Shower Power: Designing a Shower System that Works for You

Now, more than ever, homeowners are transforming their showers into relaxing spa-like areas where they can escape and unwind. While this has a lot to do with style and design, when remodeling your bath, it is important for you to be familiar with your shower system's function too, in order to receive the optimum results with your remodeling project.

Thermostatic valves

Better shower systems have become widely available, in part due to the greater acceptance and increased affordability of thermostatic valves. Thermostatic valves allow significantly more gallons of water to flow than pressure balanced valves, a common type of shower valve. With the popularity of thermostatic valves and the many types that are on the market today, today's homeowners can create the ultimate shower system for themselves.

A few other considerations when planning your shower should include the size of the water heater, the water supply, water pressure and pipe size.

Hot Water Heaters

You should make sure that your hot water heater size, which is measured by the size of the storage tank, is large enough to accommodate multiple showers taken at the same time, multiple water outlets being used concurrently, as well as the length of the showers being taken. This may require having to install a larger hot water heater than what you have now, but it will be worth it. You may even want to install a hot water heater that serves the master shower separately. A minimum recommendation would be a 50-gallon hot water heater, but for a truly custom shower, it's a good idea to consider installing an exclusive 100-gallon water heater.

Water Supply

Water supply is integral when planning your remodeled bath. Most Americans receive their water from either well pumps, water towers or municipal water supplies, so you don't have worry about “supply.” But, you should take into consideration just how much water will be available if your water is running from a well or water tower. Not common here in Florida though.

Water Pressure

Water pressure, measures in pounds per square inch (psi), is directly related to the amount of water that your supplier can supply to each home. For a multiple shower system, a minimum of 45 psi is recommended. If you do not have a minimum pressure of 45 psi or higher, you should have a booster pump installed by an experienced a plumber. If you are not sure, be sure to have a licensed professional inspect your system. You may even have a pressure reducing valve in your existing system, in which case, a simple adjustment could be made.

Pipe Size

It is also important to have your shower system's pipe size inspected, to see what size the pipe is that supplies the water from the water heater to the shower valve, as well as from the shower valve to the multiple outlets. Standard ½ inch piping, typically used in older homes, will not allow enough water to flow when using more than one shower head. It is better to install at least ¾ inch piping, or even 1 inch piping so the valve can achieve its maximum output. This is best when building a luxury shower with multiple heads and or body sprays.

Other Considerations

A few other things to consider with regard to your shower systems:

• Be sure to have your plumber position the showerheads and body sprays at the right height for those who will be using the shower.
• Have the shower controls positioned near the outlets or in one central location.
• Consider the wide range of finishes and styles of shower controls, showerheads and body sprays.

A well-constructed and attractive shower system is not only a way to bring comfort and serenity into your home, it is also a great investment in your home. I have really just touched on the “basics” of shower design and installation in this column. Be sure to work with a professional Bath designer to determine what systems and styles are right for you and your family, so your remodeling project is a success. And be aware that building permits are always required when remodeling, and always hire a licensed and insured contractor when doing your remodeling project. Bathrooms are usually the smallest room in the house to be remodeled, but generally speaking, they are also the most difficult due to all that is required to build them successfully.