Buying Guide: Everything You Need for the Perfect Custom Shower

Buying Guide: Everything You Need for the Perfect Custom Shower

A custom shower can turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat, tailored to your personal preferences. With endless options in design and functionality, you can create the shower experience of your dreams. This guide will help you navigate the key components and decisions involved in designing your perfect shower.

# Things to Consider

Before you dive into customizing your shower, it’s important to consider a few technical aspects. Adding extra showerheads, body sprays, or jets can increase water demand. You might need to upgrade your water heater to keep up with the increased hot water usage. Similarly, installing more shower outlets could require a bigger drain to handle the extra water flow.

Tip: Have a plumber evaluate your existing plumbing and help plan the best layout for your custom shower. They can make sure everything works smoothly and meets local requirements.

# Key Components of a Custom Shower

# 1. Trim Kits: The Finishing Touch

When installing a shower system, there are two main stages. First is the "rough-in" stage, where all the pipes and valves are installed behind the wall. The second stage happens after the walls are up, and this is where the "trim kit" comes in. Trim kits include everything you see: the showerhead, handles, and any other visible parts like body jets or handheld showers.

Important note: Trim kits and valves are often sold separately, so make sure they’re compatible. If you're not sure, ask your contractor or a customer service expert for guidance.

# 2. Thermostatic Mixing Valves: Keeping the Temperature Just Right

Thermostatic mixing valves help you avoid sudden bursts of cold or hot water by keeping the temperature steady. These valves automatically adjust the water mix, so you won’t get scalded if someone flushes the toilet. They also help reduce the risk of bacteria growth by allowing water to be stored at higher temperatures.

# 3. Volume Control Valves: Adjust the Flow

A volume control valve lets you decide how much water flows through your shower. Want a strong blast of water for a quick rinse or a gentle stream for relaxation? A volume control valve gives you the flexibility to choose. Just remember, these valves work best with thermostatic mixing valves, so check if you need both or if your mixing valve already has this function built in.

# 4. Pressure-Balanced Mixing Valves: No More Temperature Surprises

If someone turns on the faucet in the kitchen, your shower temperature shouldn’t change. That’s what pressure-balanced mixing valves are for. They keep the water pressure and temperature steady, making sure you don’t get any unpleasant surprises. In some places, these valves are required by law, so check with your plumber to see if you need one.

# 5. Diverters: Directing the Flow

A diverter is like a traffic controller for water. It lets you switch between different shower outputs—like from the main showerhead to the handheld spray. While it doesn’t control temperature or turn the water on and off, it helps you enjoy different showering options without adding clutter to your shower wall. Some diverters come built into mixing valves, so be sure to check before buying a separate one.

# Shower Features to Consider

# Body Sprays & Jets: Spa-Like Luxury

Body sprays or jets are a fantastic way to create a relaxing, spa-like experience. These jets can be positioned around your shower to target specific areas with massaging streams of water. They’re fully adjustable, allowing you to customize your shower for ultimate relaxation.

# Rainfall Showerheads: A Rainy Day Indoors

If you’ve ever wished you could shower in the rain, a rainfall showerhead brings that experience to life. Mounted on the ceiling, these large showerheads let water cascade down gently, mimicking the feel of natural rainfall. They’re available in various sizes and finishes to match your style.

# Hand Showers: Flexibility at Your Fingertips

A handheld shower offers flexibility and control, allowing you to direct the water flow exactly where you want it. These are great for everything from bathing pets to cleaning the shower itself. Handheld showers typically rest in a holder attached to the wall for easy storage when not in use.

# The Final Piece: Choosing the Right Drain

Don’t forget about the drain when designing your custom shower! Shower drains come in different shapes and styles to suit your layout. A central round or square drain is a classic choice, while linear drains placed along the edge of the shower create a sleek, modern look. For a more seamless design, opt for a tile-in drain that blends in with your shower floor.

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Quality is always the first priority of Aquacubic. We understand the importance of quality to our clients, and quality is the foundation for long -term cooperation. To deliver high quality products, we established the whole quality system from raw materials checking to mass production audit and final products inspection. Most of our products are CE and CUPC certified. Our Factory Passed QSA, CTPAT, RESA Audit.