What Is A Thermostatic Shower Valve? Things You Didn’t Know

You’ve heard stories of inconsistent shower temperature, whispers, and questions like: “What is a thermostatic shower valve? Do I need it?”

Of course, there’s so much more to creating your perfect bathroom than picking a style and color scheme. There are the materials and the features you’ll incorporate in your bathroom. Updating an antiquated bathroom will take more than a good shower head. There’s a lot you can do to improve your general showering experience.

Moreover…

The type of shower valve system you choose is one of the most significant but underrated elements which make up a luxurious shower. Shower valves are now capable of balancing temperature and pressure. Allowing you to have a comfortable shower along with delicate temperature control. This is true regardless of how much water you use elsewhere in the house.

Apart from that…

Showers have become pretty much the main event in our bathrooms – thanks to their ease of use and, often, mobility advantages. Showers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The thermostatic shower is one of the less well-known designs.

A thermostatic shower is a mixer shower fed from a property’s hot and cold water supply. It has an internal valve that mixes the two. It can be tough to choose a new shower when you live with young children or older people. Perhaps you’re pondering around some the frequently asked questions such as:

Is your shower susceptible to steaming too hot or cold regardless of where the lever is turned?

Do you have a shower that annoys you with sudden temperature changes?

If you answered yes, thermostatic showers might be great for your home. But what exactly is a thermostatic shower, and how does it function? 

We hear a lot of questions about this style of shower. As a result, we’ve done our homework to help you to grasp things like;

• The term “thermostatic shower valve” refers to a valve controlled by a thermostat.
• The several varieties that fall under this category;
• The advantages of using this shower valve;
• Installing a thermostatic shower;
• The distinction between this valve and other shower valves;
• And there’s a whole lot more!

Continue reading to find out more about thermostatic showers…

So, What is A Thermostatic Shower Valve?

A thermostatic shower has a thermostatic valve and is a form of mixer shower. This ensures that the water temperature remains steady as the water flows. A well-designed shower must include a thermostatic mixing valve.

Safe, practical, and cost-effective!

It guarantees that you get the most out of your shower while protecting you from getting caught by scolding water. The valve distinguishes this type – which creates a steady and specified temperature by combining hot and cold water.

As a result…

This also reduces the risk of cold shock, making it ideal for small children and the elderly. As a result, this is a safe multi-generational shower. 

Two handles are found on thermostatic shower valves. The volume of water dispensed is controlled by one of the handles. The other handle controls the temperature of the water. 

The thermostatic valve responds to temperature rather than water pressure.

In short…

If your shower frequently runs too hot or too chilly…

…or perhaps it has a remarkably low water pressure balance and consistently swings in temperature…

A thermostatic shower may be the solution along with a high pressure shower head.

How is a Thermostatic Shower Different From a Mixer Shower?

A manual mixer shower combines hot and cold water to achieve a specific temperature. It cannot respond to fast temperature fluctuations like a thermostatic shower. When the temperature of the water changes, a thermostatic shower responds immediately.

This returns the water to the pre-set temperature by adjusting it accordingly. This eliminates the possibility of scolding or cold shock.

Types of Thermostatic Shower Valves

Traditional Shower Valve

Traditional shower valves give your bathroom a vintage look. This is a blend of current technology and the allure of a more traditional style appearance. The level and cross handles are included in this category. These valves are a hybrid of exposed and bar valve styles. The ideal blend of modern showers with historic accents.

Exposed Shower Valve

The temperature and water flow are set by an exposed shower valve, which is set on the wall. The water pressure and temperature are often regulated via these exposed valves. Each user will be able to choose their favorite shower temperature and pressure.

Visible shower valves provide a designer-inspired flair to your bathroom. All the controls and shower components are located outside the wall. You can now switch between two different water outlets. An overhead shower and a shower handset, for example. This valve might help fill in wall space if you have a larger bathroom.

Concealed Shower Valve

A built-in valve is what a concealed shower valve is. In a shower enclosure, it’s hidden underneath the tiling. The chrome control plate and handles are the only visible parts of a concealed shower valve. The rest of the system is carefully tucked away behind the wall.

You can choose a concealed valve for a more elegant and minimalist look. All the components are hidden beneath a wall-mounted plate. Only the control mechanisms will be visible as a result of this.

Furthermore…

Concealed valves are ideal for those who want the most minimalistic look possible. All the shower’s components are concealed behind a wall plate or the wall itself. Only the controls and the showerhead are visible here. Only the controls, riser, and showerhead are visible.

Bar Shower Valve

Showering valves with bar valves are simple and basic. This is usually in the form of a bar with the installation exposed. The hot and cold water pipes are not connected to these valves. This will provide you with an unforgettable shower experience.

Slimline controls and a smaller size distinguish bar shower valves. 

As a result, they’re a great fit for small bathrooms. These valves are one of the cheapest valves since they are simple to install. This is also available in many different materials.

How Does it Work?

You should use thermostatic shower valves to avoid ever having to worry about the temperature again. This shower valve functions by making little adjustments while the shower runs. This is in response to changes in water pressure and temperature. This is to guarantee that you have a constant and comfortable shower.

Also…

When you turn on the tap, the settings will immediately supply the temperature you choose.

Two handles are found on thermostatic shower valves. One handle is there to control the volume of water dispensed. The other handle controls the temperature of the water. 

