance your experience.
Selecting a shower head
Shower heads are probably the most crucial element in making your ideal shower, because different shower heads provide 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 usually attached to the ceiling or the wall, giving a sleek and luxurious look. They can be used to create an elegant and stylish look and are comfortable and relaxing to use.
But, they might not be the ideal choice for bathrooms with a lot of people because the head can’t be removed for more flexible usage. There are contemporary and traditional styles to choose from and can be easily matched to any bathroom style.
Riser kit shower head
The shower head is inserted into an attached bracket that is fixed on the walls of the shower enclosure. This means that its position can be adjusted in accordance with the size of the person using it, and also disconnecting to wash your hair, or cleaning the shower or bath. There are many various designs to choose from in this type of shower head, meaning they are suitable for a broad variety of bathrooms.
Combination shower head
A combination set lets you to use both an adjustable and fixed shower head to give you the most versatility. There are a variety of designs that are available in traditional and contemporary styles, making it easy to locate the style you’re looking for to create the perfect style.