Setting up a new shower unit 43404

Installing a New Shower Unit

An effective shower setup requires careful preparation and a great deal of work. In many cases, you will need to do three types of tasks: framing walls, installing the plumbing, and ending up walls.

Preparation

Firstly, you should decide on the kind of shower that you want to install. It is essential to determine whether the chosen shower can managing certain systems and can control a safe level of water through the boiler. A lot of shower units nowadays are designed to be flexible to different water pressures (such as saved hot water and cold mains).

It is likewise essential to consider the water pressure and the preparation 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 connected to the bath tap based on your requirement, and the water temperature can be changed by means of the taps. Push-on mixers are inexpensive and extremely basic to install. However, although the hose connection is simple, it is quickly dislodged. Additionally, it is bothersome to adjust the temperature level.

Bath/ Shower Mixer: The pipe and spray of this kind of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature can be adjusted through the bath taps. It is a really inexpensive option and no additional plumbing is included. Nevertheless, the bath/shower mixers also suffer from bothersome temperature level control options.

Manual Mixer: The pipe and spray of a manual mixer shower system belong of the wall system 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 variety of knobs (in more pricey showers). Although temperature level control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more pricey than the previously pointed out mixers. They likewise need additional pipes of hot and cold water system pipes.

Thermostatic Mixer: The hose pipe 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 level and to prevent it from ending up being too hot. One of the greatest advantages of a thermostatic mixer shower type consists of hassle-free temperature level control. Nevertheless, it is the most costly of the different mixer options.

Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit including an effective electrical pump that is capable of modifying both the water pressure and temperature level. This type 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 adjustment of both pressure and temperature simple. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water heated up straight by the shower or where the water is provided by a combination boiler under mains pressure.

Electric Shower: An electric shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it heats up the water electrically. It is essential to keep in mind that for this shower type to be set up, the mains pressure needs to be at least 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 untouched by other taps elsewhere in usage within the family. A significant downside of electric showers is that the control knob just enables the alternative of heats at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is bothersome in the winter season when the spray is typically weak and the mains water is chillier. Nevertheless, this issue is tackled in some designs which are offered with a winter/summer setting.

Method

Depending on the type of shower you want to set up, the shower head should 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 beginning, it is advisable to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to plan the pipe-work involved. In addition, the drain system to get rid of the drainage will require to be prepared. Both positions of the cable television route and the shower switch will likewise require to be thought about if an instantaneous or electrical shower system is being installed.

Use the direction guide offered 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 water supply. In order to safeguard the pipelines, they should be offered a waterproof covering and also fitted with isolating valves. The pipes can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the general look.

Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.

Connect the main shower control to the pipes that will be providing the water (This might need a female screw thread adapter).

Reconnect the water supply and test the pipes for any leaks, as some might require tightening.

If you are installing an electrical shower, remember to turn off the electricity supply before making any electrical connections. Once these connections have actually been made (there ought to be guidance within the user's manual), the power supply can be switched back on.

Adjusting Water Pressure to Fit Your Shower

The cold water tank can be raised to a greater height (in some cases just trusted plumber near me 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wood support beneath it-- perhaps composed of struts and blockboards. If you choose this option, the main and circulation pipelines will likewise have to be raised to satisfy the brand-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 needs to 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 runs to the shower as brief and straight as possible so regarding preserve optimal pressure and minimise heat loss. In addition, by minimising the use of elbows for pipe corners, you can decrease the resistance in the circulation of the water system. You can attain this by flexing the pipelines instead.

Most Common Mistakes

# Breaking or disregarding regional code restrictions.

# Utilizing pipes that are too small.

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

# Not using tape or pipe substance at threaded joints.

# Not leveling your components when installing them.

# Not setting up an air gap filling for fixtures.

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

# Not appropriately 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 leak.)

# When turning the water back on in your home, always run the outside tube valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause issues in your sink faucets and other pipes trim.