Factors to Consider When Buying a Shower System

Choosing the ideal shower system for your bathroom is crucial to living comfort and well-being. Given the wide variety of products available on the market and the development of new technologies, many architects and interior designers find it difficult to choose the ideal product for a planned bathroom.

For a decision to be enforceable, it must be based not only on aesthetic but also functional criteria. Also keep in mind that in addition to cleaning, bath time should also provide relaxation and renewal, and inefficiencies can lead to unhappy customers. If a shower doesn't offer comfort, functionality, and economy, fun design isn't enough. Therefore, the specification of these devices must be based on an analysis of all these criteria.

Here, we highlight the most important points that professionals should consider when planning a shower.

Gas shower or electric shower?

The first thing to consider is whether to use an electric shower or a gas shower. Gas showers are generally more comfortable than electric showers because the higher the water pressure: the higher the pressure, the greater the sensation of being massaged by the water jet.

Gas showers can save even more on electricity bills because they don't require electricity to heat the water. On the other hand, they use more water because it takes longer to heat up (cold water in the pipes between the water heater and the shower head is drained, using more water).

Solar showers are considered one of the most sustainable solutions, but they can only be used if the building has a solar system.

Therefore, in order to choose the type of shower head, it is necessary to evaluate the existing facilities, as some properties do not have gas water heaters. In these cases, it is necessary to examine the availability and cost of introducing the system. Also, it is important to evaluate with the client their priorities (consumption, comfort, utility) and the cost-benefit ratio between one system and the other.

Water pressure condition

The water pressure in your home directly affects the choice of the ideal shower. The water pressure in a single-family home is different from that in an apartment building. Water pressure is directly related to the height of the water column: the taller the building, the greater the pressure on the water supply.

Therefore, in multi-story buildings, the water pressure on the lower floors is usually higher than on the upper floors. These are closer to the reservoir. On the other hand, households that draw water directly from the street generally have higher pressures than other water systems.

For low-pressure situations, it is recommended to use a pressure shower or install a separate pressure generator to increase the pressure of the water jet. If the water pressure is sufficient, there is no need to use a pressure regulator and you can choose the conventional model.

Wall-mounted shower or ceiling-mounted shower?

Wall mounted shower:

Wall-mounted rain shower heads are the most commonly used models where the plumbing is embedded in the wall. There are wall-mounted showers with or without a hose. The longer the pipe, the greater the distance between the water jet and the wall.

This is an important feature to consider, especially when a wall-mounted shower head is recommended when bathroom space is limited.

Ceiling mounted shower:

The advantage of a ceiling-mounted shower is that it can be installed in the middle of the bathroom. This allows for better use of space. However, their installation is more limited, as they can only be used for installation from the roof. Therefore, they also need to be covered to hide these pipes. In this category, manufacturers recommend bathroom ceiling heights within the range of 2.40m - 2.50m to ensure a good water jet.

Shower head flow

Shower head flow refers to the performance of the water supply per minute and can vary from 6 to 60 liters/minute depending on the model and existing water pressure. Manufacturers typically provide a form with this information for each product.

It is important to note that the high flow model requires sufficient pressure as the jet will be weak if the pressure at the installation site is lower than recommended.

The flow rate of the shower must also be proportional to the flow rate of the gas water heater because the greater the flow rate of the device, the greater the water consumption.

Product cleanliness and durability

Cleanliness and durability are also very important points when choosing a shower. Brass is the most recommended material. Not only does it prevent rust, but it is also resistant to corrosion and heat. This gives the product safety and durability. Also, it is very hygienic.

In addition to external cleaning, the cleaning of the water outlet is also important to ensure the longevity of the product. For this reason, showers with self-cleaning mechanisms that prevent clogging of the water outlet have been introduced.

Design

The design of the showerhead is something that designers are increasingly emphasizing. Just being functional is not enough. The piece must also have an aesthetic that reflects the overall language of the bathroom project. In response to this demand, manufacturers have also invested in product development. Showcase creative and bold products in the most diverse shapes and colors.

The circle represents more classic and traditional languages. And in projects that present a minimalist and modern language, square and rectangular showers are preferred. Finishes range from brushed gold, and chrome to matte black and a variety of colors.

In fact, a good shower system is more than just comfort. It can be an essential part of the bathroom, adding style and character to the environment.