Shower Guide – Mixer Showers

Mixer Showers are also know as  Manual shower valves or Thermostatic shower valves.

Mixer Showers, unlike Electric Showers, require no electrical connection.  Mixer Showers work by mixing together hot water from your hot water supply, and cold water from your mains or tank supply, thus creating the required temperature.  Mixer Showers have the benefit of a higher flow rate than that of Electric Showers.  Mixer Showers also offer the controls for both flow rate and temperature, with some shower heads even offering alternative spray options.

Mixer Showers are ideal for properties, with a sufficient supply of hot water.

Mixer Showers are available in two options, Manual Mixer Shower or Thermostatic Mixer Shower.  A Manual Mixer Shower enables you  to adjust the temperature as desired, however, as the water is being supplied by your hot water supply and cold mains feed, if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the property, then this will affect the water temperature.  For example, if a hot water tap is turned on the hot water supply to your shower is reduced and the temperature of the water will drop due to there being less hot water coming through the shower.  The same applies if a cold water tap is turned on, the temperature however will increase, causing more hot water than cold.  This could be a potential danger, especially if the shower is being used by children or the elderly.  This however is not the case with Thermostatic Mixer Showers.

Thermostatic Mixer Showers, work in the exact same way as a Manual Mixer Shower, however, they have a built-in safety device that regulates the water temperature, if a hot or cold tap is turned on elsewhere in the house.  It is therefore recommended that if you have children or are elderly, then a Thermostatic option is purchased.

Mixer Showers are available in 3 different fixings, EV, B-BIV and B-BIR.

EV (Exposed Variable) – Shower valve is exposed (or surface mounted) and variable height shower head and riser rail.

B-BIV (Built in Variable) – Also known as concealed shower valves. Shower valve is built in to the wall, with only the controls visible.  Variable height shower head and riser rail, ideal for all members of the family.

B-BIR (Built-in Rigid) – Shower Valve is built in to the wall, with only the controls visible.  Rigid shower head, fixed at one height.