Selecting the Right Shower

The shower is a big part of our daily lives and has many applications. Selecting the right shower for our needs is important. Do some research in advance so you will be able to make an informed choice when purchasing a shower and will bring home the one that meets your needs and will serve you well.

Options vary when it comes to it mixer types and pumps. It not about simply choosing the shower that looks good or that the sales clerk recommends, it is about functionality, options, and choosing the shower that fits our homes.

If you are one who enjoys a nice, long, hot shower it is important to consider the type of hot water system your shower uses. A hot water heater, stored hot water system, or an instantaneous method that works by heating the water on demand usually supplies the hot water.

• Instantaneous electric shower. This type of shower is probably the easiest to install and provides the greatest compatibility with existing systems. It works by heating the water directly from the main water supply, as it is used, moving through the shower unit. Advantages of this type of shower.
• Mixer valve shower. This type of shower uses the same system that supplies the water to the other taps of the bathroom and to other rooms of your home such as the kitchen.  
• Mains pressure shower. These showers get their water supply from a hot water storage device and feed it to the taps on demand. They are a combination type of boiler and have become quite popular as smaller households have increased. It uses the instantaneous water heater and combines a traditional boiler. The major advantage is that you only use the water you need.
• Gravity fed mixer shower. Showers of this type receive their water supply from a stored hot water system that supplies pre-heated water to the taps.  The water is heated in a cylinder and then the taps are opened to allow the hot and cold water to mix to a comfortable temperature. They tend to be easy to install as there is no electrical components to install.

Whatever shower type you choose, be sure you have looked at all of your options and based your decision on your needs and on the current systems in your home. Research the various options available using several sources by searching for information online and talking with local experts. It may not be a cost effective choice if you will be required to rework the entire plumbing or electric system of your home accommodate a new shower. However, if you choose wisely you will enjoy nice, long, hot showers for many years.