Custom Shower Faucets
Wake up with the invigorating spray or wash away the stress of the day. Showers have become the place to pamper and refresh. A simple education on the components follow to help you design the shower of your dreams. We are here to help 866-380-0303.
Pressure Balance Shower Systems
Which Shower System is best for you?
Custom showers combine a number of water outlets (functions) for different therapeutic experiences. Driving the outlets are the valves (controls). The valves control the number of functions that can be used with them:
Shower only
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2 Valve shower can only run one function. One handle each to control the hot and cold water. This system does not meet codes in most states where requirements indicate anti-scald. |
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Pressure Balancing valves balance incoming hot and cold water pressure to compensate for fluctuations in water flow. If the cold water pressure decreases, the valve senses this and reduces the hot water pressure. (It will protect the user from drastic temperature changes should a toilet be flushed while showering.) A single handle is used to turn the valve on and to go from hot to cold. |
Shower + 1 Function
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3 valve shower system gives the choice between two functions. There is a handle for hot water, one for cold, and one to switch the water between the two functions. Mostly used for a tub & shower system, it can be installed to accommodate a hand shower and shower. This system does not meet codes in most states where requirements indicate anti-scald. |
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Pressure Balance control with a diverter has the same properties as the pressure balance valve listed above. With the addition of a diverter (small knob below the large one) user can choose between two functions. Often used as a tub shower combination faucet, this system can also be used with a shower head and hand held shower. Click here for more information on shower & hand shower combination. |
Shower + Multiple Functions
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Thermostatic valve allows users to select a favorite temperature and keep it there regardless of changes in the temperature of the hot or cold water supply. It has a sensor that reacts to changes in temperature caused by either pressure or inlet temperature changes. It allows for a higher water flow for multiple outlets: showerheads, body sprays, hand showers etc, as well as the ability to have multiple functions on at the same time. The valve sets the temperature, a stop valve is need to turn the water on. Thermostatic valves are available in 3/4" and 1/2", 3/4" will supply the largest volume of water. |
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A Stop Valve is traditionally needed to turn on each function. The custom shower pictured to the left has 3 stop valves - one each for the shower head, body spray and hand held shower. You choose the placement of the stop valves - above the thermostatic valve like pictured or near each water outlet. Stop valves are available in 3/4" and 1/2", 1/2" will supply the most pressure. |
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Thermostatic and stop valve are also available on one plate. This system operates one function but with the addition of separate stop valves, more functions are possible. |
Water Outlets - Shower Heads, Body Spray & Hand Showers
The number of outlets or functions possible depends on the maximum flow rate of the valve at the given water pressure. For example a California Faucet 3/4" Thermostatic valve has a flow rate of
19.8 gpm at 60 psi. Three body sprays at 2.5 gpm, a large shower head at 7.0 gpm and a hand shower 2.5 gpm would equal (3 x 2.5) + 7.0 + 2.5 =17gpm. The valve would easily handle the 5 outlets.
Shower Heads |
Usually above shoulder level, on the wall or ceiling. You will also need a shower arm and flange. |
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Multi-FunctionalThese shower heads have multiple spray effects |
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AdjustableChoose a wide soft spray or strong concentrated spray |
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Rain ShowersLarge volume shower heads |
Body Sprays |
Body sprays are usually installed in groups and are designed to spray the entire body. They are usually positioned at shoulder level, waste/hip and thigh/knee. |
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Different jets offer different features like pulsating, self-cleaning, adjustable volume or directionally adjustable. |
Hand Held Showers |
Also known as Personal Showers, hand showers can be mounted on a slide bar or bracket |
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Slide BarThe height is adjustable along the slide bar. Hand shower can also be removed from the slide bar. |
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BracketWater comes in to the hand shower hose via a wall elbow and the bracket hangs on the hook in the picture to the right. There is also a modes available that have the wall elbow and bracket are combined into one piece |
Tub Spout |
We do not have a separate page for tub spouts but they can be added to create a custom Thermostatic Tub & Shower System |
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Take a look at the spout that is pictured in the same series as the thermostatic valve chosen for ideas. |
Shopping For Your Custom Shower Next →
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to shop. Or if there are questions - give us a call 866-380-0303. Choose the style (looks) you like then add the functions.
Click here for Thermostatic Shower Selections
Click here for Pressure Balance Shower Selections
Bathroom Faucets
Manufacturer
Aquabrass | Aquadis | Artos | Cifial | California | Franz Viegener | Graff | Hastings | Huntington Brass | Jado | Porcher
Faucet Style
8" Faucets | 4" Faucets | Vessel Faucets | Wall Mount Faucets| Single Hole Faucets
Body Sprays | Rain Bars | Hand Showerheads
