Choosing The Right Shower For Your Bathroom
Choosing the right shower can make a huge difference to your daily routine. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a shower that suits your water pressure, heating system, budget & style preferences.
As experienced plumbers serving Worthing & throughout West Sussex, we regularly help homeowners select the best shower for their bathroom. Below is a guide to some of the most popular shower types available today.
Electric Showers
Electric showers operate independently from your boiler as they heat their own water internally. They only require a cold water supply, making them a practical choice for many homes.
If you’re fortunate enough to have more than one bathroom, having at least one electric shower can be a great backup. Should your boiler ever break down, you’ll still have access to hot water for showering.
Electric showers normally require a dedicated electrical circuit with a thick 10mm cable, isolation switch & separate breaker. Installation should always be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Although they are practical & relatively straightforward to install, the pressure isn’t always as powerful as a mains fed or pumped shower. Choosing a higher kilowatt model can help provide better performance.
Pros
• Works independently from the boiler
• Ideal backup if your boiler fails
• Relatively easy to install
• Lower installation costs in many situations
• Suitable for homes with limited hot water
Cons
• Appearance can be less stylish than built-in systems
• Water pressure may not be as strong
• Requires electrical work
Thermostatic Showers
Thermostatic showers are one of the most popular choices for modern bathrooms. They use both the hot & cold water supplies from your home’s heating system to maintain a consistent temperature.
These showers are extremely reliable & provide a much more luxurious appearance compared with standard electric showers. They are available in exposed or concealed styles to suit different bathroom designs.
Some older gravity fed heating systems may require a shower pump to achieve good pressure.
Pros
• Stylish appearance
• Excellent temperature control
• Reliable operation
• Available in many designs
• Stronger flow on suitable systems
Cons
• Dependent on the boiler working correctly
• Some systems may require a pump
• Installation costs can be higher
Power Showers
Power showers are designed specifically for homes with low water pressure. They combine a thermostatic shower valve with an integrated pump to increase water flow & provide a much more powerful shower experience.
Unlike electric showers, power showers do not heat the water themselves. They require both hot & cold water supplies from your existing heating system, whether that’s a hot water cylinder, immersion heater or boiler.
Power showers also require a dedicated electrical supply, similar to an electric shower, as the built-in pump needs electricity to operate. They are particularly suitable for older gravity fed systems where a standard shower may lack pressure.
Power showers provide excellent performance & a luxurious showering experience, although they generally use more water than other shower types.
Pros
• Excellent water pressure
• Ideal for low pressure systems
• Reliable temperature control
• Provides a luxury shower experience
• Great solution for older gravity fed systems
Cons
• Higher water usage
• More expensive than standard showers
• Requires an electrical connection
• Not suitable for all plumbing systems
Concealed Thermostatic Two Way Showers
Concealed two way showers are becoming increasingly popular in modern bathroom renovations. The valve is hidden behind the wall, leaving only the controls visible for a sleek & minimalist finish.
A two way system allows you to operate two shower outlets, typically an overhead rainfall shower & a separate handheld shower head. This provides flexibility while creating a luxurious spa-like feel.
The controls are often positioned close to the shower entrance, allowing the shower to be switched on before stepping underneath. This means you can let the water reach the perfect temperature first, avoiding that unpleasant blast of cold water.
Although manufacturers design these systems for accessibility, future maintenance can sometimes be slightly more involved due to concealed pipework.
Pros
• Premium appearance
• Two shower functions in one system
• Clean & uncluttered design
• Can be switched on before entering the shower area
• Adds value to the bathroom
Cons
• Higher installation costs
• Future repairs may take longer
• Pipework access is more restricted