Installation guide - Install a thermostatic shower system (2024)

FAQs

How is a thermostatic shower installed? ›

Requirements: For our thermostatic mixer valves we recommend that you have a minimum of 1 bar pressure, this pressure will enable you to run a shower with a good enough water flow. If buying a 1 way thermostatic shower with an 8 inch head this requires a minimum of 1 bar pressure.

The biggest reason to have a thermostatic valve is to have absolute control over your shower temperature; all the while, your water heater can be set to 140° F to protect against bacterial contamination, the water coming out of your shower head can always be 100° F (set your maximum output temperature on the valve).

Thermostatic showers aren't electric. They don't use electricity but instead rely on mains pressure, while the water is heated by your boiler.

Cons. By far, the biggest con to installing a thermostatic shower valve is the cost. These valves tend to be at least twice as expensive, if not many times more, as pressure-balance valves. Another disadvantage is the trim that accompanies this type of valve because it has two handles.

Shower pumps can be used with manual and thermostatic mixer showers and electric showers. You won't need one for a power shower as they have a built-in pump. And you may or may not need one for a digital or smart shower depending on whether the installed model includes a built-in pump.

The disadvantages of thermostatic radiator valves

TRVs may not be suitable for bathrooms as the steam and heat from the shower can impact upon the reading - the radiator might need to be on after a shower to reduce condensation and yet the steam leads to it reading a high temperature and so shutting off.

Sometimes, water can't run through a TMV freely because parts of its valves are gummed up with debris or scale. Older valves might also suffer from corrosion which blocks them up. Or, a valve might not have been fitted correctly in the first place.

As far as replacement is concerned, this is usually necessary every 5 to 10 years. However, this also depends on the conditions of use. Intensive use of the fittings, poor water quality, or neglected maintenance can shorten the service life of your thermostatic cartridge.

Thermostatic mixer showers: If the temperature of your thermostatic mixer shower keeps fluctuating wildly (getting boiling hot or freezing cold), the thermostatic cartridge probably needs replacing. Cartridges are not cheap, usually about £75, but can be replaced within one hour.

Is a thermostatic shower cheaper to run than an electric shower? ›

Thermostatic showers also tend to have more temperature settings than electric showers, so you can find the perfect setting for your needs. They're also more energy-efficient since they don't require as much electricity to heat the water to maintain a consistent temperature.

So can you replace an electric shower with a thermostatic shower? Of course! It'll take a bit of work, but the only thing stopping you is your own motivation and budget.

The average cost for supplying and installing a thermostatic shower in the UK typically ranges from £150 to £300, plus labour costs of around £200.

Unlike a standard mixer shower, which uses a mechanical lever or dial to control elements such as water temperature, flow and which shower head is in operation, a digital shower uses an electrically powered system. This gives us more precise control over the water flow and temperature.

Although a manual mixer shower will mix hot and cold water to a set temperature, unlike a thermostatic shower, it can't react to sudden changes in temperature. A thermostatic shower instantly reacts to a change in water temperature and adjusts the water accordingly to get it back to the pre-set temperature.

For a simple domestic hot water application, with a point-of-distribution mixing valve (ASSE 1017 certified) such as the Caleffi 521 Series mounted near the water heater, check valves are typically not needed unless required by local code or the local authority.