Concealed Mixer Shower

[pennelldj]

Hi
Wanted a bit of advice really, I have a combi boiler and currently and an electric shower is in place. I would liek to install a concealed mixer shower unit - but have a few questions before I make a purchase

I will be able to re-route the exisiting cold water feed pipe but can I run a T joint from the hot water pipe from the bath to supply the hot water from the combi boiler? is there any issues i should consider about doing this if it is possible.

Also have noticed that the hot water pipe does not have an isolation valve insatlled - is it straightforward to install one?

Im sure ill have a few other questions but cant think of any right now - any advice form others who might have tackled the same job, much appreciated

Cheers

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

yes t straight off hot supply.

isolation valves. isolate your main stopcock then you can work on your hot feed to install an isloation valve.
just remember that when you cut the pipe it will have water still inside.
if it's lower than any tap you'll have to cut it over a bowl or rags.

try fit full bore lever valves better than the cheap ones you get in diy stores

 

[pennelldj]

wicked thanks for the advice - ill definately purchase those isolation valves, the one ones with the little black lever?

Great advice on the pipe being full of water too, ill get some rags and bowls in I noticed that the hot water pipe is alot bigger maybe its 22mm is there something or some pipe to condense it down to a 15mm to plumb into the mixer.

Also, sorry i did say id remember some questions, my plan is to rreplace the bath and plum in the mixer at the same time, should i use compression or push fit? for the laying out the pipework, the mixer will be located on a stud wall with plasterboard and tiles will that be a problem either?

Cheers for the quick response

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

i use both of these

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat...HZOSFFA?productId=63367&imageNo=null&ts=25576

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat...HZOSFFA?productId=23851&imageNo=null&ts=25483

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

i wouldn't use pushfit
compression if you can't solder but solder is the best way to go.
depending on what you use get a 22mm / 15mm reducer then carry on in 15mm to shower valve

no problem with mixer on plasterboard walls just plan it first and use plenty of noggins in the stud wall first.

 

[pennelldj]

Brilliant advice once again - any must have plumbiing tools would u recommend for the job? im making a list now. Would u use any putty or tape on the fittings?

Do you think this would be possible to do this in a day?
im no plumber as you cna probbaly tell, but i have a go

one last thing before i plan it out - I fancied the gainsborough ambassador mixer have u had any experience with this make? not sure if they are reliable or not, can you recommend any good makes or models etc?

Once again thnaks for ur help youve really helped me with a few issues that was nagging away on me

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

on compression fitting if you use you can use some jointing compound.

for example, plenty to choose from.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat...HZOCFFQ?productId=21548&imageNo=null&ts=26884

depending on how diy minded you are but i can't put a time on it for you depending what problems you could hit.

their are loads of makes, what you want to pay, style, etc

hudson reed
mira

i could carry on.

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

heres a few write ups on your shower valve

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews50159.html

must admit not my choice of shower

 

[pennelldj]

mine either now lol might get an electric, is there any difference in economy between electric or mixers?

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

don't bother with an electric they are a last result and look ugly
fit a bar mixer they are good

 

[pennelldj]

Yes i think i want a mixer, guess im panicing about what happens if somehting fails dont want to take all the new tiles off etc so a bar one would be a good idea - regarding the reliabilty issues the makes i know are mira, triton, and gainsborough, do u know which is more reliable?

Are there any shower awards etc? clutching at straws here

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

not a fan of gainsborough,

mira very good
hudson reed very good
bristan
aqualisa

 

[pennelldj]

Great - thanks for all the advice - ill now take a look at some of those - do u rate triton at all, as have been looking they have some handy fitting accessories

 

[hi-spec plumbing heating]

never let me do yet.

 

[pennelldj]

Great thanks for your help - ill have a look and post tomorrow my choice