Choosing a new shower should be the enjoyable part of planning a bathroom. Then the questions start. Will it work with your boiler? What does “thermostatic” actually mean? Is a rainfall head enough on its own? And will that beautiful valve deliver the shower you expect when it is fitted?
The good news is that you do not need to become a plumbing expert. You just need to make the decisions in the right order: check your water system, confirm the available pressure and flow, choose the shower type, then choose the controls, outlets and finish.
This Allbits Showers Guide takes you through each step. If you already know what you need, you can browse showers at Allbits while you read.
Quick answer: which shower should I choose?
| Your starting point | Shower types to investigate | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Combi boiler or unvented hot-water cylinder | Compatible mixer or digital shower; an electric shower can also be an option with a suitable cold mains and electrical installation | Hot-water flow, simultaneous use and the exact model's pressure requirements |
| Gravity-fed hot-water cylinder and cold-water storage tank | A mixer rated for the available pressure, or an appropriate pumped system or power shower | Actual pressure and flow, pump suitability and balanced supplies |
| Cold mains but no suitable hot-water supply at the shower | Electric shower | Cold mains pressure and flow, electrical capacity and professional installation |
| Replacing an existing shower | A compatible like-for-like model, or a carefully planned upgrade | Pipe centres, connections, wall openings, electrical requirements and spare-part availability |
These are starting points, not guarantees of compatibility. Your installer should check the particular shower against the actual system in your home.
Step 1: find out which water system you have
Your water system sets the limits for what your new shower can do. The three common arrangements are:
Combination boiler
A combi boiler heats domestic hot water as you use it, without a separate hot-water cylinder. A compatible mixer shower is a popular choice, but performance depends on the boiler and the available mains flow. If another outlet is running, the shower may have less hot water available. A thermostatic control can help manage temperature changes within its operating range; it cannot create extra hot-water capacity.
Unvented hot-water cylinder
An unvented cylinder stores hot water and is supplied from the mains. It can support a good mixer-shower experience when the cylinder, incoming supply and pipework are suitably sized. Check what happens when several outlets are used together.
Gravity-fed system
A traditional arrangement has a cold-water storage tank, often in the loft, and a hot-water cylinder. Its available pressure depends partly on the height difference between the stored water and the shower outlet. Some showers are designed for lower pressures; others may need an appropriately designed pump. Do not assume that fitting a larger shower head will improve a weak supply.
Not sure which system you have? Ask your plumber or installer to identify it and measure the available pressure and flow before you choose a shower. The manufacturer's minimum running-pressure and flow requirements matter more than a general label such as “suitable for most systems.”
Step 2: understand the main shower types
Mixer showers
A mixer shower combines the home's hot and cold water supplies. Mixer showers come in exposed and concealed designs, with manual or thermostatic controls and a range of head and handset arrangements.
The appeal is choice: a straightforward bar mixer with a rail kit, a concealed valve and fixed head, or a two-outlet arrangement with both an overhead shower and a handset. Its performance, however, is limited by the water supplied to it. Explore Allbits shower sets and shower valves.
Electric showers
An electric shower takes cold water from the mains and heats it as it passes through the unit. It can be useful when you want showering hot water independently of the home's stored hot-water supply. Its potential flow depends on factors including its power rating, the incoming water temperature and the available cold-water supply; a higher kW rating also places greater demands on the electrical installation.
If you are changing an existing electric shower, do not assume you can simply swap an 8.5 kW unit for a higher-rated one. Have the electrical circuit, water supply and installation requirements checked by a qualified professional.
Power showers and pumped systems
A power shower mixes stored hot and cold water and uses a pump to increase the flow. It is generally intended for an appropriate low-pressure, gravity-fed system. It is not the same thing as an electric shower, and a typical power shower is not suitable for a combi boiler. A separate, correctly specified shower pump can also be used with certain mixer installations. Pump selection and installation need professional assessment.
Digital showers
“Digital” describes the controls, not necessarily the water-heating method. A digital mixer commonly blends hot and cold water in a separate unit and lets you operate it through an electronic controller. Features vary by model and may include temperature presets or remote start. Check whether a particular model is intended for your water system and whether there is suitable space for its processing unit.
Shower towers and columns
A shower tower or column groups several showering features into one visible unit. Depending on the model, this might include a fixed overhead head, handset, body jets or a waterfall outlet. Most of the shower towers and columns at Allbits are thermostatic mixer systems: they need suitable hot and cold supplies and must meet the particular model's pressure and flow requirements. The tower shape does not make it an electric or pumped shower.
Check the column's overall height, projection, fixing surface, outlet controls and service access as well as its appearance. Features such as body jets can make adequate flow especially important. The required minimum pressure varies by model, so compare the exact specification with your measured supply before ordering.
Step 3: manual or thermostatic controls?
A manual mixer lets you adjust the hot and cold mix directly. It can be a simple solution where the supplies and household use make it suitable. See manual showers at Allbits.
A thermostatic mixer is designed to respond to changes in the incoming water conditions and help maintain the selected temperature within the product's operating limits. Many models also have a temperature stop. This makes thermostatic controls particularly attractive in a busy family bathroom, but you still need to check the model's specifications and have it installed and set up correctly.
