Push-on mixer:
The hose and spray parts of the shower
can be connected to the bath tap as and when required, as
seen in the diagram. The water temperature can be adjusted
via the taps. Most suitable for use over a bath.
It's a good choice because...
It is cheap and extremely simple to install.
It's not so good because...
The hose connection though simple, is easily dislodged. Also,
adjusting the temperature is inconveniently low and fiddly.
Bath/shower mixer:
Here, the hose and spray of the shower
are combined with a bath mixer tap, and once again, the temperature
can be adjusted through the bath taps. Most suitable for use
over a bath.
It's a good choice because...
It is very cheap and no extra plumbing is involved.
It's not so good because...
Temperature control is low which can prove to inconvenient
and it is fiddly to adjust.
Manual mixer:
The hose and spray of the shower are part of a wall unit
and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single
valve The temperature and pressure of the water are controlled
either one or a variety of knobs (in more expensive showers).
It's a good choice because...
It's height being part of a wall unit, makes temperature
adjustment much more convenient.
It's not so good because...
It is more expensive than the previously mentioned mixers.
Also, the hot and cold water supply pipes will need to be
plumbed in.
Thermostatic mixer:
The hose and spray of the shower are part of a wall unit
and the hot and cold water supplies are connected to a single
valve. It is complete with a built in stabiliser to self-adjust
the water temperature and to prevent it from becoming too
hot.
It's a good choice because...
The controlled temperature makes it extremely convenient.
Also the thermostat means that the temperature and flow
of water should not be affected when water is being used
elsewhere in the house.
It's not so good because...
It is the most expensive of the different mixer options.
Power shower:
A single unit containing a powerful electric pump which
is capable of altering both the water pressure and temperature.
This type of shower can be fitted provided that there is
a water supply from a cold water cistern and a hot water
cylinder.
It's a good choice because...
Both the pressure and temperature of the water are easily
adjusted making it convenient to use.
It's not so good because...
It is not suitable for water heated directly by the shower
or where the water is supplied by a combination boiler under
mains pressure. Also, the removal of waste water can be
slow if the waste pipe is not big enough. It is best to
use a 50mm (2in) waste pipe if possible (see Installing
a shower).
Electric shower:
A wall unit heated electrically, it is plumbed into a mains
cold water supply. It is important to note that for this
type of shower to be installed, the mains pressure needs
to be at least 0.7kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The unit allows
the temperature and pressure to be adjusted as appropriate
via a knob.
It's a good choice because...
Some models have a stabiliser for the temperature so that
the water supply remains unaffected by other taps elsewhere
in use within the household. It can also ensure that the
water supply does not run too hot or too cold.
It's not so good because...
Because the control knob only allows for the option of high
temperatures at less pressure, or lower temperatures at
a greater pressure, the spray is often weak in the winter
when the mains water is colder. This problem is combated
in some models which are available with a winter/summer
setting. The unit must be wired to an electric power supply
according to Electricity Board requirements (see
Connecting a shower heater unit).
