- How can I increase the water pressure in my shower?
The incredibly frustrating situation of low water pressure in your shower can be caused by a range of things from an old or blocked shower head, to a faulty pressure regulator. If the problem is due to a faulty showerhead, either replace it with a new one, or try cleaning it. Pour a solution of half water and half vinegar into a plastic bag and tie it tightly around your showerhead. Allow it to soak for at least fifteen minutes, wipe away any loosened deposits and run the shower as hot as possible to flush away any clogs. Low water pressure could also be due to high demand on your home’s water supply. Try turning off water-heavy appliances like the dishwashing or washing machine and then check and see if your water pressure returns to normal. If your shower head isn’t the only appliance with low water pressure, it could be a house-wide issue. Check if the main house shut-off valve is fully open and then recheck the water pressure. This valve is normally found inside the house where the main supply pipe enters the home. If your water pressure is still weak, it may be time to acquire help from a professional plumber.
* Fixing weak water pressure may require more than a quick-fix, and as such, we always recommend that you speak to a professional if you are unsure.
- How do I fit a shower?
Fitting a shower is a complicated job and the installation must be full-proof in order to avoid complications down the line. As such, we always advise that you seek the help of a professional for installation. Below outlines what the installation process will look like.
If you’re installing an electric shower, start by preparing the pipework –run a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where you’re putting the shower. Whilst holding the shower unit in place, mark the position for the inlet pipe and power supply capable, then run the pipe through the wall at the place you’ve mark once you’re sure there are no hidden pipes before you drill into the wall. To provide the power supply, drill a hole for the cable at the correct size, then run the cable from the shower unit position to a ceiling-mounted double-pole pull-cord switch. An electric shower will require its own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, and for your safety, ensure you get an electrician to make the final connection for you.
Once the pipework and electrical supply are prepared, hold the shower unit in place and make a mark of the fixing holes. Drill holes at the marked positions and then fit some wall plugs with a little sanitary silicone sealant into each one. Next, feed the pipe and electric cable through the backplate of the unit and screw it into the wall using the screws that will be supplied. Connect the inlet pipe to your showering unit with a pipe wrench and then fix the cable to the unit by connecting its live and neutral cores to the terminals marked ‘load’ and its earth core to the earth terminals. Next, fit the unit cover according to the instruction manual, ensuring it tightly sealed. Next fit your rail and ensure it’s high enough so that your shower head won’t dangle less than 25mm from the spill-over level of your bath. Lastly, screw one end of the hose to the handset, ensuring you include any washers supplied. Read over the instruction manual to make sure everything is working correctly before screwing the final end to your shower unit.
For the installation of a thermostatic shower, firstly check that all the openings on the valves are covered to prevent any debris from getting in whilst working on the pipework. Next, after deciding on the position of the shower and direction of pipe entry, complete the pipework to the shower area. The hot and cold water pipes should be securely attached within the wall or pall to prevent movement after installation. Next, make sure the compression olives are fitted and all pipework is flushed through before connecting to the shower valve. Then turn on the water to check for any leaks. Install the outer fitting as per the instruction manual.
- How to unblock a shower?
Lukewarm water swishing around your feet within a few minutes of showering? You probably have a blocked shower drain. Before calling the plumber, try these tips to get your water draining normally again. Firstly, pouring very hot water (although not boiling) to dissolve built up soap scum might do the trick. An old-fashioned plunger may also loosen things up. If that’s not working, fill up a cup with baking soda, pour it down your drain, and then after a minute or two, do the same with a cup of vinegar. Wait an hour and pour very hot water down the drain. You could also get hands-on and a bit messy, and pull out whatever may be blocking up your drain. Straighten a coat hanger and use the hooked end to get hold of the blockage. If your drain is still blocked, try a drain unblocker, although this should be used sparingly as it can erode your pipes.
* Unblocking a shower might require more than a quick-fix, so we recommend that you acquire professional help if you are unsure how to unblock your shower.
- What type of shower head should I choose if I want an extra bit of style and luxury?
Our extensive range of showers will have something for everyone, but if you’re after an extra touch of luxury and spa-like tranquillity, a Rain Head Shower is the perfect choice. As the name implies, it delivers a showering experience only comparable to rainfall –so imagine being surrounded in your own raincloud, but heated. It allows for a luxurious experience that traditional showers can’t quite compete with. The supply of water completely engulfs the user, making for a full-body experience of complete luxury and relaxation.
Another extra luxurious, and increasingly popular option, is a Shower Tower. It combines a high-end look that will make your shower a focal point, with a range of spa-like features such as a waterfall style flow and body jets to transform showering from a day-to-day responsibility to an experience.
- What’s the best type of electric shower?
Electric showers are a highly functional shower choice: no need to wait for water to heat up, they’re energy efficient and make for easy installation. We stock a range of high-quality, superbly designed electric showers, so which one is best for you? The first step is choosing between a thermostatic and a manual electric shower. The former will maintain the temperature of your shower so that it won’t alter if someone uses a large water source in your house, such as flushing the toilet –this is of course, generally the preferred and more common option today. Next, decide on the kilowatt rating of your shower, also known as, the water pressure. This will range from 7 to 10.8kilowatts and generally, the higher up in the range the more powerful your shower will be. Lastly, it’s up to you to decide on the colour and style of shower which you want. We stock a range of colours, from the classic glossy white, to the boldness and drama of a darker shade, or even add a brilliant pop of yellow!