Setting Up a New Shower Unit
An effective shower installation requires careful preparation and a great deal of work. In most cases, you will require to do three kinds of tasks: framing walls, installing the pipes, and finishing walls.
Preparation
Firstly, you need to pick the type of shower that you want to set up. It is important to establish whether the selected shower can managing specific systems and can manage a safe level of water through the boiler. Many shower units nowadays are developed to be versatile to various water pressures (such as stored warm water and cold mains).
It is also important to take into account the water pressure and the preparation of the piping and drainage for the shower
Different Types of Shower Units
Push-on Mixer: The pipe and spray parts of the push-on mixer shower system can be connected to the bath tap as per your requirement, and the water temperature level can be adjusted through the taps. Push-on mixers are inexpensive and incredibly easy to set up. Nevertheless, although the hose connection is simple, it is easily dislodged. In addition, it is troublesome to adjust the temperature level.
Bath/ Shower Mixer: The pipe and spray of this type of shower are integrated with a bath mixer tap, and the temperature level can be adjusted through the bath taps. It is a very low-cost choice and no extra pipes is involved. Nevertheless, the bath/shower mixers also experience bothersome temperature level control alternatives.
Manual Mixer: The tube and spray of a manual mixer shower system belong of the wall system and the cold and hot water products are connected to a single valve The temperature and pressure of the water are managed through either one or a variety of knobs (in more costly showers). Although temperature control is much easier in manual mixer types, they are more pricey than the previously pointed out mixers. They likewise need additional plumbing of hot and cold supply of water pipes.
Thermostatic Mixer: The hose pipe and spray of this shower type belong of the wall unit and the hot and cold water products are connected to a single valve here too. It is total with a built-in stabiliser to self-adjust the water temperature level and to avoid it from ending up being too hot. One of the most significant advantages of a thermostatic best plumber near me mixer shower type includes practical temperature control. Nevertheless, it is the most pricey of the different mixer choices.
Power Shower: A power shower is a single system containing an effective electric pump that is capable of modifying both the water pressure and temperature level. This kind of shower can be fitted if there is water system from a cold water cistern and a hot water cylinder. A power shower makes the adjustment of both pressure and temperature level simple. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for water heated straight by the shower or where the water is provided by a combination boiler under mains pressure.
Electric Shower: An electrical shower is plumbed into a mains cold water supply and it warms the water electrically. It is important to note that for this shower type to be installed, the mains pressure requires to be a minimum of 0.7 kg/sq cm (10lb/sq in). The system allows the temperature and pressure to be adjusted via a knob. Designs with temperature stabilisers are much better as they stay untouched by other taps somewhere else in usage within the family. A significant disadvantage of electrical showers is that the control knob just allows for the option of heats at less pressure, or lower temperature levels at a greater pressure. This is bothersome in the winter when the spray is frequently weak and the mains water is colder. Nevertheless, this problem is taken on in some designs which are available with a winter/summer setting.
Method
Depending on the kind of shower you wish to set up, the shower head need to either be suited order to avoid its contact with the water in the bath listed below or the base tray, or it must have a check valve.
Before beginning, it is advisable to mark the positions of the shower head and control, and to plan the pipe-work included. In addition, the drainage system to remove the waste water will require to be prepared. Both positions of the cable route and the shower switch will likewise need to be considered if an instant or electric shower unit is being installed.
Use the instruction guide provided with the shower unit to fit the shower control.
Before fitting the pipelines that will provide the water to the shower system, it is important to cut off the water supply. In order to secure the pipelines, they should be given a waterproof covering and likewise fitted with isolating valves. The pipelines can then be buried into the wall and plastered over to neaten the overall look.
Fit the base tray, shower head, and fittings.
Connect the main shower control to the pipes that will be supplying the water (This may require a female screw thread adapter).
Reconnect the water system and test the pipes for any leakages, as some may need tightening.
If you are setting up an electrical shower, keep in mind to switch off the electricity supply before making any electrical connections. As soon as these connections have been made (there should be guidance within the user's manual), the power supply plumber near Melbourne can be changed back on.
Adjusting Water Pressure to Fit Your Shower
The cold water tank can be raised to a greater height (often as low as 150mm (6inches)) by fitting a strong wood assistance underneath it-- perhaps composed of struts and blockboards. If you pick this alternative, the primary and distribution pipes will likewise have to be raised to satisfy the brand-new height of the reservoir.
Alternatively, a booster pump (a single pump or a dual/twin pump) can be fitted. Whichever type is selected, it should be connected into the power supply in order to operate.
Piping and Drainage
It is best to use 15mm size supply pipes, and make the runs to the shower as brief and straight as possible so regarding preserve maximum pressure and minimise heat loss. In addition, by reducing making use of elbows for pipeline corners, you can decrease the resistance in the flow of the water supply. You can achieve this by bending the pipes instead.
# Breaking or disregarding local code restrictions.
# Utilizing pipes that are too small.
# Attaching copper to galvanized without using a brass or dielectric fitting between the two.
# Not utilizing tape or pipeline substance at threaded joints.
# Not leveling your fixtures when setting up them.
# Not setting up an air gap filling for fixtures.
# Cutting supply stub outs too brief to install the shutoff valves onto after the ended up wall is in place.
# Not correctly lining up tubing into fittings or stop valves. (Requiring the nut onto the compression ring at an angle when the tubing is at an angle will trigger a leak.)
# When turning the water back on in your home, always run the outdoors hose pipe valve or flush your toilets to bleed dirt and air from the lines. This particles can trigger problems in your sink faucets and other plumbing trim.