A Shower System Buyers Guide

Oftentimes, purchasing a new shower system is at the back of all homeowners’ minds, and usually, they don’t think about it until it is time to get in the shower. However, most of us could use an upgrade, and in today's blog, we go through what you should look for when purchasing a new shower system as well as our personal favorite.

What does a shower system include?

Shower systems usually come with everything needed for installation. They could come with an abundance of components and features including valves, showerheads, hand showers, body sprays, water outlets, and volume controls. If you find the right shower system, it can truly become a spa experience. Sometimes, there are even customizable options so that you can pick the exact features that match your needs.

Shower Fixture Types:

1. Single-Head Spray Showers

This type of fixture is pretty generic and doesn’t have too many options when it comes to adjusting the water pressure settings. You will often see these types of shower heads in public places such as a gym because they are usually the cheapest and easiest to install.

2. Rain Showers

This one looks exactly how it sounds. Rather than spraying at an angle, they spray directly down on you, as if you are standing in the rain. Many people find this to be a very relaxing shower experience, and they look elegant in your bathroom.

3. Dual and Multiple Showerheads

If there are multiple options that you just can’t decide between, this may be the shower for you. How this oftentimes works is one showerhead is mounted to the wall, while one other valve is handheld. You will have multiple spray patterns to choose from, which can create a perfect shower experience.

4. Hand-Held Shower Heads

This shower fixture features a single shower head attached to a flexible hose that you can easily remove and wash yourself down with however you would like. These can also be useful for people who want or need to sit down in the shower, as it can be much easier to wash hard-to-reach places.

5. High-Pressure Shower Heads

These are great if low-pressure shower heads get on your nerves and you like a shower experience that feels like a massage. High pressure feels great on your skin, and you will find that soap washes off much more easily than it does with a low-pressure showerhead.

Finishes:

Possibilities are endless when it comes to shower head finishes. Your options include polished chrome, brushed chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, hammered nickel, stainless steel, bronze, brushed bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, black, and white. If you want to make sure your shower matches the other fixtures in your bathroom, we recommend purchasing all your bathroom appliances from the same manufacturer.

Valves:

1. Mixing valve:

This is exactly what you would envision for a valve. You can adjust hot and cold temperatures by pushing it from side to side.

2. Pressure-balance valve:

This valve is great if you are looking for safety. It keeps water temperature constant by adjusting the pressure of your water flow. One drawback is the water pressure may fluctuate from time to time.

3. Anti-scald pressure-balance valve:

These valves actually are now required in new home renovations. However, if your house is older, there could be issues with clogged pipes if this is the valve you choose. Be sure to talk with a plumber to ensure the right valve for you!

4. Thermostatic valve:

This valve is a combination of the pressure balance and anti-scald balance valve. It maintains balance, but the pressure never fluctuates.

Our Favorite Shower System:

Our favorite shower system is the crystal bay thermostatic shower system with body jets from ZLINE Kitchen and Bath. Features for this relaxing and luxurious shower include body jets, a two spray feature, aerated water flow for resource conservation, a rain showerhead with even pressure, and more. This shower system comes in many finishes such as chrome, black matte, gunmetal, and brushed nickel. It can be purchased at one of ZLINE’s retail partner’s The Range Hood Store at the link below.

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