What’s the Difference Between a Thermostatic Shower and an Electric Shower?

Showers that use the mains’ water supply are not electrified. The shower’s functionality depends on a combination of water pressure and temperature. This is commonly displayed in a wall-mounted box. Electric showers don’t need hot water because they have their own heating element.

Furthermore…

A thermostatic shower controls the combination of water pressure balance and temperature. For Ensuite bathrooms and shower rooms, electric showers are an ideal alternative. They can be quite cost-effective as well. Their temperature is unaffected by other water users.

Thermostatic Element

This component of the valve responds to the temperature of the water passing through it. It will grow or shrink in size. It’s connected to a piston. These elements have a temperature controller built-in. The temperature will be regulated as a result of this.

Further…

The thermostatic devices will only sense the interior temperature, not the ambient temperature. Temperature controls of various types are included in several models.

Piston

The attached piston will move across the entrance portals. This is for the hot and cold water flows as the thermostatic element expands with increased heat. This will result in less hot water and more cold water during use. This will help in the maintenance of a steady temperature.

Return Spring

This section of the valve works in the opposite direction to the piston. The return spring will drive the piston back across the entry portals. This is for the hot and cold water flows as the thermostatic element shrinks with a drop in heat. Also, this will increase the amount of hot water while decreasing the amount of cold water. As a result, it will maintain a consistent water temperature.

Temperature Control

Aside from the outward casing, this is a visible and controllable component. This is usually designed like a dial and allows you to adjust the temperature of the water. This adjusts the piston, allowing the water flows to mix in different quantities.

How to Fit a Thermostatic Shower

You may already have a shower and distinct pipes for that shower right from the outset. Turn off your stopcock to separate the water supply and drain the water from your pipes.

First…

You’ll need to pick where you’ll get your hot and cold water. You can connect to the tap supplies by installing the shower above the bath. You can hook it into the nearest hot and cold pipes by installing the valve in a shower enclosure.

Most commonly, find this beneath the floorboards or in a cupboard. You can determine which by tracing the pipes back to the nearest hot and cold taps. When the tap is turned on, you can feel the water flowing through the pipe. As each tap warms up, you’ll be able to tell which is the hot water line.

Secondly…

Any dirt in the water running through a shower valve can cause it to malfunction. As a result, you must flush your new pipes. It’s possible to do it while looking for leaks. Run water through your pipes after removing the stop ends. To catch any dirt, place a bucket underneath the pipes.

Then there’s more…

Take your thermostatic valve and place it flush against the wall near your outflow pipes. Then, using a pencil, mark the length of the hot and cold pipe required for the valve to sit flat against the shower wall. Remove the excess piping after you’ve finished. You can use a cutter or a tubing/ pipe cutter.

We’re not quite done yet…

After you’ve cut your pipes, drill the holes for the thermostatic valve to go into. Put a mark where the valve will go and where the screw points will be. Then you can drill the holes – in walls and tiles; a diamond-tipped drill head works best.

In preparation for the major event…

Align the hot and cold pipes with the valve. Then double-check that they fit into the pipes. Attach your shower valve to the wall now. Tighten the retaining nuts with an adjustable spanner if possible.

Finally, after the valve has been installed…

The rest of your shower, including the riser pipe or hose and your shower head or handset, can now be installed.

A simple suggestion:

A flexible shower hose may be more convenient because all you have to do is screw it into the valve. Then attach the bracket that will hold your showerhead.

The Benefits of Thermostatic Valves

You can adjust the flow volume without changing the temperature using this valve. This is a fantastic feature! This function makes it simple to conserve water. While shampooing or shaving simply reduce the water flow. This is thanks to a wax piece inside the shower valve that reacts to temperature variations. The valve will then balance the cold and hot water ratios.

Moreover…

The valve will stop the flow from the other side of the valve if the hot or cold water stops. The most important reason to have this valve is to have full control over the temperature of your shower. While this is going on, set your water heater to 140° F to avoid bacterial contamination. The water pouring out of your showerhead might be as hot as 100 ° F.

Tip:

Set your maximum output temperature on the valve at all times. The following are some of the advantages of installing this system:

• Consistent temperature;
• Higher energy efficiency;
• Increased flow rates; and
• Your water bill may be lower.

Thermostatic valves allow you to control the temperature of the water in advance. This ensures that the water does not become hotter or colder than you initially specify. Additionally, each person will be able to change the water temperature manually.

Pre-selecting a water temperature saves water and is, thus, a smart alternative. This valve’s high flow rates makes it suitable for many shower applications.

Conclusion: What Is A Thermostatic Shower Valve?

When you have a beautiful, relaxing shower, and it’s ruined by someone using the same water line as your shower…

…it’s a good sign that you could need a new shower valve.

These problems are not only inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous. In seconds, the water can swing from room temperature to scorching hot or cold. You may be burned or slip and fall as a result of this.

So, which valve is the most effective?

As is normal, it depends on the homeowner’s preferences and financial aspects. Two options are commonly used. The Pressure Balance Shower Valve and the Thermostatic Shower Valve.

You now have a thorough understanding of thermostatic valves…

What these are and how they function…

This article has given you all the necessary information about thermostatic showers. We hope you found what you were searching for, whether you wanted to buy, fix, or learn more about them.

And finally…

Go ahead – you now have the knowledge to take the plunge and enjoy tinkering with your shower – you won’t be disappointed in the end result.