How do they Work & What are the Benefits?
If you're tired of alternating between icy cold and scalding hot water while taking a shower, it may be time to consider investing in a mixer shower. Not only do they offer a consistent and balanced water temperature, but they’re also easy to use and can be adjusted to your personal preferences.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to what a mixer shower is, its types, benefits, and how to use it. We’ll also compare the running costs of mixer showers with electric showers. So, read on to find out more!
Firstly, What is a Mixer Shower?
A mixer shower blends hot and cold water to deliver a consistent and comfortable water temperature. It connects to both hot and cold water supplies and uses a valve to mix them before it reaches the showerhead. Mixer showers are versatile and can be installed in a variety of settings, including homes, hotels, gyms, and more. They come in several types, each with its own advantages and characteristics.
Mixer Shower Types
Mixer showers come in a few different varieties, so it helps to understand their differences when choosing the right shower for your needs. The different mixer shower types include:
Single Lever
A single-lever mixer shower uses a single handle to control both the water temperature and flow rate. By turning the lever left or right, you can adjust the temperature, while moving it up or down will control the flow rate. Single-lever mixer showers are easy to use and provide quick and efficient temperature adjustments.
Concentric
Concentric mixer showers are characterised by two separate controls for temperature and flow rate. These controls are arranged concentrically, with the temperature control in the centre and the flow control surrounding it. Concentric mixer showers offer precise temperature adjustments and are less prone to accidental changes in temperature or flow rate.
Sequential
Sequential mixer showers have a single control knob that first adjusts the flow rate and then the temperature. By turning the knob clockwise or counterclockwise, you can first increase or decrease the water flow, and then adjust the temperature. Sequential mixer showers are easy to operate and are ideal for people with limited dexterity.
Dual Control
Dual-control mixer showers feature separate controls for temperature and flow rate, but these controls are not arranged concentrically. Instead, they are typically placed side by side. Dual-control mixer showers offer precise temperature adjustments and are suitable for users who prefer more control over their showering experience.
What are the Benefits?
- Opting for a mixer shower yields plenty of benefits over traditional shower setups, including:
- Consistent Temperature: Mixer showers deliver a consistent and comfortable water temperature, reducing the risk of scalding or sudden cold shocks.
- Ease of Use: Mixer showers are easy to use, with simple controls for temperature and flow rate adjustments. Some models even come with thermostatic controls that automatically maintain the desired temperature.
- Energy Efficiency: By blending hot and cold water, mixer showers can help reduce energy consumption, as they use the existing hot water supply instead of heating the water on-demand.
- Versatility: Mixer showers are versatile and can be installed in various settings, including homes, hotels, and gyms. They are compatible with different types of water systems, such as combi boilers or gravity-fed systems.
- Enhanced Showering Experience: Mixer showers can be paired with different shower heads and accessories, including rain shower heads, handheld shower heads, or body jets, providing a customisable and luxurious showering experience.
How to Use a Mixer Shower
- Using a mixer shower is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s always a good idea to refer to the user guide to understand how it works. Generally speaking, using a mixer shower requires following these steps:
- Turn on the shower using the flow control.
- Adjust the temperature using the temperature control.
- If your mixer shower has a thermostatic valve, set your desired temperature, and the valve will automatically maintain it.
- Enjoy your shower and adjust the temperature or flow rate as needed.
- Turn off the shower using the flow control when you're done.
Which is Cheaper to Run? Electric or Mixer Shower?
The running cost of a shower depends on a few different factors, including the water and energy consumption rates and the type of water heating system in your home. Generally, mixer showers are cheaper to run than electric showers, as they use the existing hot water supply instead of heating water on-demand. However, if your home has a high-efficiency water heating system or low electricity rates, an electric shower might be more cost-effective. It is essential to consider your specific needs and circumstances when choosing between a mixer shower and an electric shower.
You can select your preference from our range of showers or alternatively contact us if you need any help choosing the shower for your requirements.