Shower Overview

A lot of people may be surprised to see different shower valves available to them when they go shopping. For many, any other shower valve will do, but for the more discerning, the choices for shower valves will enable them to select the perfect one for their convenience and to suit the theme they want for their bathroom. Here are some of the options that you may want to consider.

Manual. The most common type of shower valve, it only has a single lever that will control the water flow and its temperature. These are quick and easy to use and are usually inexpensive.

Thermostatic. One great advantage that this valve has is its ability to provide water with constant temperature. It can cope with the fluctuations in water flow of both cold and hot water feeds.

Concealed and Exposed. These shower valves are usually mounted on the bathroom wall. The wall hides most of the valve so that the control levels only are visible. Exposed valves, on the other hand, have the whole valve mechanism easily visible.

Twin. This valve has two levers: one to control how much water is released, the other to control its temperature.

Triple. This has three levers: one controls the flow of water, one controls its temperature, and the third is usually used as a diverter for those who have two shower heads. Having a hand-held shower head and another that is mounted on the bathroom wall is becoming more popular. The third lever is used to determine which shower head to use.

Sequential. This valve has a single lever, similar to the knob that you have on your cooker. When the lever is turned fully counterclockwise, the shower is turned off. Rotating it to “on” will release the water, and rotating it further will control the water’s temperature.

Shower panel. A relatively new invention, this type has almost everything you need: a thermostatic shower valve, a fixed shower head, a diverter, another shower head that is hand-held, and body jets.

Customized. This option allows you to assemble the shower components according to your own specifications. You can select what shower valve you want, the stop valves you need, diverters, number of heads, body jets, riser rails, and rigid risers for the ultimate shower experience.

Electric. These showers operate by heating the water as it gets released by the shower so that you don’t need to have hot water supply for the temperature you want.

Power. These have a built-in pump installed with the shower head. Because it does not heat water as it gets released, you will still need separate cold and hot water supplies. The advantage of this type of shower is its increased pressure and its ability to operate in locations with low water pressure.

Bathrooms