Shower Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing a shower set, aesthetics, function, and quality go hand in hand. These three elements led us to partner with the best—the Opaly Designs—to offer beautiful  bathroom plumbing designed to coordinate with our bath hardware collections. From controlling water pressure to choosing a custom finish, this guide will walk you through how to find the right shower set to fit your bath.

Shower Fixture Types

Shower heads fall into five general categories. Many have some adjustable features that let you select the spray pattern and the intensity of the jets.

Single-head spray shower heads are the familiar bulbous, adjustable nozzles that have been rinsing our collective bods for decades. Single-heads feature four or more individual nozzles that distribute the spray in patterns. The nozzles adjust with a small lever that changes the flow pattern from wide spray to concentrated streams.

Rain showers are large, flat heads that are suspended directly above the user and direct the spray straight down.

Dual and multiple shower heads feature more than one shower head controlled by a single set of levers (or handles). A typical configuration is a fixed, wall-mounted shower head paired with a handheld counterpart. In some instances, a diverter valve allows the user to operate either shower.

Shower Valves

While the shower head and handles may get all the attention, some of the real beauty lies where you can't see it—in the valves that regulate water pressure and temperature. Why should you care? Because a basic understanding of valves is key to selecting the right faucet for your needs and to understanding costs.

Mixing valve: This is the basic device that mixes hot and cold water. When you twist your temperature control lever to make your water hotter or colder, you're adjusting your mixing valve.

Pressure-balance valve: This miracle worker keeps water temperature constant by adjusting the pressure of your hot and cold water inflow. That way, you won't be surprised when the washing machine comes on and steals your hot water pressure. It's also called an anti-scald valve, and it's an especially good safety feature for small kids or senior citizens. A drawback is that it maintains constant temps by altering pressure, so the overall flow rate of the water may fluctuate.

Anti-scald pressure-balance valve: These valves are required in new home construction. In older homes, however, installing a pressure-balance valve may invite problems—clogged and corroded pipes may reduce pressure to the point that the valve won't do its job properly. If you suspect problems, contact a licensed plumber to evaluate your pressure.

Thermostatic valve: This is a more sophisticated version of a pressure-balance valve. It maintains constant temperature but, unlike the traditional pressure-balance valve, the thermostatic version maintains constant pressure. You'll pay about twice as much for a thermostatic valve as a simple pressure-balance valve.

Take It All In And Choose Your Shower Set

Choose the right shower set means you have to know your plumbing, your water pressure, your heating system, your budget, your style and your needs. It might seem overwhelming and the beginning, but hopefully with your breakdown of options and requirements, you are now ready to choose your proper shower kit and enjoy your brand new bathroom like you never did before.