How to Choose Your Perfect Shower

1. Space and Size Considerations

Before anything else, accurately measure your bathroom space. Consider the overall dimensions, as well as the placement of doors, windows, and other fixtures. Remember to measure access routes to your bathroom to ensure the shower components can actually be delivered and installed!

• Shower Trays: Common sizes include 800x800mm, 900x900mm, and various rectangular options to fit different spaces.
• Shower Enclosures: Ensure there's enough space for the enclosure itself, as well as comfortable access in and out.
• Wet Rooms: Offer maximum space flexibility as the entire area is waterproofed, eliminating the need for a traditional tray or enclosure.

A scaled drawing of your bathroom can be incredibly helpful to visualize how different shower configurations will fit.

2. Types of Showers Available at Plumbase

Plumbase offers a wide variety of shower types to suit every need and style:

Electric Showers

These showers heat water on demand, making them ideal for homes with low water pressure or without a combi boiler. They only require a cold water feed.

Mixer Showers

Connecting to both hot and cold water supplies, mixer showers blend the water to your desired temperature. They are best suited for homes with good water pressure.

Digital Showers

Offering precise temperature and flow control, digital showers often come with remote controls and pre-set options for a truly modern showering experience.

Power Showers

Equipped with an integrated pump, power showers boost water flow, making them an excellent choice for homes with low-pressure gravity-fed systems, delivering an invigorating spray.

Walk-in Showers

Characterized by an open, often doorless design, walk-in showers create a spacious and minimalist feel. They offer easy access and are perfect for contemporary bathrooms.

Shower Enclosures

Available in various shapes (quadrant, D-shaped, rectangular) and styles (framed or frameless), enclosures effectively contain water, keeping the rest of your bathroom dry.

3. Shower Materials

The materials chosen for your shower components impact durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic. Plumbase offers a range of popular materials:

Shower Trays: Acrylic

Lightweight, warm to the touch, and affordable. Acrylic trays are easy to clean and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Shower Trays: Stone Resin

Extremely durable and robust, stone resin trays offer a solid feel and can be manufactured in slimline designs for a contemporary look.

Enclosures & Screens: Toughened Glass

Safety is paramount. Shower enclosures and screens are typically made from toughened safety glass, available in various thicknesses for durability and stability.

Fittings: Chrome

A timeless and popular choice for shower heads, valves, and accessories. Chrome offers a classic, highly reflective finish that is durable and easy to clean.

Fittings: Matte Black

For a bold, contemporary statement, matte black fittings are increasingly popular. They offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and contrast beautifully with lighter tiles.

Fittings: Brushed Brass

Offering a touch of luxury and warmth, brushed brass fittings can complement both traditional and modern designs, adding a sophisticated metallic accent.

4. Additional Shower Considerations

• Water Pressure: Your home's water pressure is crucial. Ensure your chosen shower type (e.g., electric, mixer, power) is compatible with your existing water system for optimal performance.
• Thermostatic Control: For safety and comfort, consider a shower with thermostatic controls. This feature prevents sudden temperature fluctuations, protecting against scalding.
• Shower Heads: Explore various shower head options, including fixed rainfall heads for a luxurious drench, adjustable heads for versatility, or handheld options for targeted rinsing and cleaning.
• Tiling or Wall Panels: Decide on the wall finish within your shower area. Tiles offer endless design possibilities, while shower wall panels provide a seamless, grout-free, and easy-to-clean surface.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation, such as an extractor fan, is essential to prevent moisture buildup, condensation, and potential mould growth in your bathroom.
• IP Ratings: For electrical components within your shower area (like lighting), ensure they have the appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rating for safety in zones where water is present.
• Drainage: Confirm that your existing waste pipe and drainage system can handle the flow rate of your chosen shower to prevent pooling or overflow.