Shower Mixers

What Are Shower Mixers

Morning and/or evening showers are essential rituals for many, whether in order to wake up or to relax after a long day. Considering the time spent in a bathroom, it's worth making it as functional and appealing as possible. While bathroom cabinetry usually comes to mind first when thinking about remodelling, upgrading fixtures and hardware might just be the best move. 

Bathroom taps, mixers and shower heads can seriously transform the shower experience. A steady water flow, reliable temperature control and exciting water flow varieties sometimes mean more than gorgeous decor itself. 

A shower mixer valve draws out hot and cold water supplies to mix them into a perfect shower stream. The market offer is abundant, but not all shower mixers are equally suitable to every taste and requirements. 

Shower Mixer Types

Manual Shower Mixer Valve

A manual shower mixer, also called a pressure-balancing valve, does the straightforward job of mixing cold water with hot. This model of shower mixer typically features a single knob or lever, or knob for water control rotating over the axis from one side to another. It is easy to control and takes a little time to install. A manual shower mixer features no thermostat to regulate the temperature, just a single tap set by hand for each shower. 

The double-handle manual shower mixer features two levers, one for cold, the other for hot water control. This version is slightly less economical than a single shower valve, as it may require more time to obtain the desired temperature.

Thermostatic Shower Mixer

A thermostatic shower mixer regulates the shower stream temperature. Its function is to maintain the same pressure and warmth independently of other appliances that may use the water at the same time. That makes the thermostatic valve a safer option from other standard shower mixers. 

Digital Shower Mixer

Technologically advanced bath mixers and taps offer a lot of added convenience. A digital shower mixer constantly regulates the temperature pre-set to a specific degree. The fixture is possible to control remotely, even from the other room, over smart devices, remote controllers, and digital display.

Smart Shower Mixer

Smart showers are more advanced versions of digital shower mixers that provide full control of the bath experience. A plethora of pre-set shower options, from stream style to memorising the ideal shower temperature, allows the customisation and creation of a personal shower-perfection profile. Smart shower mixers are fully compatible with a variety of gadgets, including smart home devices and Amazon's Alexa.

Electric Showers

An electric shower is a solution for low boiler pressure. It's also an alternative to a shower mixer in areas that aren't already hooked up to the boiler. Electric showers heat and pump water, eliminating the need for boiler connection - they need only a cold water supply. They are energy efficient but also offer a weaker water flow than standard shower mixers.

Exposed vs Concealed Shower Mixers

Each option has its own pros and cons. An exposed shower mixer is a traditional solution that keeps the fixture elements and a shower pipe attached to the wall. It is quite quick and straightforward to install. 

On the other hand, a concealed shower mixer has most elements hidden in a cavity behind the wall. While less affordable, it's more appealing with a sleek, modern flair that is also space-saving. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Shower Mixers

There are several different ways to install a shower mixer tap. Wall-mounted and built-in shower mixers are the most popular, while other installations include countertop taps, free-standing shower mixer systems and floor-mounting. The correct setting is determined by the bathroom size and conditions, as well as the shower style.

It's always recommended to have the fixtures professionally installed by an experienced and qualified plumber. When installing an electric shower, the plumber should also be accompanied by a qualified electrician. That is the safest way to ensure a long and reliable life span of the shower mixers, as well as other equipment. 

It's possible to improve low-pressure boiler systems such as a gravity-fed system, without buying an entirely new boiler. Installing an electric shower mixer will solve the issue by heating and pumping water by itself. Another solution is to install a shower pump that can improve the pressure power in the shower head.

If you need assistance to find the best bath mixers & taps for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.