Things to Consider When Buying a Shower Mixer

A shower mixer is a valve which draws water from both your hot and cold water supplies before it's sent to the shower head. This is a very popular type of shower, particularly in older homes where they're less expensive than electric showers and can often give you a more luxurious showering experience. However, a mixer shower isn't for everyone, and there are some things to consider before making your choice.

The first thing to think about is the kind of style you're looking for. This can have an impact on the price of your shower mixer, so you may want to choose a more minimalist design if you're looking for a cheaper option.

Another important factor to consider is where your shower mixer will go. You can either have it exposed, which means that it's attached to the wall and will take up less space, or you can have it concealed, which hides the inner workings of the shower in a cavity behind the wall. The latter can be more expensive, but it's worth considering if you're going for a minimalist bathroom.

Some models of mixer shower are more economical than others, and a lot depends on how much water you use and what type of boiler you have in your home. If you're using a combi boiler, you may want to opt for a shower with a thermostatic cartridge. This will ensure a consistent temperature without any fluctuation, which is essential for safety.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, it's a good idea to shop around for comparison prices and see how the products compare in terms of quality and performance. There's no point in buying a high-end mixer shower only to find out that it doesn't work properly.

You can also check whether the model has a thermostatic cartridge included, which will mean it's more reliable and safer than other shower mixers. The cartridge will measure how much cold and hot water it is getting, and if there's a drop in one of these then the other will slow down to keep the temperature stable.

Thermostatic taps are more expensive than mixer taps but they're also more durable and come with a longer guarantee. They also tend to use less water, which is a good thing if you're concerned about saving the planet.

Some mixer showers have a double lever, which allows you to control both flow and temperature with one handle. This can be more convenient than a single lever, but it's worth bearing in mind that it can take time to get the desired temperature.

It's also worth bearing in mind that a double lever can be more difficult to clean than other types of mixer shower, as they can be hard to reach with your hands. In addition, some of these taps don't have a diverter to allow you to switch between different functions, such as an overflow shower head and a separate shower handset.