Setting Up a New Shower Unit
An effective shower installation requires careful preparation and a great deal of work. For the most part, you will require to do 3 kinds of jobs: framing walls, installing the pipes, and finishing walls.
Preparation
Firstly, you must pick the type of shower that you wish to install. It is essential to ascertain whether the picked shower is capable of coping with certain systems and can manage a safe level of water through the boiler. The majority of shower units nowadays are designed to be flexible to various water pressures (such as saved hot water and cold mains).
It is also crucial to take into consideration the water pressure and the preparation of the piping and drain 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 linked to the bath tap according to your requirement, and the water temperature level can be adjusted by means of the taps. Push-on mixers are low-cost and incredibly basic to install. However, although the hose connection is simple, it is quickly dislodged. Additionally, it is inconvenient to change the temperature.
Bath/ Shower Mixer: The pipe and spray of this kind of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature level can be changed through the bath taps. It is an extremely inexpensive choice and no additional plumbing is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers likewise struggle with inconvenient temperature control options.
Manual Mixer: The hose pipe and spray of a manual mixer shower system are a part of the wall unit and the cold and hot water materials are linked to a single valve The temperature and pressure of the water are managed through either one or a variety of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more expensive than the previously mentioned mixers. They likewise need additional pipes of hot and cold water trusted plumber reviews supply pipes.
Thermostatic Mixer: The pipe and spray of this shower type belong of the wall system and the cold and hot water materials are linked to a single valve here too. It is complete with an integrated stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature level and to avoid it from becoming too hot. Among the most significant advantages of a thermostatic mixer shower type consists of convenient temperature level control. Nevertheless, it is the most costly of the different mixer alternatives.
Power Shower: A power shower is a single system consisting of a powerful electrical pump that is capable of changing both the water pressure and temperature. This kind of shower can be fitted if there is supply of water from a cold water tank and a warm water cylinder. A power shower makes the change of both pressure and temperature level easy. On the other hand, it disagrees for water heated straight by the shower or where the water is provided by a mix boiler under mains pressure.
Electric Shower: An electrical shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it warms the water electrically. It is important to keep in mind that for this shower type to be installed, the mains pressure needs to be a minimum of 0.7 kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The system permits the temperature level and pressure to be adjusted through a knob. Models with temperature level stabilisers are much better as they remain unaffected by other taps in other places in usage within the household. A major disadvantage of electric showers is that the control knob only permits the option of heats at less pressure, or lower temperature levels at a greater pressure. This is bothersome in the winter when the spray is often weak and the mains water is colder. Nevertheless, this issue is taken on in some designs which are readily available with a winter/summer setting.
Method
Depending on the type of shower you want to set up, 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 needs to have a check valve.
Before starting, it is recommended to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to prepare the pipe-work involved. Furthermore, the drainage system to remove the waste water will require to be planned. Both positions of the cable route and the shower switch will likewise require to be considered if an instantaneous or electric shower unit is being installed.
Use the direction guide offered with the shower system to fit the shower control.
Before fitting the pipelines that will supply the water to the shower system, it is essential to cut off the supply of water. In order to safeguard the pipes, they need to be offered a water resistant covering and also fitted with separating valves. The pipes can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the general look.
Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.
Connect the primary shower control to the pipes that will be supplying the water (This might need a female screw thread adapter).
Reconnect the supply of water and test the pipes for any leakages, as some might require tightening.
If you are setting up an electrical shower, keep in mind to turn off the electrical power supply before making any electrical connections. When these connections have actually been made (there ought to be guidance within the user's 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 higher height (often just 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden support beneath it-- potentially composed of struts and blockboards. If you select this alternative, the main and distribution pipelines will also need to be raised to satisfy the new height of the reservoir.
Alternatively, a booster pump (a single pump or a dual/twin pump) can be fitted. Whichever type is picked, it must be linked 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 regarding keep maximum pressure and reduce heat loss. In addition, by reducing using elbows for pipe corners, you can reduce the resistance in the flow of the water supply. You can accomplish this by flexing the pipes instead.
Most Common Mistakes
# Breaching or neglecting local code restrictions.
# Utilizing pipelines that are too small.
# Attaching copper to galvanized without using a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.
# Not utilizing tape or pipe compound at threaded joints.
# Not leveling your components when installing them.
# Not installing an air space filling for fixtures.
# Cutting supply stub outs too short to set up the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall remains in place.
# When turning the water back on in your home, constantly run the outdoors tube valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause issues in your sink faucets and other plumbing trim.