Installing a new shower system

Setting Up a New Shower Unit

An effective shower setup needs cautious preparation and a lot of work. In many cases, you will need to do 3 types of tasks: framing walls, reputable best plumber setting up the pipes, and ending up walls.

Preparation

Firstly, you need to pick the kind of shower that you wish to set up. It is essential to determine whether the chosen shower can handling particular systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. Most shower systems nowadays are designed to be versatile to different water pressures (such as saved warm water and cold mains).

It is likewise important to consider the water pressure and the planning of the piping and drainage for the shower

Different Kinds of Shower Units

Push-on Mixer: The pipe and spray parts of the push-on mixer shower system can be linked to the bath tap according to your requirement, and the water temperature level can be adjusted through the taps. Push-on mixers are inexpensive and extremely simple to set up. However, although the hose pipe connection is easy, it is easily removed. Furthermore, it is troublesome to change the temperature level.

Bath/ Shower Mixer: The pipe and spray of this type of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature level can be changed emergency plumber near me through the bath taps. It is a really low-cost choice and no additional pipes is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers also suffer from troublesome temperature control options.

Manual Mixer: The hose and spray of a manual mixer shower system belong of the wall unit and the hot and cold water materials are linked to a single valve The temperature level and pressure of the water are controlled through either one or a variety of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature level control is a lot easier in manual mixer types, they are more pricey than the formerly discussed mixers. They also need additional plumbing of cold and hot water system pipes.

Thermostatic Mixer: The hose and spray of this shower type belong of the wall system and the cold and hot water materials are connected to a single valve here too. It is total with a built-in stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature level and to avoid it from ending up being too hot. One of the biggest benefits of a thermostatic mixer shower type consists of practical temperature level control. Nevertheless, it is the most pricey of the various mixer options.

Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit containing a powerful electrical pump that can altering both the water pressure and temperature. This kind of shower can be fitted if there is water supply from a cold water tank and a hot water cylinder. A power shower makes the adjustment of both pressure and temperature level simple. On the other hand, it disagrees for water heated directly by the shower or where the water is provided by a combination boiler under mains pressure.

Electric Shower: An electrical shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it heats up the water electrically. It is important to note that for this shower type to be set up, the mains pressure requires to be at least 0.7 kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The system enables the temperature level and pressure to be adjusted by means of a knob. Models with temperature level stabilisers are better as they remain untouched by other taps in other places in usage within the home. A significant downside of electric showers is that the control knob only enables the option of heats at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is troublesome in the winter when the spray is typically weak and the mains water is colder. Nevertheless, this problem is dealt with in some designs which are available with a winter/summer setting.

Method

Depending on the type of shower you wish to install, the shower head need to 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 included. Additionally, the drain system to remove the drainage will need to be planned. Both positions of the cable route and the shower switch will likewise require to be thought about if a rapid or electric shower unit is being installed.

Use the instruction guide supplied with the shower system to fit the shower control.

Before fitting the pipelines that will supply the water to the shower system, it is very important to cut off the supply of water. In order to secure the pipelines, they need to be offered a waterproof covering and likewise fitted with separating valves. The pipes can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the total look.

Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.

Connect the primary shower control to the pipelines that will be supplying the water (This might need a female screw thread adapter).

Reconnect the water system and test the pipes for any leakages, as some may need tightening.

If you are setting up an electrical shower, keep in mind to switch off the electrical power supply before making any electrical connections. As soon as these connections have been made (there need to be assistance within the user's manual), the power supply can be switched back on.

Adjusting Water Pressure to Match Your Shower

The cold water tank can be raised to a higher height (in some cases just 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden support below it-- potentially composed of struts and blockboards. If you select this option, the main and circulation pipes will likewise need to be raised quality plumbing service 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 connected into the power supply in order to operate.

Piping and Drainage

It is best to use 15mm diameter supply pipelines, and make the go to the shower as brief and straight as possible so regarding keep optimal pressure and minimise heat loss. In addition, by reducing making use of elbows for pipe corners, you can reduce the resistance in the circulation of the water system. You can attain this by flexing the pipes instead.

Most Common Mistakes

# Breaching or ignoring regional code restrictions.

# Using pipelines that are too small.

# Connecting copper to galvanized without utilizing a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.

# Not utilizing tape or pipeline substance at threaded joints.

# Not leveling your fixtures when installing them.

# Not installing an air gap filling for fixtures.

# Cutting supply stub outs too short to set up the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall remains in place.

# Not correctly lining up 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 leakage.)

# When turning the water back on in your house, always run the outdoors 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 pipes trim.