Mixer Showers Explained: The Complete Guide
Showers aren’t just about rinsing off the day; they’re about those little moments of calm before work, the five minutes of escape after a long commute, or that refreshing reset before heading out in the evening. And when your shower feels just right, delivering steady pressure and perfect temperature, it can completely change your mood. That’s where mixer showers come in.
Instead of wrestling with separate taps or guessing how much hot and cold you need, a mixer shower blends them seamlessly for you. And if you’ve ever wondered what’s a thermostatic shower or "how does a thermostatic shower valve work," you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break it all down.
What’s a Thermostatic Shower?
A "thermostatic shower" is a type of mixer shower that has a built-in mechanism to maintain a constant water temperature. Instead of you having to fiddle with the hot and cold taps, the thermostatic valve adjusts the mix of hot and cold water automatically. It’s all about comfort and safety.
How Does a Thermostatic Shower Valve Work?
Here’s the breakdown in pretty simple terms:
- Two water supplies come in (hot and cold).
- They enter a mixing chamber in the thermostatic valve.
- The valve has a temperature control, often with safety settings, so it can’t go above a certain degree unless you consciously override it.
- Inside are elements (like wax pistons or thermostatic cartridges) that react if the temperature of one input drifts (due to pressure change, etc.). If hot water pressure drops, for example, the valve automatically lets more cold water in, or vice versa, to keep the mixed output at the set temperature.
- That mixed water then goes to your showerhead (or multiple outlets, if you've chosen a diverter or multi-outlet model).
Mixer Showers and Bath Shower Mixers: What’s the Difference?
A mixer shower refers broadly to any shower system that mixes hot and cold water before it reaches the "showerhead". That can include manual mixers or thermostatic ones.
A bath shower mixer is a mixer tap specifically for a bath that lets you switch between filling the bath and using a shower. It often has a diverter to switch between the bath spout and the shower outlet.
If you’ve got a bathtub and want the versatility of a shower, a bath shower mixer is what you need. If you’re after more precise temperature control and protection from sudden changes, then a thermostatic shower is the way to go.
Things to Check Before You Install a Thermostatic Shower
1. Water pressure & hot water supply
Thermostatic valves work best when there’s sufficient pressure and flow. If your hot water supply is limited (tank size, boiler capacity, etc.), some models might struggle.
2. Matching fixtures
If you pick a concealed thermostatic shower valve, consider matching "shower heads, arms," and outlets so everything flows (literally and visually). At Jaquar, we offer lots of options so your fixtures complement your overall design.
3. Finish durability
Some finishes (e.g. matte, PVD metals) need a bit more care to prevent tarnishing, water spots, etc. Choosing a quality brand like Jaquar UK also ensures the finishes are engineered to last longer, even with daily use.
4. Maintenance and access
Even with concealed valves, there should be access for maintenance (valves, cartridges, etc.). Jaquar’s designs often include smart access points to make this process as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what’s a thermostatic shower and how a thermostatic shower valve works can save you from cold shocks, scalds, and fiddling endlessly with knobs. If you want to upgrade to a concealed thermostatic shower system, take a look at Jaquar’s range of thermostatic shower mixers and concealed valves.
With "Jaquar UK,", you get not only quality products, from concealed thermostatic shower valves to stylish bath shower mixers, but also extras like free design consultations and 3D design models, plus the choice of dozens of finishes. That means you can get a shower setup that looks amazing, feels great, and works exactly the way you want.
