What is a Shower Mixer & Why You Should Upgrade!

Built-in Thermostat: 

The secret weapon of a thermostatic mixer is its built-in thermostat. This shower mixer acts as a guardian, constantly measuring the water temperature as it passes through the valve.

Thermal Expansion & Contraction: 

The wax cartridge is filled with a special type of wax that has a unique property – it expands significantly when exposed to hot water and contracts with cold water. This expansion and contraction play a crucial role in regulating the water temperature.

Valve Stem/Shuttle:  

Connected to the wax cartridge is a valve stem or shuttle. As the wax expands due to hot water, it pushes against a piston within the cartridge. This, in turn, pushes the valve stem, regulating the flow of hot water entering the mixing chamber. Conversely, colder water causes the wax to contract, pulling the valve stem back and allowing more hot water to mix in.

Overcoming Pressure Fluctuations:

Imagine someone turning on the tap in another bathroom. With a traditional mixer, this could cause a sudden drop in your shower temperature. However, in a thermostatic wall mixer faucet, the decrease in hot water flow triggers a response from the wax cartridge. The contracting wax pulls back on the valve stem, allowing more hot water to enter the mixing chamber. This maintains the overall mixed temperature despite the pressure change.

Safety Stop:

Thermostatic mixers often come with a safety feature, like a safety stop. This safety stop acts like a failsafe valve. If the cold water supply fails completely, the safety stop automatically shuts off the flow of hot water altogether. This prevents scalding by stopping the flow of any untempered hot water.

In essence, this shower mixer acts like a self-adjusting system, constantly monitoring and fine-tuning the hot and cold water blend through the expansion and contraction of the wax cartridge. This translates to a consistently comfortable and safe showering experience, even when faced with external changes in pressure.

Temperature Control:

While offering a step up from separate taps, regular shower mixers provide manual temperature control. You adjust a single lever or handle to blend hot and cold water, requiring a bit of finesse to achieve the perfect mix. This can be challenging, especially if you crave unwavering comfort or have fluctuating water pressure.

On the other hand, Thermostatic Showers are equipped with a built-in thermostat that automatically regulates the water temperature. So you can say goodbye to frantic adjustments – simply set your desired temperature, and the thermostatic shower takes care of the rest.

Comfort and Consistency:

Shower mixers offer some control over temperature. However, they can be susceptible to fluctuations in water pressure. If someone uses another tap in the house, the hot water pressure might drop, causing your carefully adjusted mix to turn cold. This can be frustrating and disrupt your showering experience.

With the thermostat built into the shower mixer, the thermostatic shower mixer guarantees consistent temperature throughout your shower, regardless of changes in water pressure. 

Safety

Traditional mixer showers typically don't have a built-in safety stop. While some may offer features like temperature limiters, they don't guarantee complete protection against scalding if the cold water supply fails.

Many thermostatic showers incorporate a safety feature like a safety stop. This crucial element automatically shuts off the flow of hot water if the cold water supply fails. This prevents the risk of scalding and provides peace of mind, especially for families with young children.

Design and Functionality

Basic shower mixers offer a wider variety in terms of affordability, with basic models being a more budget-friendly option. However, they typically have a more straightforward design compared to their thermostatic counterparts and may lack advanced features.

Modern thermostatic wall mixers faucets come in various styles and finishes, offering a sleek and contemporary look that complements any bathroom design. They often feature single or dual controls for temperature and flow and potential additional features like digital displays or integrated hand showers. 

Effortless Temperature Control

Separate taps can be a frustrating dance of adjusting the hot and cold knobs, hoping to land on the perfect blend. A thermostatic shower mixer eliminates this struggle. With a single lever or handle, you can effortlessly find your desired temperature, making those pre-shower adjustments a thing of the past.

Banishing Temperature Fluctuations

Have you ever been mid-shower when the water temperature inexplicably drops? This is a common issue with traditional taps, especially in shared households where someone might adjust the hot water elsewhere. Thermostatic shower mixers are equipped with built-in thermostats that constantly monitor water temperature. If someone uses another tap, the mixer automatically adjusts the hot or cold flow to maintain your chosen warmth, ensuring uninterrupted comfort.

Sustainable Indulgence

You might not expect a shower upgrade to be environmentally friendly, but thermostatic wall mixer faucets offer a surprising benefit. By precisely regulating temperature, they prevent unnecessary water heating, leading to reduced energy consumption. Less hot water usage translates to lower energy bills. Additionally, it reduces your overall carbon footprint, making a small but positive impact on the planet. 

Daily Dose of Luxury:

A thermostatic shower mixer may seem like a simple upgrade, but its impact is profound. It streamlines your routine, eliminates frustration, and guarantees a consistently delightful showering experience. Every day becomes an opportunity to step into a luxurious haven, washing away stress and embracing pure indulgence.

The Design Appeal of Shower Mixers

Beyond the core functionality of temperature control, thermostatic shower mixers come in a variety of styles and configurations, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Here's a closer look at the main types of thermostatic wall mixer faucets to help you choose the perfect conductor for your showering symphony:

Exposed Shower Mixer:

This classic option features all the working components – the thermostatic cartridge, valve body, and controls – mounted directly onto the wall. Exposed mixers are a popular choice for their ease of installation and maintenance. They are readily accessible for adjustments and repairs, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. However, the exposed mixer might not be the ideal option for those looking for a minimalist design. 