Do not confuse thermostatic with high pressure. A thermostatic valve controls temperature; it does not boost the water supply. If pressure is the concern, diagnose that separately before choosing the valve.
Step 4: exposed or concealed?
An exposed shower keeps the valve and its connections visible on the finished wall. Bar mixers and riser kits can be practical choices for a replacement, particularly when the existing pipe positions suit the new model. Check the required pipe centres and wall fixings rather than assuming every bar valve is interchangeable.
A concealed shower hides much of the valve and pipework behind the wall, leaving the controls and outlets visible. It creates a clean look and offers flexible positioning, but you need adequate wall depth, a sensible route for the pipework and a plan for future access and servicing. Discuss these points before tiling begins.
Neither appearance tells you how many outlets the valve can operate. Confirm the outlet configuration on the exact product before buying.
Step 5: choose the heads and outlets you will actually use
Fixed overhead shower
A ceiling- or wall-mounted fixed head creates a spacious showering feel. A large rainfall head looks wonderful, but its performance depends on adequate flow at the shower, not simply on its diameter. Check the maker's required flow and the space available above your head.
Handset on a rail
An adjustable handset is useful for different heights, rinsing hair, cleaning the enclosure and showering without wetting your head. It can be the most practical single outlet in a family bathroom. Browse shower rail kits.
Fixed head plus handset
This is a flexible combination, provided the valve and supply are specified for the way you intend to use it. Some controls switch between outlets; others can run more than one at once. Two heads running simultaneously need enough flow, so check the valve and supply rather than relying on a product photo.
You can also browse shower heads at Allbits if you are updating part of an existing installation. Confirm connection and system compatibility before ordering a replacement.
Step 6: match the shower to the room
Think beyond the valve itself:
- Shower area: Is there room for the fixed head and handset without spraying beyond the enclosure?
- Towers and columns: Would an integrated unit suit the wall and shower space, and can the supply support its outlets?
- Users: Would an adjustable handset or easy-to-grip controls make daily use easier?
- Cleaning: How accessible are the head, hose and controls for descaling and maintenance?
- Finish: Match the shower to the taps and other visible fittings, allowing for differences between manufacturers' finish names.
- Future repairs: Can the valve be serviced and are replacement parts identifiable?
Choosing the shower area at the same time? Read The Complete Shower Enclosure Buying Guide and How to Choose the Right Shower Tray.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on looks alone. Confirm water-system compatibility and the product's minimum operating requirements first.
- Treating pressure and flow as the same thing. A pressure reading alone does not tell you how much water the shower can deliver while running.
- Expecting a thermostatic valve to increase flow. Temperature control and water delivery are different jobs.
- Buying a very large head for a limited supply. Check the head and valve requirements together.
- Assuming two outlets run at the same time. Check how the diverter or valve actually works.
- Overlooking replacement dimensions. Pipe centres, tile openings, connection positions and available wall depth can affect the work needed.
- Upgrading an electric shower by kW without an electrical check. The existing circuit may not support the proposed unit.
Before you buy: the Allbits shower checklist
- Identify the home's hot- and cold-water system.
- Have the available running pressure and flow checked at the proposed shower position.
- Confirm the exact shower model is compatible with that system.
- Decide between a manual or thermostatic control.
- Decide whether the valve will be exposed or concealed.
- Choose the number of outlets and how they must operate.
- If choosing a tower or column, check its dimensions, fixing details, pressure and flow requirements.
- Check the requirements of any fixed or rainfall head.
- Measure the showering space and plan the outlet positions.
- Check existing pipe positions and wall construction if replacing a shower.
- Check access, maintenance, warranty and replacement parts.
- Discuss installation with a suitably qualified professional before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mixer shower and an electric shower?
A mixer uses the home's hot and cold water supplies. An electric shower heats incoming cold mains water within the shower unit and also needs a suitable electrical installation. The best choice depends on the available water system, desired performance and installation.
Is a thermostatic shower better for a family bathroom?
A compatible thermostatic mixer is often a sensible choice because it is designed to help keep the selected temperature steady when supply conditions change. Check its operating range and temperature-stop settings, and make sure it is fitted and commissioned correctly.
Will a rainfall shower head work with low water pressure?
It depends on the particular head, valve and actual flow available. A large head cannot make more water than the system can supply. Check the product's requirements and ask your installer to assess performance before buying.
Can I have a fixed head and a handset?
Yes, with a suitable valve and plumbing arrangement. Decide whether you want to switch between the outlets or use both together, then check that the product and water supply support your preference.
Do I need a shower pump?
Some low-pressure gravity-fed systems may benefit from a correctly specified pumped arrangement. Pumps are not a universal fix and are not selected in the same way for every water system. Have the complete installation assessed first.
Can I replace my existing shower with any new model?
Not always. Even similar-looking showers can differ in their pipe spacing, connections, operating requirements and electrical needs. Check the existing installation and the proposed replacement before ordering.
Ready to choose?
Start with your water system and the way your household uses the shower. Once you know what the supply can support, it becomes much easier to choose a valve, head and finish you will enjoy every day.
Explore the Allbits showers collection, or contact Allbits with the details of your current setup if you would like help narrowing down the options.