On the hunt for the best shower? Choosing the best shower for your bathroom is a crucial part of planning when we are trying to renovate our home or just update a little bit.
So if you don’t know where to start, if you’re wondering what is the best shower for a combi boiler, and so on, you can look to our guide, to discover the main types of shower available, and which is best suited to your home’s water system. So let’s get started!
Things To Consider
Consider your Budget
Showers range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. If you’re working with a limited budget, you may want to consider a shower kit, which includes the base and walls. Alternatively, you could opt for a prefabricated shower, which is less expensive than a custom.
Size of Your Bathroom
If you have a small bathroom, you’ll want to choose a shower that takes up less space. A walk-in shower is a good option if you have the room. However, if you’re tight on space, a corner shower or a neo-angle shower might be a better choice.
Style of Your Bathroom
If you have a traditional-style bathroom, a claw foot tub might be a good option. However, if you have a more modern-style bathroom, a walk-in shower would be a better choice.
Think About Your Needs
If you have a family, you’ll want a shower that can accommodate multiple people. A walk-in shower with multiple showerheads is a good option. However, if you live alone, a smaller shower might be all you need.
Size of Boiler Tank
Finally, consider the size of your boiler tank. If you find that you often run out of hot water, you may want to consider an electric shower. Electric showers heat the water as it is being used, so you will never run out of hot water.
Water Pressure
Another consideration when choosing a shower is the water pressure. If you have low water pressure, there are ways to boost it. If you are using mains pressure, this is less likely to be an issue.
Type of Valve
You have two options for this to choose the right valve for the shower
- Pressure balance valve
- Thermostatic shower valve
The pressure balance valve has a single handle to control the volume and temperature of the water but the thermostatic shower valve has two handles. One controls the water volume and the other controls water temperature. If you don’t want any fluctuation in water temperature then a thermostatic valve is the best choice.
Different Types of Shower
There are a variety of different types of showers that you can choose from, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. This guide will help you make the right decision for your home.
Here are some things to consider when choosing which type of shower you need:
What type of boiler do you have?
Combi boilers and older gravity-fed systems operate in different ways, so need different types of showers.
How is your water pressure?
If it is low, there are ways to boost it. If you are using mains pressure, this is less likely to be an issue.
How big is your boiler tank?
Do you find you often run out of hot water? You can address this concern with an electric shower.
Mixer Shower
The most common type is the mixer shower, which combines hot and cold water to create the perfect temperature. If you have a combi boiler, this is the type of shower you will need. If you have an older gravity-fed system, you will need a different type of shower.
Electric Shower
Electric showers are a type of shower that can be installed in a bathroom. They are powered by electricity and provide a constant flow of hot water. This makes them a good choice for people who have a limited supply of hot water, or who want to be able to take a long shower without running out of hot water. Electric showers can be used with any type of boiler, and do not require a separate tank.
Walk-in Shower
If you have a room, this is a great option. They are usually more expensive than other types of showers, but they are worth it if you have the budget.
If you have a traditional-style bathroom, a claw foot tub might be a good option. However, if you have a more modern-style bathroom, a walk-in shower would be a better choice.
Corner Shower
Another type of shower to consider is a corner shower. These are great if you’re tight on space, as they take up less room than a walk-in shower.
Different Types of Shower Heads
Fixed Shower Heads
As the name suggests these types of shower heads are attached to the ceiling or attached to the wall through a pipe. They are sometimes referred to as rainfall, or rainforest showers and can offer a really luxurious showering experience if high-pressure.
Handheld Shower Head
Handheld showers tend to have heads that can be used both for spray and jet options for varied use. They offer better reach and flexibility than fixed shower heads. They can be paired with a wall-mounted slider rail kit just to avoid hand-holding along the length.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size shower to buy?
Standard shower sizes as small as 32″ x 32″, most people would feel comfortable in a 48″ x 36″ size shower. If your home has more space available, a common recommendation is to have a shower with minimum dimensions of 60” x 36”
What size is a good walk-in shower?
The minimum size of 36 inches by 36 inches for a walk-in shower, which ensures a bench attached to one wall for sitting.
How far should a toilet be from a shower?
Plan a clear floor space of at least 30 inches from the front edge of all fixtures (lavatory, toilet, bidet, tub, and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall, or obstacle.