Plumbing And Shower installations - Choosing The Right Shower For Your Home

Maybe you wish to add an elegant walk-in shower to your home or like the idea of the latest high tech shower enclosures. Whatever your style there are many options available to you and your plumber or bathroom fitter can help you decide what is possible with your installation and present plumbing system.

Your plumber will be able to advise you on the water pressure available to you and how this will affect your options. Generally speaking, most showers require a minimum water pressure of 0.1 bar though most manufacturers recommend anything from 5 to 5 bar water pressure. Thus ensuring that the carefully designed shower heads deliver water in the way they were designed. Choose fittings such as shower heads and thermostatic controllers that work with the maximum water pressure you have at your disposal.

Should you choose a fixed head or an adjustable rail system? Many people like the clean look that fixed shower heads give. The supply pipe work is hidden behind the shower in a ‘wet wall’ giving a contemporary and clean look. The downside is that the head is set at a fixed height and probably not at the optimum height for everyone in the household. An adjustable rail will allow the shower head to slide up and down a rail fixed to the wall. This allows the shower head height to be set at the optimum height for most people.

Many modern shower heads now incorporate an adjustable dial which enables the user to set different spray patterns and body jets can be added to a shower system to create an ‘all over’ experience. The choices are many for todays homeowner consumer.

Period style shower heads too are readily available to suit many shower thermostatic and none thermostatic systems. The traditional English shower rose is experiencing a new blast of popularity. Its combination of a drenching but less pummelling shower and stylish looks appeal top many. But take note that some of the larger shower roses (and these can available up to 300mm) require a minimum pressure of 3 bar.

If you are unsure about the pressure available to you then your plumber will be able to advise you on this and your options regarding raising the water pressure artificially through the fitment of a pressure pump. Remember too that hot water pressure supplied by combination boilers is dependant on the mains water pressure and the water pressure at your shower head will be this pressure. Conventional, non-combi set ups allow for raising of water pressure more easily.

As always If your bathroom project is done by an unqualified plumbing contractor without a written contract then you may experience problems. If your plumber does not hold current insurances which may be needed in the event of creating a water leak then you may well find yourself uninsured and out of pocket and liable for water damage to adjacent properties.

Using a reputable tradesmen source like www.homepromatch.com will ensure that you connect with qualified and insured plumbers and bathroom fitters, rated and recommended by other local homeowners.