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READ OUR COMPLETE SHOWER VALVES GUIDE TO HELP YOU REALISE EVERY PIECE OF YOUR DREAM SHOWER SYSTEM.
Shower language can be surprisingly complex for such a basic home appliance. Before the crucial time when a new bath or shower room is being fitted, it’s doubtful that those of us without years of plumbing experience will come across phrases like thermostatic shower valve or exposed mixer shower. We have put together a thorough reference about shower valves to assist you in realising your perfect shower system and help you avoid possible shower installation issues in the future.
TYPES OF SHOWER MIXER VALVES
Let’s start with the basics: what is a shower mixing valve? Effectively, mixer showers are used in all showers. A shower mixer valve very simply combines water from your hot water source and your cold water supply to evenly balance the water temperature, much to how you have a basin mixer tap. Depending on your system, this enables water to mix, flow through a single outlet (a showerhead), and then be directed to a number of additional secondary channels (bath filler, shower wand). In light of this, continue reading to discover the various mixer valve types and how to select the right one for your project.
SHOWER VALVES THAT ARE CONCEALED
A concealed valve, often referred to as a sunken shower valve, is one that is camouflaged within the shower wall, floor, or ceiling so that the only thing that is apparent to the eye is a svelte valve plate with covert controls or shower handles. To give your shower enclosure a neat and uncluttered finish, concealed thermostatic shower valves conceal pipes.
The only component of a concealed valve that is visible is the valve plate, which is usually a flat brass or metal tablet on which the shower controls are located and is set into the wall. Push buttons or handles can be used to operate concealed valves. Push-button showers, like our Event Click system, are more ergonomic because they only require the push of a button to switch on and off. Handle controls work on a basic lever mechanism.
PROS
What advantages do a hidden shower valve offer? Concealed valves, which are seen as a more opulent shower system choice, enable you to maximise space in small wetrooms while achieving a tidy shower room finish. You may turn on the water and set the ideal flow and temperature before entering the shower enclosure by using concealed shower mixers that are situated farther away from the shower head.
CONS
The installation of a concealed shower system can be labor- and time-intensive, which is one disadvantage of a recessed valve. Before you tile and finish the surface, a concealed shower system needs to be installed within the bathroom wall, which takes some thought and planning.
EXPOSED SHOWER VALVES
What is a shower valve that is exposed? An exposed valve is one that is placed outside of the shower wall, mounted to the bathroom floor or tiles, and has the shower pipes visible. It typically resembles a short, wide cylinder with cold and hot pipes on either side that is joined to the showerhead and other water outlets by an exterior pipe.
The bar shower valve is another typical design for an exposed valve. A long, cylindrical valve with controls at either end that is positioned perpendicular to the shower wall is called a bar shower valve. Bar shower valves are better for small shower rooms since they take up somewhat less room than conventional exposed valves.
PROS
Exposed shower valves are typically less expensive and easier to install. An exposed valve can be put directly on top of the existing tilework and does not need to be recessed into the bathroom wall.
CONS
Contrary to concealed valves, exposed shower mixers protrude from the wall and do not provide as smooth of a finish for your shower area. They also require more maintenance than a straightforward concealed valve plate and are more likely to build up limescale if not kept clean.
THERMOSTATIC SHOWER VALVES
A thermostatic shower valve, as its name suggests, is a shower mixer that enables you to set a maximum water temperature to prevent scalding. A thermostatic mixer shower controls the water temperature extremely easily by restricting your ability to turn the valve from cool to hot. This creates a physical barrier separating the temperatures of your water boiler and shower.
The suggested showering temperature in the UK ranges from 39 to 41 degrees, and a thermostatic valve temperature is typically adjusted during the production process. Even though we strongly advise leaving this to a skilled plumber or installer, you may always tune the mixer valve temperature before installation if you happen to prefer a hotter shower.
While exposed and concealed thermostatic shower valve layouts are both available, thermostatic valves have their own classification.
PROS
In order to minimise unintentional scalding, thermostatic shower mixers are safer than ordinary shower valves and are especially helpful in communal bathrooms.
CONS
Before installation, make sure to verify the valve’s temperature setting so you can adjust it if necessary.
FUNCTIONS
The actual purpose of your shower valve stands alongside the many sorts of shower valves. We look at how valves can divert water to various outlets, from the most basic one-way shower mixer valve to the slightly more complicated three function valve, and which diverter valve is ideal for you.
1 WAY SHOWER VALVES
Simply described, one-way shower valves direct water flow to a single outlet, most frequently a shower head, rather than diverting it. In cases when a bath filler is not necessary, one-way shower valves are a common and cost-effective option for a shower enclosure.
2 WAY SHOWER DIVERTER VALVES
A two-way mixer valve, which diverts water to and from two outlets—typically a fixed shower head and a shower handset, though a bath filler/shower wand outlet combination is also quite popular—may be the most prevalent showering configuration. Although more expensive than single function valves, two way shower mixers give greater freedom when it comes to showering, which makes them perfect for a family bathroom.
3 WAY SHOWER DIVERTER VALVES
A three-way mixer valve, which allows you to easily switch the flow of water from a fixed showerhead, a handset, and a bath filler, controls the flow of water to and from three distinct but connected outputs. Three function valves provide a rich and diversified showering experience despite being more expensive than the more constrained valve options.
STYLES
Surprisingly, there are many different shower valve designs available to fit your taste and the bathroom you already have. We examine the many shower valve styles and show you how to pick the best one for your bathroom, from historically inspired Victorian style valves to incredibly minimalist contemporary designs.
CLASSIC SHOWER VALVES
Traditional shower valves are usually exposed in design and are frequently combined with a fixed, dome-shaped shower head as a tribute to the original Victorian brass shower. Traditional shower valves highlight the aesthetic functionality of the shower pipes and are frequently found in both chrome and brass finishes. Crosshead or terminal lever handles, often with ceramic inlay details, are frequently found on shower valves with a classical design.
CONTEMPORARY SHOWER VALVES
Modern shower valves are typically buried in their sleek, straightforward designs to complement the bathroom’s clean-lined look. Modern shower valves frequently come with straightforward round or soft-square levers, or even a push-button on/off mechanism, and are best suited to a matt black or high gloss chrome finish.
TRANSITIONAL SHOWER VALVES
A transitional shower valve, which blends traditional and modern brassware features, mixes the modern backplate of a concealed shower valve with the unmistakably traditional details seen in exposed, conventional valves.
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