Exposed Mixer Showers

An exposed mixer shower mounts on the face of the tiles rather than inside the wall. Everything is visible, which some people prefer aesthetically — and crucially, it can be fitted to a finished bathroom without disturbing a single tile.

Why choose exposed?

It is the practical answer when you are replacing a shower rather than building a bathroom. It fits to existing pipe centres, needs no chasing, and if it ever fails it can be swapped in an hour instead of a day. Servicing is far simpler because everything is reachable.

Pipe centres matter

Most bar valves are made for 150mm pipe centres, the UK standard. Measure the horizontal distance between your existing pipe outlets before ordering. If they are slightly off, adjustable S-union connectors will absorb a small discrepancy.

Thermostatic or manual?

Thermostatic valves hold temperature when water is drawn elsewhere and shut down on cold supply failure. Manual valves are cheaper but will run hot if someone flushes the toilet. For a family bathroom, specify thermostatic.

Complete the installation

Check whether the valve comes with a riser rail, head and hose or is valve-only. Prefer a hidden mechanism and building from scratch? See our concealed shower valves.