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Are you looking to upgrade your bathroom with a new shower? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect shower for your Australian bathroom.
From understanding the different types of showers available to considering important factors like bathroom layout, plumbing requirements, and water efficiency, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious spa-like experience or simply looking for a functional and efficient shower, read on to discover how to select the ideal shower for your home.
When selecting the perfect shower for your bathroom, it’s essential to understand the various types available in the Australian market. The most common shower types found in Australian bathrooms include framed shower screens, frameless shower screens, walk-in showers, and over-bath showers.
Framed shower screens are a popular choice due to their affordability and durability. These screens feature a metal frame, usually aluminium, providing structural support and a clean, classic look. Framed screens are easy to maintain and can be customised with various glass options, such as clear, frosted, or patterned glass.
Frameless shower screens, on the other hand, offer a sleek and modern aesthetic. These screens lack a visible metal frame, creating an open and spacious feel in the bathroom. Frameless screens are made of thick, tempered glass, which is more durable and less prone to chipping or shattering than regular glass.
While they are more expensive than framed screens, frameless screens are popular for contemporary bathroom designs.
Walk-in showers are another trendy option in Australian bathrooms. These showers feature an open design without a door or curtain, creating a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom.
Walk-in showers are ideal for larger bathrooms and can be customised with various tile options, built-in shelves, and dual showerheads. However, they may require more thorough waterproofing and drainage considerations during installation.
These setups feature a showerhead and curtain or screen installed above a bathtub, allowing for both showering and bathing options in one area. Overbath showers are cost-effective and versatile, making them popular in many Australian homes.
Choosing the perfect showerhead all boils down to your personal preferences. If you dream of a luxurious, spa-like experience, a rain showerhead is the way to go. These overhead marvels provide a gentle, full-coverage spray that feels like a soothing rainfall.
For those who prioritise flexibility and convenience, handheld showerheads are a fantastic choice. They allow you to direct the water flow exactly where you need it. Can’t decide between the two? Combination showerheads offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to switch between a rain shower and a handheld option whenever you please.
Of course, no matter which type of showerhead you choose, water pressure is the key to a satisfying shower experience. Look for showerheads designed to optimise pressure, and make sure your home’s plumbing can support your desired flow rate. Thermostatic mixing valves are another essential component, maintaining a constant water temperature throughout your shower and reducing the risk of scalding – a crucial consideration for households with children or elderly family members.
You must decide between classic, cost-effective framed enclosures or modern, open-feel frameless options for shower enclosures. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s compatible with your shower type and properly sealed to keep water where it belongs.
Finally, don’t forget about the little extras that can take your shower from good to great. Built-in shelving or niches provide convenient storage for your shower essentials, while non-slip flooring adds an extra layer of safety. If your household has members of varying heights, an adjustable showerhead can be a game-changer, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable shower experience.
Choosing the perfect shower for your bathroom involves more than picking a style you like. Several key factors must be remembered to ensure your new shower looks great and functions seamlessly within your space.
First and foremost, consider your bathroom’s size and layout. A spacious walk-in shower might be your dream, but a smaller bathroom might be better with a more compact over-bath shower or a framed shower screen.
Next, consider your design preferences and budget. Are you drawn to sleek, modern lines or prefer a more traditional look? Frameless shower screens and custom tiling can create a luxurious, high-end feel, but they also have a higher price tag. Framed screens and prefabricated shower kits, on the other hand, can be more budget-friendly while still offering plenty of style options.
Finally, remember to consider the needs and preferences of everyone who will be using the shower. If you have young children or elderly family members, features like handheld showerheads, non-slip flooring, and thermostatic mixing valves can make showering safer and more comfortable for everyone.
The layout and design of your bathroom are significant in determining which type of shower will work best for your space. If you’re working with a smaller bathroom, you’ll want to choose a shower that maximises space efficiency.
A corner or over-bath can be great options, as they take up less floor space than a full walk-in shower.
If you have a larger bathroom, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of shower size and placement. However, it’s still important to consider the overall flow and functionality of the space. Think about how the shower will relate to other bathroom fixtures like the vanity, toilet, and bathtub.
You’ll also want to ensure enough clearance space around the shower for comfortable movement and that the shower door or screen can open and close without obstruction.
Your shower should complement your bathroom’s overall aesthetic in terms of design. A frameless glass shower screen can enhance the sleek, streamlined look if you have a modern, minimalist bathroom. A framed shower screen or a tiled walk-in shower with a decorative border might be more appropriate if your bathroom is more traditional or classic.
Before you fall in love with a particular shower design, it’s crucial to consider the plumbing and installation requirements. Your chosen shower must be compatible with your home’s existing plumbing system, including the water pressure, pipe size, and drainage setup.
You can use the same plumbing connections if you’re replacing an existing shower. Still, if you’re adding a new shower or moving its location, you’ll likely need to modify your plumbing system. This can involve rerouting pipes, installing new water lines, and ensuring proper drainage.
It’s also essential to ensure your shower is installed correctly to prevent leaks and water damage. Proper waterproofing and sealing are crucial, especially for tiled showers or those with glass enclosures. Unless you have extensive plumbing and tiling experience, it’s best to hire a professional plumber and bathroom renovator to handle the installation process.
As we become increasingly aware of the importance of water conservation, many Australian homeowners are looking for ways to make their bathrooms more eco-friendly. Consider options that can help reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance when choosing a shower.
One simple way to conserve water is to choose a low-flow showerhead. These showerheads are designed to use less water than traditional models while still providing a satisfying shower experience. Look for showerheads with a flow rate of 9.5 litres per minute (LPM) or less, as this is Australia’s current standard for water efficiency.
Another option to consider is a water-saving shower system. These systems typically include a showerhead, a handheld shower, and a thermostatic mixing valve that allows you to preset your desired water temperature. Some models even have a “pause” function that allows you to temporarily stop the water flow while you lather up, helping to conserve even more water.
If you’re undertaking a complete bathroom renovation, you may also want to consider installing a greywater system. These systems capture and filter water from your shower (and other sources like your bathroom sink) and reuse it for non-potable purposes like flushing your toilet or watering your garden.
In Australia, greywater systems must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1546.3:2008 to ensure safe and efficient operation.
With so many factors to consider, choosing the right shower for your bathroom can feel overwhelming. That’s where the experts at Gold Coast Plumbing Company come in. Our team of experienced plumbers and bathroom renovators can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the perfect shower for your space to ensuring a flawless installation.
We’ll start by assessing your bathroom layout, design preferences, and functional requirements to recommend shower options that work best for your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious, spa-like shower experience or a simple, budget-friendly update, we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
Once you’ve selected your new shower, our skilled technicians will handle every aspect of the installation process. We’ll ensure that your shower is properly connected to your plumbing system, thoroughly waterproofed and sealed, and installed with the utmost attention to detail. We’ll also provide you with maintenance tips and advice to keep your new shower looking and functioning its best for years to come.
At Gold Coast Plumbing Company, we’re committed to helping our clients create bathrooms that are as beautiful as they are functional. If you’re ready to upgrade your shower and transform your bathroom, give us a call or send us an email today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, provide a detailed quote, and schedule a consultation at your convenience. Let us help you turn your dream bathroom into a reality!
