Thinking about a new shower but not sure what a thermostatic shower is or how it works? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about thermostatic showers, so you can decide if they’re a good fit for your bathroom.
What is a Thermostatic Shower?
A thermostatic shower is a type of mixer shower that keeps water at a consistent, pre-set temperature while you shower. It uses a thermostatic valve to mix hot and cold water, and it adjusts automatically if the temperature or pressure changes.
This means if someone turns on a tap or flushes a toilet, the shower reacts straight away so you don’t get hit with sudden hot or cold spikes of water!
Difference Between Thermostatic and Mixer Showers
The main difference between a thermostatic and a standard mixer shower is how they handle changes in water pressure. A standard mixer shower simply blends hot and cold water but doesn’t adjust if something changes, which can lead to sudden hot or cold bursts. A thermostatic shower automatically adjusts to keep the temperature steady.
Differences Between Thermostatic and Electric Showers
Water supply is the first big difference.
A thermostatic shower connects to both your hot and cold water pipes and depends on your home’s hot water system, such as a combi boiler. An electric shower only needs a cold water feed because it heats the water itself as it flows through the unit.
Temperature control is another key difference.
With a thermostatic shower, you set the temperature once and it stays steady throughout, even if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the house. Electric showers can be more sensitive to changes in water pressure, which sometimes causes the temperature to shift.
Installation is usually simpler with electric showers.
Since they only need a cold water supply, electric showers are often quicker and easier to install. Thermostatic showers may require more plumbing work, particularly if you’re changing from an electric setup or your current pipework isn’t compatible.
How Does a Thermostatic Shower Work?
Thermostatic showers use a special valve that constantly reacts to changes in water temperature and pressure. Instead of you having to adjust anything, the shower does it for you in real time.
Here’s how the main parts work:
Thermostatic Valve
This is the core of the system. It blends hot and cold water and reacts instantly if either supply changes, keeping the temperature steady.
Piston and Spring
Inside the valve, a piston moves when pressure changes. A spring helps it shift back into place, so the right mix of hot and cold is always maintained.
Temperature Control
You choose the temperature with a dial or handle, which is usually marked with clear temperature settings. Just turn it to your preferred level - once set, the shower will hold that temperature throughout your shower.
Automatic Safety Stop
If the cold water supply fails, the valve shuts off the flow to prevent scalding. Most models include this feature as standard.
Pros and Cons of Thermostatic Showers
| Pros | Cons |
|
Consistent Temperature No unexpected cold spikes and simple controls make showering more enjoyable. |
Higher Purchase Price The initial cost to buy is slightly more expensive compared to electric showers. |
|
Safe Showering No risk of scalding is good for young children. Many models have automatic shut-off feature. |
More Expensive to Install Installation may be complex if your current plumbing needs adjustments. |
|
Energy Efficient Use less energy as the consistent temperature means less waiting for water to heat or cool. |
Maintenance Requirements Hard water can erode the valve, so a water softener may be needed. |
Is a Thermostatic Shower Worth It?
Thermostatic showers are always a popular choice with customers who visit our bathroom showrooms, mainly for their safety and reliability. We think they’re worth the investment, but every home is different.
Here are a few things to think about before making your decision:
Who's using the shower?
If you’ve got young children, elderly relatives, or people with mobility issues, the built-in safety features can make a big difference.
What heating system do you have?
Thermostatic showers work well with combi boilers and stored hot water systems, as long as the water pressure is strong and consistent. They’re a common choice in modern homes across Northern Ireland that use a combi setup.
What’s your current setup?
Swapping from an electric shower might mean extra plumbing work. If you already have a mixer setup, the switch can be more straightforward.
Do long-term savings matter to you?
Thermostatic showers can help cut down on wasted water and energy, which might save you money over time. That said, they do cost more to buy and install upfront.
Are you upgrading for resale or rental?
A well-designed bathroom with a quality shower can add appeal and value to your property. If you’re planning to sell or rent, it might be worth the extra spend.
How to Choose a Thermostatic Shower
When choosing a thermostatic shower, one of the first decisions is which configuration to go with - either an exposed or concealed setup.
Exposed thermostatic showers are mounted on the wall, with the controls and pipework visible. They’re usually quicker to install and a good option if you're updating an existing bathroom without changing the tiles.
Concealed thermostatic showers are built into the wall, with only the controls and shower head on show. They give a cleaner, more modern finish, but take more planning, so are more suitable for full bathroom renovations or if you’re starting from scratch in a new build.
Once you’ve chosen the style, consider how the shower will be used:
- For family bathrooms, a dual setup with both a fixed head and a handheld is often the most practical for kids, pets, or cleaning.
- In small bathrooms, a simple handheld shower or slimline exposed unit works well without taking up too much room.
- If you’re after a more luxurious feel, a rainfall head with separate flow and temperature controls gives you more control.
- If ease of use is important (for example, for elderly users) a single dial may be simpler and more intuitive.
Get Advice from Our Bathroom Experts
As we’ve covered, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right thermostatic shower! If you’re not sure what will work with your current setup, our team can help you choose something that suits your space and your budget.
Book a free, no-obligation bathroom consultation, and pop down to one of our bathroom showrooms to get a feel for thermostatic showers in person.