Thermostatic mixer shower

If you are looking for a new shower (or a replacement shower) then a thermostatic mixer shower is a great choice. They are very economical and straight forward to use and make the perfect addition to any contemporary bathroom. There are a number of options available to you so before you make your final decision, there are a few things you should take into account.

Is a mixer shower right for me?

This is an important question to ask as there are many different types of shower available such as electric showers, power showers and straight forward mixer showers. In general, a thermostatic mixer shower will be suitable for most households although the installation costs will vary.

What is a thermostatic mixer shower?

A thermostatic mixer shower is, as the name suggests, a mixer shower with a built in thermostatic control. A mixer shower in its simplest form mixes your existing hot and cold water together and supplies this to a shower head. You may want to read more about mixer showers here.

Benefits of a thermostatically controlled shower

The benefit of having a thermostat in your mixer shower is the ease with which you can control the temperature of your water. The thermostat will also prevent any dangerous water temperatures from arising. If there is a sudden change of pressure while you are showering (somebody flushing a toilet or running a tap for example) the thermostat will maintain a constant temperature.

From a safety and ease of use point of view, a thermostatic unit is much better than an ordinary mixer and the risk of scalding is almost eliminated. Just imagine what would happen if you were using an ordinary mixer and the cold water supply was lost. You would all of a sudden find yourself standing under a very hot shower. This would not happen with a thermostatic control as the valve would simply close and cut off the hot water.

Costs

Although the initial cost of a thermostatic shower is more than that of a basic mixer (due to the complexity of the installation and the cost of the unit itself), in the long run, they do tend to be more economical. A thermostatic mixer is very efficient and can therefore save you money on both water and power consumption.

Installation

If you are seriously considering having a thermostatic mixer shower installed (we recommend you use a qualified tradesman for this) then it is a good idea to have it done before any remodelling or redecorating work is undertaken. If you do this it will be possible to hide most of the pipework from view. If you are not redecorating and are simply replacing an existing shower, do not worry. Chrome pipework can be run on the surface of your walls which will blend in nicely with the shower unit itself.

Note: If you are refurbishing your bathroom it is a good idea to ensure you comply with any building regulations.

Considerations

It is important to consider the following before opting for a thermostatic mixer shower.

• Water pressure - if it is too low you may need an additional pump
• Type of water supply - both the hot and cold need to be at the same pressure
• Installation costs - these can be quite high
• Vulnerable family members - a thermostat will help prevent extremes of temperature
• Ease of use - the temperature is constant and easy to control

Conclusion

All things considered, a thermostatic shower mixer is great for you and your family if you want a safe, economical and easy to use shower unit. There are a great range of units available to suit all design tastes from high end chrome to basic colour options. If you want a mixer for a separate shower cubicle or over an existing bath you are sure to find one to meet all your requirements.

There are lots of different shower manufacturers to choose from but some of the better known and most reliable makes are Triton, Mira and Gainsborough to name but a few.

We hope we have been of some assistance in helping you choose your ideal shower.

Remember, it is important you consult a professional tradesman before starting any work or making any final decisions.

ThermostaticMixerShower.org makes no guarantees concerning the accuracy or reliability of the information on this website and all information is for guidance only. Qualified tradesmen should be consulted before making any decisions or undertaking any work.