What could be more refreshing than an invigorating shower to start your day? Find your ideal shower with our expert buying guide.
For most of us, our shower is a crucial element of our routine. It’s where we can do some of our most creative thinking, get ourselves ready after a long night’s rest or simply wash away the stress and anxieties after a long life. This is why a high-quality shower that functions efficiently and effectively, is arguably one of the most significant purchases you’ll make.
In this guide to buying a shower We’ll assist you in finding the perfect model, with a brief overview of the factors to take into consideration in deciding. We’ll take a closer glance at water systems for domestic use and shower types, as well as all the necessary accessories that you’ll need to install a shower.
What do I need to think about when choosing a shower?
If you’re looking to buy a new shower, the primary things you’ll have to think about are the water pressure and type of water system you have on your home. This may ultimately dictate what type of shower you buy.
How is your water pressure ?
The water pressure inside your home can affect the power of your shower, and affect the type of appliance you’ll need. You can measure 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 are using?
Different heating and water systems may affect your choices of showers. UK homes are usually constructed with three kinds of water systems.
1. System fed by gravity
The most well-known types, it is usually an underground water tank that is cold in the loft and an water cylinder inside the airing cupboard. This can result in low pressure in the water, however you can utilize a shower pump to boost the pressure. A single pump can supply three or more showers simultaneously and is the ideal option for houses with multiple bathroom showers.
2. Combi boiler system
The boiler usually has no tanks or water cylinders made to heat water as and the time you use it. Combi boilers usually provide the most powerful water pressure and are compatible with a shower mixer to give hot water on demand.
3. Unvented system
A water cylinder is heated by an boiler or an immersion heater under high pressure, which allows large amounts of hot water to be supplied.
When you are aware of your water pressure and water system, you’ll know which shower models will suit your home, and the accessories you might require. Our experienced team will also be happy to advise you.
Showers in different types
Manual mixer shower–Mixes hot and cold water sources manually. They are easy to fit and are simple to use.
Thermostatic mixer shower — Incorporates a thermostatic valve that keeps your water at a constant temperature. It is particularly suited to families with younger children or older people, since it lowers the chance of burning.
Easy and quick to install Electric showers come with an individual heating element which means only a cold water supply is needed.
Power shower–Often confused with electric showers, due to their similar design Power showers draw on both hot and cold water supplies and contain an integral pump which boosts the water pressure to give you an enjoyable experience.
Digital shower is a more advanced version of thermostatic mixer that makes use of digital technology to enable you to set a specific temperature for your water. With certain models, you can also turn your shower on and off with the remote control or a smart phone.
Smart shower–The most advanced type of showering system currently on the market A smart shower works easily with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, so you can customise and control the shower, including using voice activated.
As well as the technical considerations when choosing the right shower for at home, also must consider its style and look, so that it fits the bathroom you have and your preferences. There are numerous styles of valves as well as shower rails and shower heads available that are compatible with modern bathroom suites.
We’ll now explain more about the various kinds of showers.
Manual mixer showers
This type of shower works well in homes that have an abundance of hot water as well as high pressure water. It blends the cold and hot water supply in order to allow you to set it to your desired temperature each moment you wash. Manual mixer showers are easy to install and very simple to work.
Requirements: Hot and cold water supply. A minimum of 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: If you have a family with young children the use of a thermostatic mixer will prevent the danger of getting burned.
Benefits: Easy installation and easy use.
Thermostatic mixer showers
The mixer controls of this shower incorporate a thermostatic valve that keeps water at a steady temperature that users can manually adjust. This makes it a great option for infants or older people, since it gives you more control on the temperatures of water.
Requirements: Hot and cold water supply needed. At least 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use with an electric pump to boost the flow of water, in case it is needed.
Benefits: Prevents the possibility of burning, and the temperature is not affected by water use elsewhere in the home.
Electric showers
Electric showers can be a fast and simple method of installing showers in nearly any home. They are equipped with heating units and so don’t need to be connected to the hot water source, making them ideal to be installed in bathrooms or downstairs shower rooms.
Requirements: Cold water supply. A minimum of 0.1 bar in pressure. It must have the installation done by a certified professional plumber and electrician.
Recommendations: Use as an easy solution for shower rooms and bathrooms.
Benefits: More cost-effective. Temperature is not affected by any other water use in the house.
Showers with power
The term “power shower” is often employed to describe any kind of shower that provides an intense flow of water, but (if are being precise!) it’s actually a specific type of shower.
Sometimes, electric showers are misunderstood as electric because of their identical appearance, power showers contain an integrated pump, which is responsible for taking water from both cold and hot water sources and increasing the flow.
Power showers are available with thermostatic or hand-held controls, in accordance with your preferences. They’re great 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 is required. Minimum 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with gravity-fed water systems when your pressure is too low.
Benefits: Increases water pressure without the necessity of an additional pump
Digital showers
A modern version of the thermostatic mixer shower, digital showers allow precise control over the temperature of water thanks to an uncomplicated processor box. Some digital showers even offer remote control with an extra control or smartphone, meaning that you can have the pleasure of turning on your shower in the in the comfort of your own bed.
With a choice of concealed or exposed valves digital showers are easy to install, making them perfect for modern bathrooms and ensuites.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply, and electricity, if required. The minimum requirement is 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with an electric water pump in order to increase water flow, if needed.
Benefits: Easy controls minimizes the risk 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 journey into the highest level A smart shower is the right option.
Requirements: Cold and hot water supply required. A minimum of 1 bar pressure in the water.
Recommendations: Use an electric pump to boost water flow, if needed.
Benefits: Fully personalize your shower experience using sequenced programmes. Connects seamlessly to popular smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Look up elderly relatives and develop safe programs for children. Over The Air updates continually enhance your experience.
Choosing a shower head
A shower head probably the most important component in creating your perfect shower, as different shower heads can result in very different experiences. There are three types of shower head available:
Fixed shower head
Perfect for designer bathrooms This kind of shower head is typically installed on the ceiling or on the wall, giving a sleek luxury look. They’re great for creating elegant and chic look, and are comfortable and relaxing to use.
But, they might not be the ideal choice in a bathroom that is busy with family because the head is unable to be removed for more flexible usage. There are modern and more traditional designs available which can be combined to any bathroom design.
Riser kit shower head
This kind of shower head is inserted into a bracket attached against the wall in the shower enclosure, meaning its location can be altered depending on the size of the person using it, and also it is able to be detached for washing your hair or cleaning the shower or bath. There are numerous styles available for this style of shower head, which means they can suit a wide range of bathrooms.
Combination shower head
A combination set lets 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 numerous designs that are available in traditional and contemporary styles, therefore it’s simple to find what you want to create your ideal look.