Installing New Showers

Installing a new shower unit
A successful shower installation requires careful planning and a lot of work. In most cases, you will need to do three types of tasks: framing walls, installing the plumbing, and finishing walls.

Preparation

Firstly, you must decide on the type of showers that you wish to install. It is important to ascertain whether the chosen shower is capable of coping with certain systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. Most shower units nowadays are designed to be flexible to different water pressures (such as stored hot water and cold mains).
It is also important to take into account the water pressure and the planning of the piping and drainage for the shower.

Different Types of Shower Units

Push-on Mixer: The hose and spray parts of the push-on mixer shower unit can be connected to the bath tap as per your requirement, and the water temperature can be adjusted via the taps. Push-on mixers are cheap and extremely simple to install. However, although the hose connection is simple, it is easily dislodged. Additionally, it is inconvenient to adjust the temperature.

Bath/Shower Mixer:
The hose and spray of this type of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature can be adjusted through the bath taps. It is a very cheap option and no extra plumbing is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers also suffer from inconvenient temperature control options.

Manual Mixer: The hose and spray of a manual mixer shower unit are a part of the wall unit and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single valve The temperature and pressure of the water are controlled through either one or a variety of knobs (in more expensive showers). Although temperature control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more expensive than the previously mentioned mixers. They also require additional plumbing of hot and cold water supply pipes.

Thermostatic Mixer: The hose and spray of this shower type are a part of the wall unit and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single valve here too. It is complete with a built-in stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature and to prevent it from becoming too hot. One of the biggest advantages of a thermostatic mixer shower type includes convenient temperature control. However, it is the most expensive of the different mixer options.

Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit containing a powerful electric pump that is capable of altering both the water pressure and temperature. This type of shower can be fitted if there is water supply from a cold water cistern and a hot water cylinder. A power shower makes the adjustment of both pressure and temperature easy. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water heated directly by the shower or where the water is supplied by a combination boiler under mains pressure.

Electric Shower: An electric shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it heats the water electrically. It is important to note that for this shower type to be installed, the mains pressure needs to be at least 0.7kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The unit allows the temperature and pressure to be adjusted via a knob. Models with temperature stabilisers are better as they remain unaffected by other taps elsewhere in use within the household. A major drawback of electric showers is that the control knob only allows for the option of high temperatures at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is problematic in the winter season when the spray is often weak and the mains water is colder. However, this problem is tackled in some models which are available with a winter/summer setting.

Method
Depending on the type of shower you wish to install, the shower head must either be fitted in order to avoid its contact with the water in the bath below or the base tray, or it must have a check valve.

Before starting, it is advisable to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to plan the pipe-work involved. Additionally, the drainage system to remove the waste water will need to be planned. Both positions of the cable route and the shower switch will also need to be considered if an instantaneous or electric shower unit is being installed.

Use the instruction guide provided with the shower unit to fit the shower control.

Before fitting the pipes that will supply the water to the shower system, it is important to cut off the water supply. In order to protect the pipes, they should be given a waterproof covering and also fitted with isolating valves. The pipes can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the overall look.

Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.

Connect the main shower control to the pipes that will be supplying the water (This may require a female screw thread adapter).

Reconnect the water supply and test the pipes for any leaks, as some may need tightening.

If you are installing an electrical shower, remember to switch off the electricity supply before making any electrical connections. Once these connections have been made (there should be guidance within the instruction manual), the power supply can be switched back on.

Adjusting Water Pressure to Suit Your Shower
· The cold water reservoir can be lifted to a greater height (sometimes as little as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden support beneath it - possibly composed of struts and blockboards. If you choose this option, the main and distribution pipes will also have to be raised to meet the new height of the reservoir.

· Alternatively, a booster pump (a single pump or a dual/twin pump) can be fitted. Whichever type is chosen, it must be connected into the power supply in order to operate.

Piping and Drainage
It is best to use 15mm diameter supply pipes, and make the runs to the shower as short and straight as possible so as to maintain maximum pressure and minimise heat loss. Additionally, by minimising the use of elbows for pipe corners, you can decrease the resistance in the flow of the water supply. You can achieve this by bending the pipes instead.



Most Common Mistakes
1. Violating or ignoring local code restrictions.
2. Using pipes that are too small.
3. Attaching copper to galvanized without using a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.
4. Not using tape or pipe compound at threaded joints.
5. Not leveling your fixtures when installing them.
6. Not installing an air gap filling for fixtures.
7. Cutting supply stub outs too short to install the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall is in place.
8. Not properly aligning tubing into fittings or stop valves. (Forcing the nut onto the compression ring at an angle when the tubing is at an angle will cause a leak.)
9. When turning the water back on in your home, always run the outside hose valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause problems in your sink faucets and other plumbing trim.

