Mixer Showers

A mixer shower blends stored hot and cold water rather than heating it on demand. Where you have a decent hot supply it gives a stronger, more consistent flow than an electric shower.

The decision that matters: concealed or exposed

This is settled by whether your bathroom is already tiled.

Concealed valves bury the mechanism in the wall, leaving only the control plate on show. They must be chased in and plumbed before tiling. Retrofitting one into a finished bathroom means taking the wall apart.

Exposed valves mount on the face of the tiles. They fit to existing pipe centres — usually 150mm — with no chasing, and can be swapped in an hour if they ever fail.

Always specify thermostatic

A thermostatic valve holds temperature when someone runs a tap elsewhere, and shuts off if the cold supply fails. That is a comfort feature in a family bathroom and a safety requirement anywhere children, elderly or less mobile people shower — see our care showers.

Outlets

Single outlet feeds one head. Dual outlet feeds a fixed drencher and a handset with a diverter between them. Decide at the valve stage — you cannot add an outlet later.

Check your pressure

Mixer showers need adequate pressure. On a gravity-fed system, check the valve's minimum requirement and consider a booster pump.