Modern Shower Valves

Ever looked at your standard, generic shower valve and wondered if you could have something a little more funky yet functional at the same time to take its place? Well you can with a modern shower valve. These items not only look great but they also perform brilliantly as well. If you have a bathroom that's right on trend, these valves will fit right in. In this guide we'll be looking at the choices you have and whether they will be right for you.

 

What are my options?

There are plenty of choices out there when it comes to picking a new shower valve that will be right for your system, so take your time and research exactly what you'll need in order to get the most from your specific shower. Here are some variables which you will need to take into consideration before buying:

 

Twin or triple valve?

Twin shower valves feature separate controls for the flow and temperature of the water. They will allow you to connect a single outlet (this will most probably be a slider rail kit or shower head). Some twin valves will house a diverter which will enable two outlets to be attached however you will only be able to use one at a time using a twin valve.

 

Triple shower valves work the same way but allow for more outlets to be connected to them. A standard item will allow two outlets while one with a diverter will support three outlets. They will also enable you to use two outlets at the same time too, giving them an advantage over twin valves. These are a great choice if you want a more satisfying experience; adding body jets for instance to the set-up.

 

Concealed or exposed?

Concealed shower valves have a much neater appearance which is ideal for modern settings. They hide a lot of the mechanism behind the wall, leaving only the controls and display panel viewable.

 

Exposed Shower valves are easier to install and can look fantastic in the right bathroom, but they tend to look more at home in traditional environments as most contemporary settings these days are all about minimalism. They do happen to be less expensive than concealed valves though, so keep this in mind if you're on a tighter budget.

 

Minimum water pressure

One of the key things you need to look out for when purchasing a modern shower valve is the minimum water pressure rating. Each valve will feature one and this will display the amount of pressure your water needs to be at for the shower to function correctly. The rating will normally be higher for valves which feature a diverter as there is more for it to cope with so greater pressure is needed.

 

If you don't have enough pressure for the valve you want, don't panic as you should be able to get around the issue by installing a water pump. We recommend talking to a qualified professional at this point however as this isn't work you should undertake yourself.

 

Is a modern valve right for me?

This basically all depends on the general style of your shower really. If you have a modern setup, then a sleek, stylish shower valve will really enhance the look. Whether you want a bar valve, concealed or an exposed valve there are loads of items to choose from, so it's just a matter of personal preference and deciding which product will benefit your shower best.