Bathroom Taps

We all know it, bathroom taps are a necessity for every bathroom and with the choice available they no longer have to be a dull purchase.
Designers such as Hudson Reed and Home of Amber have revitalised the bathroom tap world, providing styles to suit your own individual needs. Their styles vary from contemporary to a more traditional style and come in all different shapes and sizes.

Traditional bathroom taps are often used in cottages and period homes to help create the feeling of simple Victorian style. The Hudson Reed Jade Range with ceramic disc continues to be a popular choice. This up-to-date technology offers increased practicality without compromising on style. This bathroom tap is available with lever handles or cross headed handles and with one or two spouts, dependent on your individual preferences. This bathroom tap comes with a 10 year guarantee and is recommended for a minimum operating pressure of 0.5 bar for best performance.

Contemporary bathroom taps are a popular purchase for modern homes and flats; transforming a dull bathroom into a fashionable heaven. These taps often come with unique shaped spouts, such as the Platino designed by Peglar. This arced spout comes with a single lever to activate your water as well as a pop up waste system and looks fabulous in every modern bathroom. Another unique bathroom tap is Arcade designed by Hudson Reed. This bathroom taps square handles and strikingly minimalist spout is a firm favourite with all those who seek a bathroom with a wow factor. This can be matched with a Square Sheer Fixed Shower Head and Thermostatic Shower Valve to create the ultimate look.

Bathroom taps can often be complemented by co-ordinating showers. The Hudson Reed Xeta basin taps are a fine example of this, whose lever design creates a stunning modern feel and can be supplied with matching shower. This can be created by connecting a deck mono bath filler to a mono standpipe, which is then placed behind the bath to create a unique showering experience. Match these bath taps and shower with a Victoria and Albert Amanda bath for an intense feeling of contempory chic. This bathroom tap is provided with a 10 year guarantee and is recommended for a minimum operating pressure of 1 bar for best performance. Bathroom taps can now be made to fit into one tap hole for a minimalist look. These taps are called basin monos and look exceptional on a wall mounted basin, such as the Aquaplus L71C. The Technik Series 7 is a popular choice due to its upright design and lever handle. This basin tap can be matched with a bidet and bath mixer to provide the whole bathroom with elegance.

Bathroom taps to fit into two tap holes complement a large basin such as the RAK Washington 45cm Basin. Hudson Reed’s Kia Basin Taps complement this basin with their fashionable cube design. This also comes with a matching shower and bath taps.

Bathroom! Is it a Spa like retreat?

Transform your boring bathroom into a spa-like retreat by simply adding whirlpool jets to one of the baths available on our website (ask the sales department for options). Air spa systems offer a great way to relax in your own home, making bathing an enjoyable experience rather than just a cleansing routine. These jets also have health benefits; the velocity of air jet helps to stimulate your blood vessels, which in turn improves your circulation.
As standard these baths come with a single speed option, although for extra enjoyment an LED variable control can be added as an optional extra. Why not go all out and treat yourself to Saninova Power MAXX Hydro Jets, which allow you to focus on massaging the skin and muscles around the body. These hydro jets also come with five micro black jets that can ease back pain.

Add a touch of elegance to any bathroom with our range of freestanding baths. Available in either a contempory of traditional style, these baths create a great feature and wow factor. These baths are extremely versatile, available with many different feet and waste options. The Victoria and Albert Ella Bath is extremely popular for people craving contempory styles. The curvature on this bath is extremely eye-catching; pair this with Walnut Cradle Feet for an ultra modern look that all your friends will envy.
For a more traditional feel, the Victoria and Albert Cheshire bath is a must have. This double ended bath is fitted with two centre tap holes for those of us who love to share! Available with a wide selection of ball and claw feet, this creates a versatile bath that can look fabulous in any bathroom.

To complete your bathroom look don’t forget to purchase a set of taps. Available in many different styles to compliment your chosen style of bathroom, these finishing touches can make your bath look extra special.
For a contempory style the Helix Cross Head Bath Mixer is a must have, its minimal tubular design is simply sleek and compliments the contempory Ella Bath perfectly. The Helix Cross head style also has basin taps and mixers within its range so your bathroom can be a match made in heaven.
For a traditional bathroom, the Luxury Beaumont Taps help to create the aura of bygone time. A favourite for traditional baths is the Luxury Beaumont Bath Mixer Tap; coming with its own shower head for easy bathing, this tap is extremely versatile.

Bathroom Taps

There are many bathroom taps you can choose but there are some great taps on many websites - both contemporary and tradititional. Make sure you take you time in ordering your taps as they are an important addition to any bathroom sink or bath. They are one of the most used fixtures in your home so the look and feel of the tap is very important.