Do You Know What Showers Do? The Definitive Guide

No one should ever forget the importance of a good shower in their daily lives. Many people look forward to a refreshing shower to begin and end their day. This is due to the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation that comes with soaking in a hot shower. Showers, like faucets, toilets, and sanitaryware are an integral part of bathrooms. They provide hygiene every day.

Have you ever wondered what showers do? Showers are complex and technical. We'll explain it all in this blog.

Ingredients for the shower recipe

Before we get into the details, let's first briefly mention that there are many components that make up the shower's internal system. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following terminology:

Valves

Valves are basically fittings or devices that regulate water flow and temperature. This is the part that connects the cold pipes to the hot pipes. You might also be interested to know that there are many types of valves.

- Mixing Valve

Mixing valves allow for the mixing of hot and cool water to ensure that showers are at the right temperature. A thermostatic mixer can determine the temperature of the water prior to it reaching the showerhead.

- Thermostatic Valve

The job of mixing hot and cold water is done by thermostatic mixers or valves. Keep in mind that water volume and temperature can be controlled separately.

Pressure Balance Valve

A Pressure Balance Valve has the ability to regulate both flow and temperature. It can detect the ratio of cold to hot water.

- Diverter Valve:

This valve is used when a shower has multiple heads or outputs, such as body jets or hand showers. This valve, as the name implies, diverts water flow from the main showerhead to other heads (hand/body jets). The trim usually includes a diverter. What is trim?

Trims

Trims are the handles or knobs we use to turn on and off the shower. Different trims can have different functions that go beyond the shower on/off function.

Rough/Rough-in

The pipes, valves, and diverters that are found within a wall are called 'Rough'. On the other hand, "Rough-In" refers to any part of the plumbing that isn't yet completed. It could also refer to an unconnected, yet installed system of showers.

A trim activates the water source and starts the process of channeling it. The hot water goes first to the heater, while the cold water flows into the cold pipe. The main shower valve is next. This is where the hot and the cold water are mixed before they flow out to the showerhead(s). Showers come in many styles and designs so it's natural that they have different configurations. You should ensure that you have the right hardware so compatibility is not an issue.

Let's now discuss the various types of shower systems available and how they work.

Showers with Single-Function

This configuration is the simplest and most straightforward way to find a pressure balance device. The water is drawn from both hot and cold pipes to the valve where it is controlled by its temperature. The water then flows through one pipe to the showerhead.

Multi-Function Showers

Multi-Function showers have been gaining immense popularity due to the unique style and luxury they bring to your bathroom. They make showering a memorable experience. The main difference between a multi-function shower and a single-function one is the different outputs of the water. These include hand showers, body jets, and the main showerhead. You can choose to have a three-way diverter or six-way diverter roughly installed depending on the way you want your shower experience. This will enable you to enjoy all of the functions of your shower simultaneously.

These two types are not the only options. There are also 'Exposed showers', where all the plumbing is visible from the outside of the wall, and 'Dual Function Showers', which divert water to multiple showerheads.

We hope that you are now able to make an informed decision when you call a plumber to inspect your shower.