Setting up a new shower system 15751

Installing a New Shower Unit

An effective shower installation requires careful planning and a great deal of work. In many cases, you will need to do 3 types of jobs: framing walls, setting up the pipes, and finishing walls.

Preparation

Firstly, you should pick the kind of shower that you wish to install. It is very important to determine whether the chosen shower is capable of managing certain systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. A lot of shower systems nowadays are designed to be versatile to different water pressures (such as saved warm water and cold mains).

It is also important to consider the water pressure and the preparation of the piping and drain for the shower

Different Types of Shower Units

Push-on Mixer: The hose 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 can be changed via the taps. Push-on mixers are low-cost and exceptionally basic to set up. Nevertheless, although the hose connection is easy, it is quickly dislodged. local plumbing service In addition, it is troublesome to adjust the temperature level.

Bath/ Shower Mixer: The tube and spray of this type of shower are combined with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature can be changed through the bath taps. It is a really cheap option and no additional plumbing is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers also suffer from bothersome temperature level control alternatives.

Manual Mixer: The hose and spray of a manual mixer shower system belong of the wall system and the hot and cold water products are connected to a single valve The temperature level and pressure of the water are controlled through either one or a range of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more costly than the formerly pointed out mixers. They likewise need extra pipes of hot and cold water system pipes.

Thermostatic Mixer: The hose pipe and spray of this shower type are a part of the wall unit and the cold and hot water supplies are connected to a single valve here too. It is complete with an integrated stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature level and to avoid it from becoming too hot. Among the greatest advantages of a thermostatic mixer shower type consists of practical temperature level control. However, it is the most pricey of the different mixer choices.

Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit consisting of an effective electrical pump that can modifying both the water pressure and temperature level. This kind of shower can be fitted if there is water system from a cold water cistern and a hot water cylinder. A power shower makes the modification of both pressure and temperature level easy. On the other hand, it disagrees for water heated up straight by the shower or where the water is provided by a mix 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 important to keep in mind 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 permits the temperature level and pressure to be adjusted through a knob. Models with temperature level stabilisers are better as they remain untouched by other taps in other places in trusted top plumbing services usage within the household. A significant disadvantage of electric showers is that the control knob just permits the alternative of high temperatures at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is problematic in the winter season when the spray is often weak and the mains water is chillier. Nevertheless, this issue is dealt with in some designs which are offered with a winter/summer setting.

Method

Depending on the type of shower you wish to install, the shower head must either be suited order to prevent 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 prepare the pipe-work involved. Furthermore, the drainage system to remove the waste water will need to be prepared. Both positions of the cable television route and the shower switch will likewise need to be thought about if a rapid or electric shower system is being installed.

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

Before fitting the pipes that will supply the water to the shower system, it is essential to cut off the supply of water. In order to secure the pipes, they need to be provided a water resistant covering and also 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 main shower control to the pipes that will be supplying the water (This may require a female screw thread adapter).

Reconnect the water supply and test the pipelines for any leakages, as some might 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 should be assistance within the user's manual), the power supply can be changed back on.

Adjusting Water Pressure to Fit Your Shower

The cold water tank can be raised to a greater height (often as low as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wood support underneath it-- possibly made up of struts and blockboards. If you select this option, the main and distribution pipelines will also 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 chosen, it needs to be linked into the power supply in order to operate.

Piping and Drainage

It is best to use 15mm size supply pipes, and make the runs to the shower as short and straight as possible so as to maintain maximum pressure and reduce heat loss. In addition, by minimising making use of elbows for pipeline corners, you can reduce the resistance in the flow of the water system. You can accomplish this by flexing the pipelines instead.

Most Common Mistakes

# Violating or disregarding regional code restrictions.

# Using pipes that are too small.

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

# Not using tape or pipeline compound at threaded joints.

# Not leveling your fixtures when setting up 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. (Requiring 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, constantly run the outdoors pipe valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause problems in your sink faucets and trusted top plumbers other plumbing trim.