The Options To Consider When Upgrading Your Shower System

A modern shower that allows you to start each day feeling refreshed and invigorated is now a must-have feature for any bathroom. Contemporary showers not only provide optimum performance, but also complete the overall look and feel of your bathroom. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some pointers. 

Points to consider before you begin

It is essential to make sure that the shower is compatible with your water system, and this will affect how well it performs. Gravity fed water systems are where the water is stored in a cold tank, usually in the attic, and heated in a cylinder, usually located in an airing cupboard. 

This system generally has low water pressure, so it may be beneficial to install a shower pump. If the hot water is provided by a combi boiler, the water is heated up on demand so there is no danger of the hot water running out during a long shower. They generally have higher water pressure and can be used with a shower mixer. 

Unvented water systems use a pressurised hot water tank that is fed directly from the cold water mains, so this provides good water pressure, and can cope with households with multiple bathrooms.

Different types of showers

Mixer showers

Mixer showers combine the hot and cold water feeds to achieve the desired temperature. This type of shower allows you to set the temperature so that the water remains at a consistent level of warmth throughout. It is regarded as a good choice for families with young children and older people, because it guards against the risk of accidental scalding. 

Mixer showers are suitable for houses with high pressure water systems, and they can also be used with a pump in the case of a low-pressure gravity fed system.

Electric showers

Not to be confused with power showers, electric showers have an independent heating element so they are not reliant on a boiler or hot water tank. They are compatible with any type of water system, making them an ideal choice for any modern home. Electric showers are affordable and easy to install.

Power showers

Electric power showers have built-in pumps which provide an excellent level of water pressure, giving the most invigorating shower experience. They are especially suited to homes with a gravity-fed water system for this reason.

Digital showers

Digital showers benefit from the most up to date technology to optimise your shower experience. They have features such as built-in timers, eco-settings, and precise temperature settings. Some models allow you to control the settings from a smartphone app which makes them safe and convenient to use.

Smart showers

A more state of the art digital shower, a smart shower will have features such as ‘no touch’ technology, pre-set timings, and the ability to integrate with your other smart devices such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, so you can use voice commands.