The elements that we include in our bathroom can hugely affect our day-to-day life. For this reason, we need to make sure that they’re functional and best suited to our space and needs. There’s a wide variety of choices when it comes to the bathtub or shower that we’re going to install. Most people decide on one between the two and they can be found in numerous designs and materials. Also, each consists of many different parts and functions that we need to consider.
Things can get complicated when choosing a shower. From the shower heads to the shower rails, the options are endless. Shower systems can feature many elements, so you should take into account all the models and make an informed choice that works for your particular needs.
What Types of Shower Rails and Showerheads Exist?
A few years ago, most of the showerheads and rails were fixed so there’s was a lack of control and we needed to adjust to how they were primarily installed. But now, everything’s made with the user in mind, thus the choices are infinite and the models are more and more flexible. This being said, you can find sliding or integrated shower rail systems depending on what you prefer.
Different Types of Shower Rail Systems
Sliding rails enable you to adjust the height of the hand shower to the desired level. In this way, you can customise it to comfortably shower no matter if you’re tall or short. These rails are vertically mounted on the wall and you can easily slide the hand shower up and down.
Integrated rails offer even greater customisation. You get to choose the showerhead, hose, and hand shower. They’re also vertically installed on the wall but you can’t adjust the height. However, this shower rail system basically allows you to choose your preferred form of showering: through the rigid shower head or using an additional hand shower.
You can find rails for any bathroom style because they come in all kinds of finishes: chrome, black, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and many others. On that note, you can also choose the showerhead according to your bathroom’s design.
Different Types of Showerhead Designs
Fixed shower heads are mounted on the wall. But also the shower heads that are part of the shower rail sets can be considered fixed because they’re attached to the rail and you can’t move or slide them when showering. It’s a traditional type that’s used by many because of its simplicity. For a modern feel, you can get a multi-function fixed shower head that offers you to change the spray patterns.
Rain shower heads are fixed but larger in size so the water covers a larger area when falling down. This provides you with a full showering experience that you’re going to enjoy. They can be installed on an overhead shower arm as well.
Hand-held shower heads are particularly popular nowadays. They’re a convenient option but usually more expensive than the fixed type. Nevertheless, many think it’s worth the price because of the benefits that it offers. They usually come with a hose and a holder to mount them on the wall but you can also find them included in bathroom shower rails, which eliminates the need for wall holders. When choosing from this type of showerhead, check if the hose is long and flexible enough as you expect it to be. You wouldn’t want to have to change the hose after a week of use.
What Types of Shower Systems You Can Choose from?
Manual Mixer Showers
This is the traditional type of shower system. It mixes the hot and cold water supply before the water reaches the shower head and works best in homes that have high water pressure and hot water supply. You can adjust the water to the desired temperature any time you shower. They can feature:
- Single-lever for controlling the water flow and temperature;
- Sequential rotary control where you control the temperature by turning the control;
- Concentric control that has two rotary controls that sort of sit on top of each other; one is for the water flow and the other for the temperature;
- Dual-control that also has two controls but they are two separate pieces;
- Bar control that has the two controls on a bar.
Electric Showers
These showers enable you to instantly have hot water. They’re considered to be cost-efficient because they heat the water themselves and mix it with cold water just before it reaches the showerhead. This means that they only need a cold water supply and you don’t have to worry that you might run out of hot water. They’re easy to install but require good water pressure to operate.
Power Showers
These are often confused with electric shower but there’s a difference. They need electricity so the pump that boosts the water flow rate can work. But they don’t heat the water. Instead, they work like mixer showers and require a cold and hot water supply. They’re used in houses with low water pressure and are cheaper for these households because there’s no need for an additional pump. Also, it’s an easy process to install a power shower if you’re replacing a mixer one.
Digital Showers
This shower system is the latest innovation. It has a thermostat that precisely controls the water temperature and flow rate. They also come with a range of additional features for your comfort. The built-in thermostat is controlled by a panel or remote control that enables you to set the desired specifications. Some even offer you to control the shower through an app. Just like the mixer showers, they need a hot and cold water supply, and when you set the temperature, a message is sent through a wire or wirelessly, depending on the system. Then it blends the hot and cold water before sending it to the showerhead. They’re useful for those who want quick and easy shower control and for those with mobility problems because there’s no need for turning levers.
