What to Look For When Deciding To Fit a New Shower

A great way of adding value to your home is to install a shower. Not only does it increase the value of your property but it offers convenience too. There are certain issues that need to be examined before going out and buying a new shower though. It would be a mistake to think that all showers are adequate for every bathroom; each bathroom is different and each type of shower fitting has its own unique requirements.

Things to think about before heading to the shops are: where the main water supply is located, is there enough space to install a shower, does the water system in the house meet the requirements of the shower to be installed, does a completely new shower system have to be bought or can you replace an existing shower unit?

The most effective shower is one that will be located close to the main water supply. It will involve the least amount of money and labour while also having the greatest water pressure.

If you are thinking of installing a shower cubicle instead of just a shower system over the bath, you need to make sure there is enough space for the cubicle to be installed. There also needs to be sufficient room for the shower doors to open. There are many choices for shower doors which can overcome any difficulties with space, such as a corner shower where the door slides across the shower or a bi-fold where the shower door opens into the shower cubicle by splitting down the middle.

The current water system in the property will need to be checked to ensure that you choose the best shower to coincide with that. There is no point in buying a shower and then realizing that you don't have the requirements for running it. Professional assistance may be needed to ensure that you choose the correct system.

There are different types of shower on the market and it is important to choose the right one. These include mixer showers, power showers or electric showers and the differences between them are highlighted below.

A mixer shower has to be connected to hot and cold water lines and ideally needs to have a high pressure water supply connected. They will work with combination boilers and mix the water from the hot and cold tanks to give the constant required temperature.

An electric shower will work with both high and low pressure water systems. They only need to be connected to the cold water tank as the unit will heat the water with electricity. The disadvantage to an electric shower is that they use a lot of power. All electric showers need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

Power showers use pumps to increase water flow so can be used in areas with low water pressure. They keep water at a constant temperature by using a mixer valve. Power showers cannot be used with combination boilers and need to be connected to both the hot and cold water tanks.