Whether you’re specifying for a maintenance, care adaption or new build project, there are bound to be a number of questions which need careful consideration. To help you find the right solution in any scenario, we’ve compiled the questions we’re asked most often about shower specifications.
Q. Should I go for an electric or mixer shower?
A. The most suitable model will depend on the property in question, as each type carries its own benefits depending on the water system in place.
Generally speaking, mixer showers are regarded as being a more robust option for properties with a combi boiler or hot water cylinder. Electric showers draw on a cold water supply and heat the water on demand, which makes them a highly efficient option if energy savings are needed.
Q. What should I do if a property is in a hard water area?
A. Many of the latest electric showers have been specifically designed to prevent hot spots forming on the inner coil of the heater can, which will slow down the build-up of scale in hard water areas. Selecting a unit with a phased shut down facility could be another smart move. When a shower is turned off, this function flushes out any remaining water in the head set to reduce clogging.
However, this should be coupled with an effective tactic for tackling the problem at source, such as a filter or electric water conditioner. Regular cleaning can also go a long way to limiting ongoing maintenance costs, making the choice of accessories all-important. Look for shower heads with wipe clean nozzles and removable spray plates to make it easier for end-users to keep their unit in good condition.
Q. How do I choose an electric shower for retrofit installations?
A. Site requirements can vary drastically, which makes decisions particularly tricky for a specifier. The main objective should be that the chosen model provides the greatest flexibility for contractors. Choosing a unit with multiple water and cable entry points will ensure there are various installation options to choose from and avoid any unexpected work on site.
It’s also worth specifying a product with a larger footprint to ensure that any existing screws or holes can be covered. This will help to leave a tidy finish once the job has been completed, with no remedial work required.
Q. I’m specifying a care adaption – is there anything I need to bear in mind?
A. Safety will be of the utmost importance for any care sector specification, so we’d advise making sure that any model carries the appropriate accreditations first and foremost.
Thermostatic mixers are the obvious choice given that they regulate the water temperature and you can choose products that comply with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s (BMA) Thermostatic definition for added peace of mind.
For electric thermostatic models, CE marking and BSI Kitemark certifications are a good indication of manufacturing quality, whilst BEAB Care approval will demonstrate that a product has been designed specifically for those who require extra assistance. There are also a number of electric thermostatic models which allow contractors to programme a maximum temperature, ideal in a care setting.
Our range of Care Showers for Disabled and Elderly has been designed to specifically target more vulnerable users with features that provide additional care where required.
Whichever type of shower is most suitable for your project, you can get added peace of mind by ensuring the model you choose is backed up by a service promise and full guarantee from a market leader. To see how Triton could help, take a look at our range of shower solutions for specifiers.