Shower Mixers: Enhance the Aesthetics and Functionality in Your Bathroom

Showering is an integral part of many of our daily routines. It’s where we do our best thinking, freshen up after a restful night’s sleep or wash away our cares and worries after a long day on the road. One of the most important purchases you’ll ever make for your bathroom is a good quality shower.

Types of Shower Mixers

Manual 

Also known as a pressure balancing valve, a manual shower mixer combines hot and cold water, thus allowing you to customise the temperature. It’s simple to use and install, which helps keep labour costs low. Because a single tap controls the water flow and temperature, you must manually adjust the temperature each time you shower. There is no thermostat on such a shower mixer to regulate the water temperature coming out of your shower. When one side of a “Pressure Balancing” valve loses pressure, the other side swings shut. As a result, the valve swings open as the cold water flushes away to prevent too much hot water from entering.

Thermostatic 

These shower mixers control and keep a constant temperature even when water is being used elsewhere in the house. As a result, it eliminates the risk of scalding, making it a safer alternative to manual shower mixers. You can also pre-set the temperature before turning on the shower because the heat and water flow are controlled separately.

Digital 

A digital shower maintains a constant temperature and allows you to set the temperature to a specific degree and monitor it on the digital display. For those who are tech-savvy, there is also the option to invest in a remote that will allow you to control your shower from your bed! 

Smart 

Smart showers are the newest technological addition to the bathroom, allowing you to control every aspect of your showering experience. Depending on your mood, you can choose from various pre-programmed shower settings such as ‘gentle’ or ‘drench.’ Alternatively, save your preferred shower temperature and power to your profile for a consistently perfect shower. Smart bath showers, like digital showers, let you control your shower from afar and are fully compatible with smartphones and smart home devices.

Electric Substitutes for Shower Mixers 

If your boiler has low water pressure or if you want to install your shower in an area that isn’t already connected to your boiler, an electric shower is a good alternative to a shower mixer. Electric showers only require a cold water connection because they heat and pump the water themselves. Because no heat is lost while running hot water from the boiler to the valve, these showers are the more energy-efficient option. 

The Water Pressure & Water System Factor

The water pressure in your home will determine the strength of your shower and the type of appliance you will require. Although you can check the water pressure yourself with a quick and simple method, hiring a professional may be easier and safer.

On the other hand, different water and heating system also affects your shower choice. There are three main types of water systems commonly found in Australian homes. 

The Gravity Fed system has a cold water tank located in the loft and a water cylinder in the airing cupboard. This can result in low water pressure, but you can compensate by using a shower pump. This Gravity type is ideal for larger properties with multiple showers.

The Combi Boiler type of water system usually has a boiler that has no tanks or water cylinders and is designed to heat water as needed. Combi boilers typically have the highest water pressure and can be used with a shower mixer to provide hot water on demand.

When it comes to the Unvented system, a water cylinder is heated under high pressure by an immersion heater or boiler, allowing large amounts of hot water to be supplied.

Choosing the Right Shower Head 

Since different shower heads can create very different experiences, they are probably the most important component in creating your perfect shower.

Fixed Shower Heads 

This type of shower head is usually fixed to the ceiling or the wall, giving the room a clean, high-end feel. They are luxurious and enjoyable to use, and they are great for creating a stylish and elegant look.
However, because the head cannot be detached for more versatile use, they may not be the best choice for a busy family bathroom.

Riser Kit Shower Head

The Riser Kit shower head attaches to a bracket on the shower enclosure’s wall, allowing it to adjust to the height of the person using it, as well as detach for washing your hair or cleaning the bath or shower. It also comes in various designs so that it can be used in a variety of bathrooms. 

Combination Shower Head 

For maximum versatility, a combination set allows you to have both a fixed and detachable showerhead. There are numerous designs available in both contemporary and traditional styles, making it simple to find exactly what you’re looking for to complete your ideal bathroom décor. 

Choosing the Right Shower Valves 

The type of shower valve you’ll require is yet another factor to consider when selecting your ideal shower mixer. 

Exposed Valves 

Exposed shower valves have all their working parts visible outside the wall. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the bar valve being the most common. The valve is directly connected to your shower hose or pipe. Moreover, the exposed shower valve is the most cost-effective and easy to install. 

Concealed Valves 

The working parts of concealed valves are hidden within your wall cavity.  The controls with a backplate that sits flush against your wall are usually the only parts on display. If you have a shower hose, it will usually connect to an outlet in your wall. Being real space savers, the concealed valves along with the Undermount sinks offer a sleek and elegant look to your bathroom!