Do you need to choose the right shower for your home? You need to make sure that the shower you choose is right for you. It should be a pleasure to take a bath. You want it to be enjoyable and relaxing, not draining your energy and leaving you frustrated.
This article will discuss the most important aspects to consider when choosing a shower. It will also help you make sure you get the perfect fit for you and your central heating system.
The type of heating system
A white convector radiator
Before you start experimenting with screens, enclosures, and other shower-related fittings, it is important to understand the type of central heating system in your home. Some showers may not be compatible with all types of heating systems. It is worth taking the time to understand what your system is before you make any decisions.
Low-pressure systems
Low-pressure heating systems were once the most popular in the UK. They have a cold water tank in the loft and hot water cylinders elsewhere in the house. These are usually located in an airing cupboard. This system is also known as a gravity-fed system. You don't have to limit the types of shoes you can fit. A power shower is a popular choice, along with an accompanying pump. This allows for high-pressure showering, even though the system is low.
High-pressure systems
High-pressure heating systems are the standard in new homes. Many people opt to upgrade to these systems due to their increased efficiency and instantaneous hot water supply. A high-pressure heating system is likely to be installed in a combination boiler (combi boiler) if there are no water tanks. Combi boilers don't work with power showers because they don't have a hot water tank.
If you have a hot water cylinder in your home but no cold water tank in the loft, you may have an unvented high-pressure system, which should not be confused with the similar-in-appearance low-pressure system.
Systems for cold water
If you have a cold-water or feed and expansion tank in your loft, you can tell if you have one. The rising main pipe runs from the street to the loft, where water is brought into the tank. An electric shower is the best option in this situation. A simple electric shower is ideal if there is enough water pressure. An electric shower with a pump, fed from a tank and equipped with a pump will provide a pleasant experience.
Different types of showers
An electric shower
Once you are familiar with your current system, you can start to look at the various types of showers available. You might want to replace the shower system you have with a different one, or change to something else depending on your central heating system.
Mixer showers
Mixer showers do exactly what they sound like. They take the hot and cold water supply and mix them before sending water out from the shower head at the desired temperature. Mixer showers are a common type of shower. They're easy to install and deliver water at pleasant pressure. A mixer shower is an excellent option if you have a combi boiler system that produces high-pressure water. They can provide hot water instantly. A mixer shower is also suitable for systems with large water cylinders.
Thermostatic showers
Thermostatic showers are becoming more popular. They take water from both hot and cold water sources, just like mixer showers. The main difference is that the thermostatic shower valve can be set to a temperature, and will maintain this temperature throughout your shower. No matter what happens in your home (e.g., a tap is turned on), the temperature will remain constant. Because the temperature is constant, thermostatic showers are popular for the elderly and those with small children.
Electric showers
Because they can be installed regardless of what type of central heating system your home has, electric showers are very popular. They are also great for second or ensuite showers that are not located in the main bathroom. There is no need to store water as the water heats up by the electric element within the shower system. Electric showers are a cost-effective and efficient way to shower.
Digital showers
A digital shower is a great option if you are looking to stay on the cutting-edge of technology. Digital showers are much more convenient than traditional taps and valves on the walls. They have a flat panel that you can press to turn the flow on/off, adjust the temperature and change the flow. You can choose from electric or mixer models. They also hide any pipes so they look great inside a minimalist bathroom.
Types of shower heads
It is important to choose the right showerhead. This can make a huge difference in the quality and functionality of your shower. Below are the main types.
Handheld shower head
Because they are so flexible, these types of shower heads are very popular. They are usually attached to the wall by a vertical bar. This allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs. The shower head and hose can be removed from the wall. This is useful for cleaning the bathroom or bath, or washing pets. Many of these shower heads allow you to adjust the spray settings to alter the flow of water. These handheld shower heads are very popular and can be used with almost all showers.
Fixed shower heads
These will often be visible from the ceiling or wall and are not usually adjustable. Fixed shower heads look great in bathrooms with wetrooms because the pipework is hidden behind walls. Although fixed shower heads do not offer the same flexibility as handheld showers, they often come with a second handheld attachment that allows you to get the best of both. Fixed showers are becoming more popular because of their ability to provide water flow and a sense of water cascading towards you.
Combination bath tap and shower combination
This is the simplest version of this type. It is a rubbery attachment that attaches to bath taps. It provides a showering option for those who don't have a shower. These are now more sophisticated, and you will often find a combo bath shower that allows you to switch between the taps or the shower. These are especially useful in large, freestanding baths, where the traditional handheld shower attachment can be placed on a stand at one end of the bath and used in a sitting position.