Installing a new shower system
Setting Up a New Shower Unit
An effective shower installation needs cautious planning and a great deal of work. In many cases, you will require to do three types of tasks: framing walls, setting up the plumbing, and finishing walls.
Preparation
Firstly, you need to decide on the kind of shower that you want to install. It is essential to determine whether the picked shower is capable of dealing with specific systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. The majority of shower systems nowadays are created to be versatile to various water pressures (such as stored warm water and cold mains).
It is also crucial to take into account the water pressure and the planning of the piping and drain for the shower
Different Types 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 as per your requirement, and the water temperature can be adjusted through the taps. Push-on mixers are inexpensive and very simple to set up. However, although the hose pipe connection is easy, it is quickly dislodged. Additionally, it is bothersome 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 an extremely inexpensive option and no extra plumbing is involved. However, the bath/shower mixers also struggle with inconvenient temperature level control alternatives.
Manual Mixer: The pipe and spray of a manual mixer shower system are a part of the wall unit and the hot and cold water materials are linked to a single valve The temperature level and pressure of the water are controlled through either one or a variety of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature level control is a lot easier in manual mixer types, they are more pricey than the formerly discussed mixers. They likewise require extra plumbing of cold and hot supply of water pipes.
Thermostatic Mixer: The tube and spray of this shower type belong of the wall unit and the cold and hot water supplies are connected to a single valve here too. It is total here with an integrated stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature and to prevent it from ending up being too hot. Among the greatest benefits of a thermostatic mixer shower type includes practical temperature level control. Nevertheless, it is the most expensive of the various mixer choices.
Power Shower: A power shower is a single unit including a powerful electric pump that can 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 cistern and a warm water cylinder. A power shower makes the change of both pressure and temperature simple. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water heated up directly by the shower or where the water is provided by a combination boiler under mains pressure.
Electric Shower: An electrical 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 allows the temperature and pressure to be adjusted by means of a knob. Designs with temperature stabilisers are better as they remain untouched by other taps in other places in usage within the household. A major downside of electric showers is that the control knob just allows for the alternative of high temperatures at less pressure, or lower temperatures at a greater pressure. This is troublesome in the winter season when the spray is typically weak and the mains water is colder. Nevertheless, this problem is tackled 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 should either be fitted in order to avoid its contact with the water in the bath below or the base tray, or it must have a check valve.
Before beginning, it is recommended to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to prepare the pipe-work included. Additionally, the drain system to remove the waste water will require to be planned. Both positions of the cable television route and the shower switch will likewise require to be thought about if an instant or electric shower unit is being installed.
Use the direction guide provided with the shower unit to fit the shower control.
Before fitting the pipes that will provide the water to the shower system, it is important to cut off the water system. In order to secure the pipelines, they must be offered a waterproof covering and also fitted with separating valves. The pipes 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 pipes that will be supplying the water (This might require a female screw thread adapter).
Reconnect the supply of water and test the pipelines for any leaks, as some might need tightening.
If you are installing an electrical shower, remember to switch off the electrical energy supply before making any electrical connections. As soon as these connections have actually been made (there need to be guidance within the instruction manual), the power supply can be changed back on.
Adjusting Water Pressure to Suit Your Shower
The cold water reservoir can be lifted to a higher height (in some cases as low as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wooden support beneath it-- perhaps composed of struts and blockboards. If you pick this choice, the main and circulation pipes will also have to be raised to fulfill 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 should 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 short and straight as possible so regarding preserve optimal pressure and minimise heat loss. Furthermore, by minimising the use of elbows for pipeline corners, you can decrease the resistance in the circulation of the supply of water. You can achieve this by bending the pipelines instead.
Most Common Mistakes
# Breaking or disregarding regional code restrictions.
# Using pipelines that are too small.
# Attaching copper to galvanized without utilizing a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.
# Not using tape or pipeline compound at threaded joints.
# Not leveling your fixtures when installing them.
# Not setting up an air space filling for fixtures.
# Cutting supply stub outs too brief to install the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall remains in place.
# Not properly lining up tubing into fittings or stop valves. (Requiring the nut onto the compression ring at an angle when the tubing is at an angle will trigger a leak.)
# When turning the water back on in your house, always run the outside hose valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This debris can cause issues in your sink faucets and other plumbing trim.