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Shower Heads, Valves and Drains Buyer's Guide
Besides a base and walls, the most important parts of what makes a shower a shower would be the showerhead, valves and the drain.
Head and Handle Sets
After choosing the correct size of walls and bases it is time to choose a handle and head set. If you have a shower only shower you can browse through the multi-handle and single-handle shower sets for a style and finish that fits your bathroom best. Multi-handle sets feature a head and two handles for adjusting the temperature (a hot and cold) while single handle set feature a head and one handle which adjust from cold to hot. There are no advantages to one over the other and instead the purchasing decision should be made on personal preference. Although double handle does mean there is one more handle to clean.
If you have a shower/bath you will need to shop through the multi-handle set for shower and tubs or single handle sets for shower and tubs. These come as complete packages with a shower head, bath faucet, and handles.
Shower head and handles are the perfect way to incorporate bathroom style into the shower. Available in contemporary, traditional, functional and transitional styles you will be sure to find the perfect style and finish to top off the look of your bathroom.
There are also many set available that meet the requirement for independent living, special needs and ADA handle sets.
A Bit of an Upgrade
If you are looking for an upgrade from the traditional shower head which is installed in the wall, hand held showerheads are often cited as a luxury item. Hand held showerheads are available in any finish to match your bathroom including chrome, nickel, bronze and copper and are also available with massage options and more.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind having a shower head that does not have the ability to be moved but it is at an angle you are unhappy with there are shower arms available to achieve the perfect positioning.
Shower Valves and Drains
The shower valve and drain are the behind the scenes products which help your shower accomplish what it is supposed to; namely providing clean water and disposing of used water.
The valve is installed behind the wall of the shower and be accessed during home building or if you are remodeling you will need to cut a hole in the wall (from behind, not through the shower tiles) to access and replace the old shower valve.
The shower valve must be purchased to match the shower or bath handle sets. For example, a valve for a bath will be shorter than that for a shower because the shower head hangs up much higher than that for the bath.
Shower drains will be attached to plumbing, typically PVC piping and will be screwed or secured to the shower base. It is important to look for a drain that will fit your plumbing as well as the shower base.
Other things to look for when shopping for valves and drains include finish and features. Some valves are EnergyStar or WaterSense rated meaning they will save you water and therefore costs. Finishes available include chrome, brass, nickel, bronze and copper.
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