Shower Guide

Electric Showers

Electric Shower draw water direct from the cold water mains and heat it as it is used using an heat element within the main shower unit.  This means that you can shower at any time of the day, without the need to pre-heat your hot water supply. 

Electric showers are very economical, as you heat only the water that you need.  Electric Showers are also the only type of shower that's independent of the hot water system, so if your boiler fails you can still have a hot shower.

Electric Showers require both a connection to your mains cold water supply and electrical supply.  The connection to your electrical supply will need to be carried out by a qualified electrician, as the electrical element within the shower requires a separate fused electrical supply circuit.  The electric element within the shower unit is between 7.5kw and 10.8kw, it is important to establish which kW output you require before purchasing an Electric Shower, this can be verified with your electrician. 

Electric Showers are a popular choice of shower, as they can easily be installed in old or new properties.  PlumbNation offers a vast range of Electric Showers, from the UK’s leading manufacturers, such as Triton and Mira.

Mixer Showers (Manual/Thermostatic)

Mixer Showers, unlike Electric Showers, require no electrical connection.  Mixer Showers work by mixing together hot water from your hot water supply, and cold water from your mains or tank supply, thus creating the required temperature.  Mixer Showers have the benefit of a higher flow rate than that of Electric Showers.  Mixer Showers also offer the controls for both flow rate and temperature, with some shower heads even offering alternative spray options.  Mixer Showers are ideal for properties, with a sufficient supply of hot water.

Mixer Showers are available in two options, Manual Mixer Shower or Thermostatic Mixer Shower.  A Manual Mixer Shower enables you  to adjust the temperature as desired, however, as the water is being supplied by your hot water supply and cold mains feed, if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the property, then this will affect the water temperature.  For example, if a hot water tap is turned on the hot water supply to your shower is reduced and the temperature of the water will drop due to there being less hot water coming through the shower.  The same applies if a cold water tap is turned on, the temperature however will increase, causing more hot water than cold.  This could be a potential danger, especially if the shower is being used by children or the elderly.  This however is not the case with Thermostatic Mixer Showers. 

Thermostatic Mixer Showers, work in the exact same way as a Manual Mixer Shower, however, they have a built-in safety device that regulates the water temperature, if a hot or cold tap is turned on elsewhere in the house.  It is therefore recommended that if you have children or are elderly, then a Thermostatic option is purchased.

Mixer Showers are available in 3 different fixings, EV, B-BIV and B-BIR. 

EV (Exposed Variable) – Shower valve is exposed (or surface mounted) and variable height shower head and riser rail.

B-BIV (Built in Variable) – Shower valve is built in to the wall, with only the controls visible.  Variable height shower head and riser rail, ideal for all members of the family.

B-BIR (Built-in Rigid) – Shower Valve is built in to the wall, with only the controls visible.  Rigid shower head, fixed at one height.

Digital Mixer Showers

Digital Mixer Showers, like standard Mixer Showers, operate by mixing hot water and cold water to produce the desired temperature.  However, unlike Standard Mixer Shower, Digital Mixer Showers offer control at the touch of a button.  So rather than having to adjust the temperature/flow rate using a manual valve control, Digital Mixer Showers allow you to adjust using a push button control system.  The digital control unit can even be positioned away from the shower to give you more space and flexibility.  Digital Showers are also capable of letting you know when the desired temperature is ready and you can simple step in and enjoy.

Wireless Showers

Wireless Showers are available in both Electric and Digital Mixer versions.  Wireless Showers operate with the main shower unit hidden away, and communicates wirelessly with a wall mounted control unit.  These control units can even be located outside the shower area, and can either be operated manually or via a remote control.

Some Wireless Showers systems can even be installed where the riser rail is positioned through the roof with the water supply flowing down, enabling installation, without the need to disrupt any tiling.

Power Showers

Power Showers are surface mounted all-in-one manual units designed for use with a low mains voltage electrical supply and gravity fed hot and cold water supplies. They feature a built-in pump unit, manual mixer assembly and separate controls for flow and temperature.  As per the name Power Showers produce a more powerful spray force than any other shower.  The integral pump boosts the water pressure that generates the powerful flow rates.

Booster Pumps

Booster Pumps, are generally required if you already have a mixer shower and are experiencing flow problems due to low pressure in the supply pipe work.  A pump can be installed to increase the pressure of stored hot and cold water, not from mains-fed water. For example, Power Showers cannot be used if you have a Combi Boiler. 

Booster Pumps are available with Single Impellers and Twin Impellers. Impellers are the Inlet and Outlet pipes attached to the pump.  If you are looking to boost your hot water supply then a single impeller pump would be required, if however, you wish to boost both your hot and cold water supply, then you would need to install a twin impeller booster pump.

Care Showers

Care Showers, are actually just Electric Showers and therefore function in the exact same way. However Care Showers are actually specifically designed for the elderly, visually impaired or physically disabled.   The overall features of Care Showers, ensures the utmost confidence in showering safety for the end user.

Care Shower features usually include Thermostatic controls, so that the temperature is constantly regulated, push button/easily accessible controls, and adjustable time shut down, which automatically shuts the shower down after a certain time limit.  Care Showers also offer longer hoses and shower rails for extra flexibility when showering.  Features and benefits may vary between manufacturers, so it would be wise to ensure that the Care Shower you purchase meets all your requirements.

PlumbNation offer a range of Care Showers, from the UK’s market leading manufacturers, such as Mira and Triton, who are renowned for providing top quality Care Showers.