Showers Buying Guide
A shower purchase is a set of connected decisions: water supply, controls, outlets and the space that contains the spray. Start with compatibility, then choose the look.
By Bubly Bathrooms · Product selection advice
Identify the water supply
A mixer shower uses hot and cold supplies; an electric shower heats a cold-water supply within the unit. Pumps and pumped showers have specific supply requirements. Ask an installer which options suit your system before ordering.
Check pressure and flow requirements for the complete setup, especially if an overhead head and handset will run together. A large head is not evidence that your existing supply can deliver the flow it needs.
Choose controls and outlets
Thermostatic controls are designed to regulate mixed-water temperature within their operating limits. They still need correct installation and commissioning; temperature stops and safety features vary by model.
Decide whether outlets need to run together or separately. The number of handles on a valve does not reliably tell you how many outlets it supports. Read the outlet and diverter specification.
Plan exposed or concealed fittings
An exposed valve can offer straightforward access for maintenance. Check pipe centres and connection details when replacing an existing bar valve.
A concealed valve needs sufficient wall depth and a plan for future servicing. Check which components are supplied and agree the position of the controls, head and handset before tiling.
Match tray, enclosure and waste
Use the enclosure’s adjustment range against finished tiled dimensions. Check handing, door swing and the space needed to enter and clean the shower. Nominal tray dimensions alone do not confirm enclosure fit.
Match the tray waste specification and drainage capacity to the proposed shower. A low tray does not guarantee level access: floor construction and the waste route can affect the installed height.
Build a complete shopping list
List the valve, outlets, hose, rail, tray, waste, enclosure and any required concealed body. Ask your fitter which waterproofing and installation materials are needed.
Explore shower sets, shower valves and enclosures. Confirm component compatibility rather than mixing parts on appearance alone.
Further reading
For a specific product, use its current technical drawing and installation instructions as the final compatibility check.
Compare your options
| Feature | Exposed valve | Concealed valve |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Valve body visible on the wall. | Controls visible; body installed behind the wall. |
| Planning | Check existing pipe centres and connections. | Check wall depth and plan access before tiling. |
| Maintenance | Body is generally more accessible. | Service access depends on the model and installation. |
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