Installing a New Shower Unit
An effective shower setup needs cautious planning and a lot of work. For the most part, you will need to do 3 kinds of tasks: framing walls, installing the plumbing, and ending up walls.
Firstly, you need to select the type of shower that you wish to install. It is important to ascertain whether the selected shower is capable of dealing with certain systems and can manage a safe level of water through the boiler. Many shower systems nowadays are created to be flexible to various water pressures (such as kept 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 tube and spray parts of the push-on mixer shower unit can be connected to the bath tap based on your requirement, and the water temperature can be adjusted via the taps. Push-on mixers are inexpensive and incredibly simple to set up. Nevertheless, although the hose connection is simple, it is quickly dislodged. In addition, it is bothersome to adjust the temperature level.
Bath/ Shower Mixer: The tube and spray of this kind of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature level can be adjusted through the bath taps. It is a very low-cost option and no extra pipes is included. Nevertheless, the bath/shower mixers also struggle with troublesome temperature control options.
Manual Mixer: The pipe and spray of a manual mixer shower system belong of the wall unit and the cold and hot water products are connected to a single valve The temperature and pressure of the water are managed through either one or a range of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature control is a lot easier in manual mixer types, they are more costly than the previously discussed mixers. They also require additional plumbing of cold and hot water supply pipes.
Thermostatic Mixer: The hose and spray of this shower type belong of the wall system and the cold and hot water products are linked to a single valve here too. It is complete with a built-in stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature and to prevent it from becoming too hot. One of the biggest benefits of a thermostatic mixer shower type consists of convenient temperature control. However, it is the most expensive of the different mixer alternatives.
Power Shower: A power shower is a single system consisting of an effective electric pump that can changing both the water pressure and temperature level. This kind of shower can be fitted if there is supply of water from a cold water tank and a warm water cylinder. A power shower makes the change of both pressure and temperature easy. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water warmed straight by the shower or where the water is supplied by a combination boiler under mains pressure.
Electric Shower: An electric shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it heats the water electrically. It is very important to note that for this shower type to be installed, the mains pressure needs to be a minimum of 0.7 kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The system enables the temperature level and pressure to be changed by means of a knob. Designs with temperature level stabilisers are much better as they stay unaffected by other taps elsewhere in use within the home. A significant downside of electric showers is that the control knob only allows for 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 issue is tackled in some designs which are readily available with a winter/summer setting.
Method
Depending on the type of shower you wish to install, the shower head must either be fitted in order to prevent its contact with the water in the bath listed below or the base tray, or it needs to have a check valve.
Before beginning, it is suggested to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to prepare the pipe-work involved. Additionally, the drain system to recommended best plumber near me eliminate the waste water will require to be prepared. Both positions of the cable television route and the shower switch will also require to be thought about if a rapid or electrical shower unit is being installed.
Use the direction guide provided with the shower unit to fit the shower control.
Before fitting the pipelines that will supply the water to the shower system, it is necessary to cut off the water system. In order to secure the pipes, they ought to be offered a waterproof covering and likewise fitted with separating valves. The pipelines can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the overall look.
Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.
Connect the primary shower control to the pipelines that will be providing the water (This may require a female screw thread adapter).
Reconnect the supply of water and test the pipes for any leakages, as some may need tightening.
If you are setting up an electrical shower, keep in mind to turn off the electrical power supply before making any electrical connections. When these connections have been made (there must be assistance within the user's manual), the power supply can be changed back on.
Adjusting Water Pressure to Suit Your Shower
The cold water reservoir can be raised to a higher height (often as low as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden assistance beneath it-- perhaps made up of struts and blockboards. If you select this option, the main and circulation pipelines will likewise need to be raised to meet the new height of the reservoir.
Alternatively, a booster pump (a single pump or a dual/twin pump) can be fitted. Whichever type is selected, it must be connected into the power supply in order to operate.
Piping and Drainage
It is best to utilize 15mm diameter supply pipes, and make the runs to the shower as brief and straight as possible so regarding keep maximum pressure and reduce heat loss. Furthermore, by minimising making use of elbows for pipeline corners, you can reduce the resistance in the flow of the water supply. You can attain this by bending the pipelines instead.
Most Common Mistakes
# Violating or neglecting regional code restrictions.
# Utilizing pipes that are too small.
# Attaching copper to galvanized without using a brass or dielectric fitting in between the two.
# Not using tape or pipeline compound 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 is in place.
# Not correctly aligning 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 outside hose pipe valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This particles can cause problems in your sink faucets and other pipes trim.