Concealed Shower Mixer:

Concealed thermostatic mixers are the perfect choice for a sleek and minimalist look. Here, the valve body and thermostatic cartridge are hidden behind the wall, with only the controls visible. This creates a clean and streamlined aesthetic, ideal for modern bathrooms. Keep in mind that you will need professional assistance while installing the mixer! 

Single Outlet Mixer:

This basic mixer controls the flow and temperature of water to a single shower outlet, typically a wall-mounted showerhead. It's a simple and cost-effective option for bathrooms with a single showering point.

Dual Outlet Mixer:

This mixer caters to bathrooms with two showering options, such as a wall-mounted showerhead and a hand-held shower. It allows you to control the flow and temperature to both outlets independently, offering greater flexibility.

 Digital Shower Mixer:

For the ultimate in showering indulgence, consider a digital thermostatic mixer. These high-tech marvels incorporate a digital display, allowing you to set your desired temperature accurately. Some models offer additional features like memory settings, pre-programmed shower modes, and touch controls.

The decision to upgrade to a thermostatic shower mixer is a wise one. However, selecting the perfect model can feel overwhelming with the variety of options available.

Understand your needs:

Before delving into features, consider your specific showering habits and bathroom setup. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• Number of Shower Outlets: Do you have a single shower head, or do you crave the versatility of a hand-held shower as well? Single outlet mixers are ideal for basic setups, while dual outlet mixers cater to those who desire independent control for each showering point.
  
  
• Desired Functionality: Are you content with simple temperature control, or do you yearn for the technological bells and whistles of digital displays and pre-programmed shower modes?
  
  
• Bathroom Aesthetics: Do you crave a minimalist and sleek look, or do you favour a more traditional style? Exposed mixers offer a wider design variety, while concealed mixers create a streamlined aesthetic.
  
  
• Budget: Thermostatic mixers come in various price ranges. Determining your budget upfront will help narrow your options.

Explore Options:

• Exposed vs. Concealed: Exposed thermostatic mixers are easier to install and maintain but do not suit minimalist designs. On the other hand, concealed mixers hide the valve body behind the wall, with only the controls visible. They offer a luxurious feel but require professional installation for any repairs.
  
  
• Number of Outlets: For showers with a single outlet, choose a thermostatic mixer with a single outlet, which is affordable and easy to install. Dual outlet mixers are ideal for multiple showering options, like a wall-mounted head and a hand-held shower. They offer independent control for each outlet.
  
  
• Advanced Features: If you want to splurge on your shower experience, the digital thermostatic shower mixer is the perfect option. Some high-tech models are equipped with digital displays for precise temperature control, memory settings, and pre-programmed shower modes. 

By analysing your needs and exploring the available options, you can select the thermostatic mixer that perfectly complements your showering experience. Here are a couple of tips from our experts:

• For Budget-Conscious Minimalists, a single-outlet exposed thermostatic mixer offers basic functionality and ease of installation at a reasonable price.
• For Design Enthusiasts, a concealed thermostatic mixer in a finish that complements your bathroom hardware creates a sleek and luxurious feel.
• For Luxury Lovers, a digital thermostatic mixer, with its advanced features, elevates your showering experience to a whole new level of personalised comfort.

Before you take the plunge and upgrade to a thermostatic shower mixer, here are some key factors to consider:

• Existing Plumbing: Check your current setup. What type of pipes do you have (copper, PEX tubing, etc.)? Ensure the chosen mixer is compatible with your current setup.
  
  
• Water Pressure: Verify if your water pressure meets the minimum requirement specified by the mixer manufacturer. Low pressure can affect the performance of your chosen shower mixer. 
  
  
• Shower Valve Location: Measure the distance between the hot and cold water inlets on your wall. This will determine if you need adapters or if the new mixer's connection centres match your existing setup.
  
  
• DIY Skills: Be honest about your plumbing skills. While some thermostatic mixers are designed for DIY installation, others might require a qualified plumber, especially if modifications are needed..
  
  

So Should You Upgrade To Thermostatic Shower Mixers?

Your shower should be a sanctuary, a place to cleanse your body and refresh your mind. Yet, for many, it's a battle against fluctuating temperatures and frustrating controls. By incorporating a thermostatic shower mixer, you can transform this daily routine into an experience of pure indulgence.

With a thermostatic shower mixer, you can 

• Effortlessly change the temperature with a single knob
• Say goodbye to unexpected bursts of cold water
• Choose a shower mixer design that complements your bathroom style
• Reduce energy consumption with precise temperature control 
• Shower every day like you’re in a spa! 

Whether you prioritise precise temperature control, a minimalist aesthetic, or simply a more convenient showering experience, there's a thermostatic mixer to suit your needs. Take the time to consider your preferences and explore the available options. 

So, the next time you consider a bathroom upgrade, remember: it's not just about aesthetics; it's about an elevated showering experience. You can step into a haven of tranquillity, ready to unwind after a long day. The anticipation builds as you reach for the shower controls. But instead of a frantic scramble for the perfect temperature, a single, intuitive movement delivers a cascade of pure, refreshing bliss. 

Invest in a thermostatic shower mixer and unlock a world of comfort, control, and luxury..