Showering Savvy – How To Choose The Perfect Shower
(PRWEB UK) 21 June 2012
Once considered a luxury, a shower is now regarded as a necessity by most people. And whilst many people love a good soak at the close of play, it’s an invigorating, get-set-for-the-day shower that most people prefer to jump into in the mornings. When considering investing in a new shower, it’s worth taking a little extra time to ensure that future mornings will start with the desired deluge rather than just a damp, disappointing drizzle.
Janet White, Marketing Communications Manager at award-winning British shower manufacturer Gainsborough, advises,
“There’s a lot to think about when buying a new shower. And with so many styles and different technologies around, not to mention conflicting advice, it can really help to break down the areas of consideration one by one.
“But first things first. Initially, think about what is wanted from the new shower. Will it be a family shower that will need to accommodate the morning rush hour, or is it going to be a secondary shower – for an en suite, cloakroom or annexe, perhaps? Either way, it’s essential to make sure the household water heating system is up to the job.”
When it comes to showering technologies, there are three main groups – electric, mixer and digital. If people prefer not to use the household’s hot water system (i.e. from an immersion heater or combi boiler), then an electric shower such as Gainsborough’s Stanza is an excellent option and provides instantaneous hot water on demand. Electric showers– both retrofits and new showers – are available with different power outputs, depending upon the requirements and any wiring that is already in place. Gainsborough’s electric showers start from £61.99, so they are also an excellent choice for anyone on a budget or those simply looking to give their bathroom a facelift.
Those happy to use their home’s stored hot water, will be able to choose a mixer or digital shower. These vary enormously in their styling and functionality – but the final choice is likely to be influenced by the type of plumbing system the home has – and those in any doubt, would be wise to get professional advice.
Janet White says,
“Asking a trustworthy, reputable installer to take a look at the household’s plumbing system can save you a lot of problems – and money – later. It’s very important to determine exactly what the home’s system is capable of, and if necessary, have it upgraded.”
For a ready-reckoner of typical home plumbing systems, check out Gainsborough Showers’ helpful ‘Help Me Choose’ section. It explains exactly how gravity-fed, combi-boiler and mains-fed (high pressure) plumbing systems work – and even better, will then recommend the most suitable showers.
Plumbing systems and water pressure pending, it’s probably then time to consider the look and feel of the new shower.
Janet says,
“Most showers are now quite contemporary in their styling, but beware of choosing a shower that is very radical in its looks. It’s important to opt for a design that is comfortable and won’t look outdated in only a couple of years. Technologies vary of course, but when it comes to aesthetics, simple, clean lines and stylish chrome finishes will endure the test of time and look great in traditional and modern bathroom schemes alike.”
There’s no doubt that when it comes to seeking inspiration for showers and showering people are spoiled for choice. Stays at boutique hotels with luxurious, spa style bathrooms and exotic travels that take consumers farther and farther afield have inspired many people to create their own bathroom retreats – complete with the latest showers and accessories.
Janet comments,
“Expectations of the ‘showering experience’ have grown and manufacturers have responded by integrating additional features and embracing digital technology. The latter has resulted in showers with very sophisticated functionality that are great for all the family – Gainsborough’s Digital Showers, for example.”
Accessibility and safety should be two other key considerations. Anyone buying and installing a new shower with a view to using it for many years to come, would be worth thinking about how their own needs might change. Families with young children need super-safe, easy to use showers; look for features such as push-button controls and height adjustable handsets that will enable everyone to shower in comfort. At the other end of the spectrum, older users need to think about reduced mobility – so go for a shower with simple, solid controls that ensure there is no struggling with temperature or flow control.
Go online to seek out the very best deals and discounts, too – Gainsborough are currently offering 20% off their Ambassador Combi Exposed Mixer, whilst just £99.99 will buy you a 9.5kW electric shower – a real steal. The internet also has plenty of extra ‘goodies’ too – free next working day delivery, for instance – is easily worth £10.00. Finally, don’t dismiss the peace of mind that comes from buying a shower from a reputable, established manufacturer that can give quality aftersales support if needed.
Ten Top Tips to get Showering Savvy
Ultimately, the shower has to be right for the consumer and the type of plumbing system the home has will usually dictate the type of shower chosen. So, before even thinking about buying a new shower, get the plumbing system checked out by a qualified installer.
Secondly, find out how much water pressure there is – it will affect the choice of shower.
Once the plumbing system and water pressure is settled, read through Gainsborough’s showering infographic. It’s a simple way to discover which showers are most suitable.
Think very carefully about what sort of showering experience is desired. Most showers can provide a sixty-second splash; but a power shower intended to invigorate will require more oomph – both in terms of water usage and pressure.
Don’t forget about eco-issues. As great as a power shower is, many people prefer to save water. If so, why not opt for one of Gainsborough’s Digital Showers, which offer an eco-setting that is selected by the plumber during installation.
Similarly, showers that use generous quantities of water need fast and efficient drainage – so don’t skimp on the type of shower tray and look at the volume of water per minute the tray will drain.
Who’s using the shower? If this is a family shower, it would be sensible to opt for child-friendly controls and an adjustable height showerhead, such as Gainsborough’s GS400, Ambassador or GS500 thermostatic showers.
Showering safety should be high on the list of priorities and that means going for a thermostatic showers, where the shower’s valve blends hot and cold flows of water. Make sure the shower chosen incorporates features such as an automatic shut-off, should the cold water supply fail and a pre-set temperature limit – to prevent scalding
Consider the finish of the shower. Classic chrome always looks good, but satin finishes also work well and both are durable and easy to clean. White is similarly refreshing and never goes out of fashion.
If time is running out, it’s well worth considering digital showering technology such as that used by Gainsborough’s Digital Showers. Its simple, push-button controls ensures ease of use for everyone – even with slippery, soapy hands – and thanks to the clever LED display on its control, it’s easy to know exactly when it’s time to step in.
Attachments
©Copyright 1997-
, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Find More Money Saving Uk Press Releases