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Mixer showers are available in manual, pressure balancing and thermostatic variants. Mixer showers work by using both hot and cold water supplies to obtain showering temperature, generally these have improved flow rates over electric showers and can be used on any system provided certain requirements are met.
Manual shower mixers
These are showers which incorporate a ceramic cartridge are becoming more popular due to low maintenance requirements and ease of operation. These include hard wearing ceramic discs which provide the easy single lever operation.
As a very general rule these types of showers are suitable for a pressure range of 0.1 - 10.0 bar, have 15mm inlet connections and ½" outlet connections and are suitable for all plumbing systems although balanced pressures are recommended. It is best to check the specifications for each item before you make a purchase as these do vary.
Points to note:
- Manual shower mixers have non of the safety benefits of Pressure Balancing shower mixers or Thermostatic showers
- Flow and temperature are generally controlled by one lever, the advantage of this is ease of use
- The minimum working pressure is 0.1bar, this is at least 1.0 metre vertical distance from handset to base of cold water tank
- Manual shower mixers are suited to all systems except where there is a large imbalance in pressures (more than a ratio of 5:1). In these cases steps should be taken to reduce this imbalance
- Pressure reducing valves are recommended where maximum pressure is exceeded.
- It is advisable to fit easily accessible isolating and non-return valves to both inlets (where not already supplied). This will ensure future maintenance is made easy and compliance with Water Regulations. If in doubt consult your local water authority
Pressure balancing mixers
This type of shower provides a stable showering temperature despite fluctuations in supply pressures and also includes safety shut off upon failure of either supply.
As a very general rule these types of showers are suitable for a pressure range of 0.5 - 8.0 bar, have 15mm inlet connections and ½" outlet connections and are suitable for higher pressure plumbing systems although balanced pressures are recommended. It is best to check the specifications for each item before you make a purchase as these do vary.
Points to note:
- Pressure balancing showers are not thermostatic, i.e. not temperature sensitive
- Pressure balancing mixers are sensitive to changes in incoming water pressure and thus provide even safe showering (provided inlet water temperature does not alter)
- Flow and temperature are controlled by one lever, the advantage of this is ease of use
- Pressure balancing showers are suited to most systems. However, 0.5 bar (5 metres head) is required to achieve adequate performance. Therefore, some gravity systems may not be suitable for pressure balancing showers
- Where there is a large imbalance in water pressures (more than a ratio of 5:1), steps should be taken to reduce this imbalance (flow limiters may be supplied with some models to achieve this)
- Pressure reducing valves are recommended where maximum pressure is exceeded
- It is advisable to fit easily accessible isolating and non-return valves to both inlets (where not already supplied). This will ensure future maintenance of your shower is made easy and in compliance with Water Regulations. If in doubt, contact your local water authority
Thermostatic mixers
Thermostatic mixers use a temperature sensitive cartridge which gives further benefits when compared to manual and pressure balancing mixers. Features include safety shut-off upon supply failure. Also a constant showering temperature is maintained despite fluctuations in incoming supply pressure and temperature.
As a very general rule these types of showers are suitable for a pressure range of 0.1 - 5.0 bar, have 15mm or 22mm inlet connections and ½" or ¾" outlet connections and are suitable for all plumbing systems although balanced pressures are recommended. It is best to check the specifications for each item before you make a purchase as these do vary.
Points to note:
- Thermostatic showers provide the safest form of showering giving immediate response to fluctuations in supply pressure or temperature
- All thermostatic showers are factory pre-set to a maximum temperature; this can be increased/decreased depending on user preference
- Flow and temperature are controlled by separate handles giving accurate control of both
- The minimum working pressure is 0.1 bar, this is at least 1.0 metre vertical distance from the shower handset to base of cold water tank
- Thermostatic mixer showers are suited to all systems except where there is a large imbalance in pressures (more than a ratio of 5:1). In these cases steps should be taken to reduce this imbalance (flow limiters may be supplied with some models to achieve this)
- Pressure reducing valves are recommended where maximum pressure is exceeded
- It is advisable to fit easily accessible isolating and non-return valves to both inlets (where not already supplied). This will ensure future maintenance is made easy and in compliance with Water Regulations. If in doubt, contact your local water authority
If you are in any doubt or need any assistance
please feel free to call our Helpline on 020 8265 2211
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