So you’ve been asked to install a shower in a new bathroom. It’s an empty room and you’ve no idea about the people who will be using it or about the water infrastructure in the area. What do you do?You need to work out the requirements of the people who will be using the shower and any other things that will determine exactly what shower is right for them. To help you out, here is a 6 part checklist to make sure you end up with the perfect system.
Type of Shower
You know there are several different types of shower available but they can basically be broken down into two types: an instantaneous electric shower and a mixer valve shower. The electric shower is the easiest and just needs a cold water pipe attached. The mixer valve system is more complicated and is integrated into your hot water system.
To Pump Or Not To Pump?
Everyone wants a powerful shower instead of a dull trickle so a pump is normally required. If the shower is fed by mains pressure that is quite good, then you may not need one, but in the case of gravity supplied water pressure a pump can do wonders for a lacklustre pressure. It is good to remember that water that comes from a hot water storage tank will run out quickly with high pressure so it may be good to use a less powerful pump or increase the size of your water tank.
Room Ventilation
Installing extractor fans in rooms with showers is essential to combat excess moisture, condensation and mildew. The right type of extractor system will depend on what the room is like but generally putting the fan high up and having a fresh air inlet opposite will help.
Tray and Enclosure
If it’s just a small room, a simple stand up shower cubicle with a clear enclosure makes good use of space. Alternatively if it is just an addition to a family bathroom and is situated over a bath then a half enclosure should suffice. If however it is a large modern ‘bathroom’ with no bath, then a wet room set might be the option with the shower tray built into the flooring.
Special Needs
There are many ways a shower can be set up to suit someone with special needs. They might have mobility issues due to a disability or old age for example. You may want to explore walk in showers with seats, those with tri or bi-fold enclosures or those with emergency shut off buttons/pull cords in case the water gets too hot.
Look into each of these points before you get started and you should end up with an ideal shower for the client.
Hank Gareth Klein specialises in digital showers and thermostatic showers. He provides bathrooms UK advice to disability networks and care homes.