Thermostatic showering gives you greater control over water temperature by automatically adjusting the hot and cold water supply.
Unlike a standard shower valve, a thermostatic valve is designed to maintain the temperature you have selected, even when there are changes in the water supply.
For example, if someone turns on a tap or flushes a toilet while you are showering, the pressure of the water reaching the shower can change. This can cause the temperature to fluctuate. A thermostatic valve responds to the change and adjusts the hot and cold water balance to keep the shower at the selected temperature.
This makes thermostatic showering particularly useful in busy households where several water outlets may be used at the same time.
How does a thermostatic shower work?
A thermostatic shower valve monitors the temperature of the water and adjusts the hot and cold water supply accordingly.
You select the temperature using the control, and the valve works to maintain it. If the supply of cold water drops, the valve can reduce the amount of hot water entering the shower to prevent the temperature from becoming too high.
If the cold-water supply is interrupted completely, the valve can shut off the water. This helps reduce the risk of scalding.
What are the benefits?
The main benefit is consistent temperature. You do not have to continually adjust the shower controls because the valve is designed to compensate for changes in the water supply.
Safety is another key benefit. Many thermostatic shower valves have a temperature limiter, which prevents the water from being turned above a set temperature without deliberately overriding the control.
This can be particularly useful in family bathrooms, helping to reduce the risk of accidentally running water that is too hot.
Thermostatic shower valves
Thermostatic technology can be used in different types of shower systems.
A concealed thermostatic valve sits behind the wall, with the controls visible. This can provide a more streamlined installation while keeping much of the pipework hidden.
An exposed thermostatic valve is installed on the wall and provides a simpler alternative. Thermostatic shower columns can also combine the valve, riser and shower head into one system.
The right option depends on the bathroom layout, existing plumbing and the type of shower required.
Thermostatic showering and water pressure
Water pressure can affect how a shower performs. When other taps, toilets or appliances are being used, the available water supply can change.
A thermostatic valve is designed to respond to these changes, helping to maintain the selected temperature rather than requiring manual adjustment.
This makes thermostatic showering a practical option for households where water demand can vary throughout the day.
Is a thermostatic shower worth considering?
For anyone looking for more consistent temperature control, a thermostatic shower can provide a number of practical benefits.
It can help maintain the selected temperature, respond to changes in water pressure and provide additional protection against excessively hot water.
The main difference from a standard shower valve is that the thermostatic system actively manages the water temperature rather than leaving the user to make adjustments whenever the supply changes.
Norcros plc (LON:NXR) is a leading B2B producer of branded bathroom and kitchen products for its UK, South African and selected export markets. The portfolio is characterised by strong individual brands, together providing product breadth and channel diversity from a strong supply chain base.
