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Thermostatic & Mixer Showers Explained

Published on: 08/06/2018
Last Updated: 09/06/2022
Thermostatic & Mixer Showers

An invigorating shower gets you started on a perfect day. Being such an essential part of one’s grooming regime, the shower ought to be incredibly pleasurable. Besides luxury, the shower session must be safe. That is exactly what demands the fitting of a thermostatic mixer shower. Combining the comfort of showering and thermostatic safety, what else could one desire for a kick-start showering experience?


Thermostatic

Thermostatic

To begin with, thermostatic showers prevent scalding by maintaining a pre-set desired temperature while showering. In case there is a decline in the supply of hot or cold water, it will respond efficaciously and maintain a constant temperature. If the supplies totally come to a halt, it automatically shuts down. Ideal for a family with kids, these are purely a delight to use.

Rather than using an internal heating system like electric showers, thermostatic showers store a portion of heated water from the mains before mixing it with the cold water and releasing it. With far better regulation of heated water in comparison to regular shower types, they are generally one of the most long-term, cost-effective shower options available today. This, together with their great safety and convenience, has naturally made them increasingly popular with homeowners.


Digitally or Manually Controlled

Digital Shower

Digital controls significantly add to the convenience of thermostatic showers.

In terms of design and aesthetics, these are available in numerous options. It is obviously up to you how you customise your enclosure with the available accessories. You can select a classic or modern design and finish. To top it all, the manufacturers also instil a few unique additional features in their showers.

Digital showers mix hot and cold water from the mains, giving you greater control of your water temperature. A downside is that if your boiler breaks down, you will not be able to enjoy any hot water. Note: In Thermostatic Mixer Showers, you can control the volume for each separate outlet with its valve, while the thermostatic valve controls the temperature overall. Unlike budget options, these do not come cheap. However, if you can afford it and like the idea of a little luxury in the bathroom, these showers provide a relaxing experience.

Overall, if the water pressure in your home is adequate, then showers, which run on electricity, can be the best choice as they may be more budget-friendly and eco-friendly. However, if you are remodelling the bathroom and want more luxury, thermostatic varieties can provide a tremendous at-home spa-like experience.

Simply take into view your requirements and splurge on an exotic shower, which is also safe!


Mixer Showers?

Mixer Showers

A mixer shower will mix hot and cold water inside the shower fitting itself before the water comes from the shower head. This means that the shower itself does not heat the water, as is the case with some models, but rather that the shower will use the hot water already available through your home's plumbing system.

What are the Advantages of Mixer Shower?

For many people, a mixer shower is a great choice because these have so many advantages. Mixer showers can be surface mounted, which means that all of the shower apparatus, including the pipes, are installed onto your wall or flush. The workings of the shower are behind the wall, and only the shower control system is visible.

A mixer shower can also be used with high-pressure or low-pressure water systems. You will need equal pressure for both hot and cold water to use a mixer shower. However, if this is not the case in your home, you can install a pressure-balanced mixer valve to solve this problem. As far as installation, use, and plumbing requirements, a mixer shower is quite simple, which is why they are such a common choice for bathrooms in the UK.

What are the Disadvantages of Mixer Shower?

There are a couple of downsides to installing a mixer shower. The first of these is that this kind of shower will not affect the water flow of your system. So, if you have low water flow from taps in your bathroom, your shower will also have low water flow.

Also, the valves that connect the pipes and allow warm and cold water to mix are generally similar to regular shower valves in that they can require some maintenance. Though they are usually made from tough and durable materials like brass or chrome, they can, however, potentially still develop leaks.

Probably the most important drawback of a mixer shower is that it is connected into an already existing water system, which means that the temperature and flow of the water from your shower can be affected by other water points. Flushing the toilet, using a kitchen tap, or your washing machine filling with water can all mean that your shower suddenly gets boiling hot or freezing cold, which might be an issue in a house with more than one occupant. However, this can be avoided by installing a thermostatic version.

Finally, a mixer shower cannot be pumped from what we call a mains pressure system, like combination boilers or multi-point heaters, though there are specially designed combination boiler mixer showers available. These are things that you will need to check with your plumber before purchasing your shower.


Can Thermostatic Showers Be Easily Maintained?

Replacing, adjusting, and calibrating valves, such as the specialised cartridge valve that controls and shuts off the flow of hot and cold water, is all relatively easy to do by oneself. However, thorough research is recommended as certain parts and valves may not be replaceable if damaged. If you are unsure, it’s generally best to call in a professional.


How QS Supplies Can Help?

With a wide range of different shower models and shower enclosures and professional staff available for advice, QS Supplies is happy to answer any questions you might have about which kind of shower is right for your home. Taking the time to research your options will mean that you get the perfect shower, whatever your needs are, and our staff are the experts you need to ask. They know their stuff and can save you from making expensive mistakes.

Sarabeth Asaff

Sarabeth Asaff
Sarabeth Asaff is a former kitchen and bathroom designer who now works as a home and garden industry writer and expert. She has a working knowledge of all areas of the home improvement industry, and specialises in functional design and material advice.