Shower Faucet
Wake up with the invigorating spray or wash away the stress of the day. Showers have become the place to pamper and refresh. A shower can be as simple as a shower control and shower head, or a home spa complete with water fall, multiple shower heads, body spray and steam.
3 Steps to the Perfect Custom Shower:
To help you with your quest for the perfect shower, we have broken the decisions into three steps:1. Choose the type of system (shower control)
2. Choose the functions (shower heads, body sprays, hand showers)
3. Shop for style
Step 1: Which Shower System?
Showers combine a number of functions (water outlets) for different therapeutic experiences. Driving the functions are the controls (valves). These controls determine the number of functions possible by the amount of water flow they provide & the number of outlets they provide. We will discuss the number of outlets first, water flow further below. Remember Tubz.com is here for any questions ~ 866-380-03032 & 3 Valve Shower
One handle each to control the hot and cold water. With a 3 valve the third handle is the diverter. This shower offers both pressure and temperature control.
This system does not meet codes in most states where requirements indicate anti-scald properties.
• 1 Function
• 2 Functions
Pressure Balancing valves balance incoming hot and cold water pressure to compensate for fluctuations in water flow. If the cold water pressure decreases, the valve senses this and reduces the hot water pressure. (It will protect the user from drastic temperature changes should a toilet be flushed while showering.) A single handle is used to turn the valve on and to go from hot to cold. Whether the handle also controls water pressure depends on the particular control. Some are not variable; as soon as you turn the handle on it is at full pressure. Others, the more you pull the handle the more pressure. When a Pressure Balance valve includes a diverter, the user can choose between two functions. Often used as a tub shower combination faucet, this system can also be used with a shower head and hand held shower.
• 1 Function
• 2 Functions
Thermostatic valves allow users to select a favorite temperature and keep it there regardless of changes in the temperature of the hot or cold water supply. It has a sensor that reacts to changes in temperature caused by either pressure or inlet temperature changes. It allows for a higher water flow for multiple outlets: shower heads, body sprays, hand showers etc., as well as the ability to have multiple functions on at the same time.
Thermostatic valves are available in 1/2" and 3/4". The thermostatic valve sets the temperature, a stop valve (volume control) is need to turn the water on & control the water volume. Stop valves are also available in 1/2" and 3/4". Diverters can be used with the stop valves to divert between two functions.
Thermostatic controls are offered in multiple styles
• Thermostatic Control is on one plate and the Stops on their own plates
• Stops (& or diverters) and thermostatic controls are on the same plate
Step 2: Water Outlets - Shower Heads, Body Spray & Hand Showers
The number of outlets or functions possible depends on the maximum flow rate of the valve at the given water pressure.For example a California Faucet 3/4" thermostatic valve has a flow rate of 19.8 gpm at 60 psi.
Three body sprays at 2.5 gpm, a large shower head at 7.0 gpm and a hand shower 2.5 gpm = 17 gpm. A valve of 19.8 would handle these 5 outlets.
(7.5 Body Sprays (3 x 2.5) + 7.0 Shower Head + 2.5 Hand Shower = 17)
Shower Heads
There are 2 -3 parts of a Shower Head.
The actual shower head, the shower arm and shower flange (if not an integral part of the shower arm.)
The shower arm dictates if it is a wall mount or ceiling mount shower.
- Multi-Functional
Multiple spray effects - Rain Showers
More water, less pressure - Waterfall
Blade of water
Body sprays are usually installed in groups and are designed to spray the entire body. They are usually positioned at shoulder level, waste/hip and thigh/knee. Different jets offer different features like pulsating, self-cleaning, adjustable volume or directionally adjustable. Nebulizers produce a fine mist.
Hand Held Showers
Also known as Personal Showers, hand showers can be mounted on a slide bar or bracket. The Hand Shower set consists of a Slide Bar or Hook, Hand Shower, Hose and Supply Elbow (connects from the water supply to the hose).
- Hand Shower on Slide Bar
The height is adjustable along the slide bar. The hand shower can also be removed from the slide bar. - Hand Shower on Hook
A hook holds the hand shower. The picture shows the wall supply (where the water comes into the hose from behind the wall) and the hook as two separate pieces. There are also models available that have the wall elbow and bracket as one piece.
We do not have a separate page for tub spouts but, they can be added to create a custom thermostatic tub & shower system. Tub spouts with an integral diverter can be used with a pressure balance control for a tub/shower combination.
The addition of steam shower doesn't change the controls need for the shower, the steam is controlled by its own set of controls. We are including it here since it is a great addition to any shower.
• Mr. Steam Steam Shower
Step 3: Shopping For Your Custom Shower
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to shop. Or, if there are questions - give us a call 866-380-0303. Each of our faucet companies offer great quality shower faucets. Explore the looks of each series by looking at the widespread faucets on the main page. Find a faucet you like the looks of, click on it, and you will see all the offerings - including shower controls.Don't forget the shower drain!
Thermostatic Shower Examples
• 3/4" Thermostatic Shower
• 3 - 1/2" Stop Valves to Control:
- Wall Mounted Shower Head
- Hand Shower on Slide Bar
- Set of 3 Body Sprays
• 1/2" Thermostatic Shower
• 2 - 1/2" Integral Stop Valves to Control:
- Shower Head
- Hand Shower
• 1/2" Thermostatic Shower
• 1 - 1/2" Integral Diverter-Volume Valve to Control:
- Shower Head
- Tub Spout
• 1/2" Thermostatic Shower
• 1 - 1/2" Integral Stop Valve to Control:
- Shower Head
Helpful Bathtub Links
• Tubz.com - Contact us, we are here to help
