The primary difference between a digital shower and an electric shower is in the control system. A digital shower has an advanced control system, usually featuring a wall mounted controller, and allows the user to easily select their showering preferences and control temperature, flow rate and time settings.
Electric showers, on the other hand, have a more basic control system, usually featuring a simple flow dial, and are unable to provide a range of settings such as temperature. Additionally, digital showers use less water and electricity than an electric shower, as the thermostatic temperature control system allows the shower to maintain a steady temperature, whilst the electric shower needs to continually heat water to the desired temperature.
Furthermore, most digital showers are more aesthetically pleasing than electric showers, as the wall-mounted digital controller tends to blend in with the surrounding fittings and can be customised to match bathroom decoration.
Are digital showers pumped?
Yes, digital showers are typically pumped, as they require the use of a motor to power the shower valve and other features. A digital shower is plumbed into the mains water supply, but needs a separate pump to increase the water pressure.
The pump is connected to the mains supply, usually in the loft or underground, and is typically installed alongside the shower. High-pressure digital showers require a more powerful pump, so care should be taken to ensure that the correct power of pump is used for your shower.
What are the different types of shower systems?
When it comes to shower systems, there are a variety of different types from which to choose. Here are some of the most popular shower systems on the market today:
1. Wall-Mounted Shower System: This is a popular option and usually consists of a shower head, hand-held shower wand, valves, and other components. This type of system is typically mounted on the wall and allows for greater flexibility in design.
2. Ceiling-Mounted Shower System: This system is similar to the wall-mounted system, but it is installed in the ceiling and provides the ability to adjust the height of the shower head. This system is ideal for those who want to maximize their shower space.
3. Combo Shower System: This type of system includes a combination of a shower head, hand-held shower wand, rainhead, and body sprays. This system offers a versatile design and can be customized to fit any home.
4. Thermostatically Controlled Shower System: This type of system is ideal for those who want to control the temperature of the water while also controlling the flow and pressure. These systems usually have their own controller that works with either a concealed or exposed mixing valve.
5. Digital Shower System: This type of shower system is designed for those who want to use their smart devices to control their shower settings. They usually come with their own shower head and hand unit and allow for connected app control for more personalized settings.
Can I have a digital shower with a combi boiler?
Yes, you can have a digital shower with a combi boiler. A combi boiler is a type of boiler that can supply both your hot water and central heating, meaning it’s an efficient and convenient solution for modern homes with limited space.
Digital showers are thermostatic showers that are electronically controlled and managed with a digital display or controller. They are designed to ensure a consistent and perfect temperature, giving you the perfect shower experience.
When considering a digital shower with a combi boiler, it is important to select the right size boiler and shower combination. It is recommended to install the maximum flow rate of hot water boiler in your home to ensure that you get the best performance out of your digital shower.
Additionally, you will need to install a local isolation valve and pressure-balancing valve to ensure that the pressure and temperature are balanced correctly between your hot and cold water supply. It is also important to hire a professional plumber to carry out the installation safely and correctly.
What are the advantages of a digital shower?
One advantage is greater user control over the water flow and temperature. With a digital shower, you can easily adjust the flow pressure and temperature of your shower using wireless controls. This allows you to find the perfect temperature and pressure for a truly enjoyable and relaxing shower.
Additionally, you can use many digital showers to limit the water consumption in your shower. Smart shower heads feature two-way communication technology that can detect when you enter and exit the shower and “learn” your desired shower preferences.
This allows you to save both water and energy by only using the amount of water you need for a comfortable experience.
Lastly, digital showers offer convenience and flexibility. Most digital showers include features such as the ability to preheat your shower water before you enter the shower. This allows you to get in and out of the shower quickly, while still enjoying a warm, comforting showering experience.
Additionally, some digital showers can also be programmed with personalized settings and even have lighting options, making it easy to find the perfect shower every time.
Do you need a special shower for a combi boiler?
No, you don’t need a special shower for a combi boiler. Combi boilers are designed to heat water on demand and deliver it directly to the tap, which means you can use any type of shower with them, including mixer showers, electric showers and digital showers.
However, if you’re installing a new combi boiler, it’s important to ensure that it’s the correct size for your property and the number of showers you plan to install. It’s also important that your pipework is up to standard and meets the requirements for the system you install, so it’s always best to speak to a qualified technician before ordering a combi boiler.
Will my Aqualisa shower work with a combi boiler?
Yes, an Aqualisa shower should work with a combi boiler. Combi boilers are now the most popular type of boiler used in households, as they provide both hot water and central heating from the same unit.
Combi boilers are highly efficient and easy to install, and are generally compatible with most electric showers. The Aqualisa range of showers is designed for use with combi boilers, allowing for effortless installation and peace of mind that the shower is suitable for use with the setup of your home.
It is important to check the details of your individual shower, as Aqualisa do make models more suitable for different types of boilers. Depending on the power of your combi boiler, you may additionally need to check details such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
Can you replace an electric shower with a thermostatic shower?
Yes, you can replace an electric shower with a thermostatic shower. Both types of showers supply hot water from your existing hot water system, however thermostatic showers are often considered safer and more comfortable, because they are able to dynamically regulate the water temperature.
This means that the water won’t suddenly change temperature as somebody else in your home turns on a tap or flushes the toilet.
To replace an electric shower with a thermostatic shower, you’ll need to replace all the pipework, and make sure the water supply and outlet pipe is the correct size and type for the thermostatic shower, such as a 15mm or 22mm bore.
A written warranty must also be provided with the shower, and it should be installed by a qualified plumber who is registered with the Gas Safe Register. You’ll also need to make sure that any existing electric shower cabling is turned off from the mains.
Is there a smart shower?
Yes, there are a variety of smart showers available on the market. Smart showers are equipped with the latest technology to offer a luxurious and efficient showering experience. Some features of a smart shower include customizable shower settings, water temperature control, and personalized settings.
With smart technology, it’s possible to optimise the shower experience for each user. Smart showers also often come with automated features, such as scheduling and self-cleaning components. This allows for greater convenience and peace of mind when it comes to showering.
Additionally, Smart showers often come with additional features such as music, lighting, and aromatherapy, which can transform your showering experience. Smart showers provide convenience, efficiency, and luxury to the showering experience.
Can Alexa turn on my shower?
No, Alexa cannot turn on your shower. Alexa is designed to provide voice interaction with intelligent personal assistant capabilities. Alexa cannot physically turn on your shower. You will need to get a shower system that is compatible with Alexa and has capabilities that adequately fit the task of turning your shower on.
Such systems may even include automatic temperature regulation and other functions that Alexa can control.
How much does it cost to install a digital shower?
The cost of installing a digital shower will depend on a few factors such as the type of digital shower you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the number of plumbers you hire for the job.
If you purchase a mid-range digital shower, you can expect to pay around £500 for the shower, plus an additional £500 for the installation. If you choose a more expensive digital shower, you may pay upwards of £1000 for the shower unit alone, and then additional costs for the installation.
The complexity of the installation will also affect the overall cost of the job. If the plumbing is simple, the installation may not take very long and therefore the cost may not be that high. However, if the existing plumbing is more complex or requires more work, the installation could take quite some time and therefore cost more.
Lastly, the number of plumbers you hire will affect the cost of the installation as well. If you hire one plumber, the cost may be between £200 and £400. If you hire two plumbers, the cost may come to around £400 to £600.
In total, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1000 to £2000 for a digital shower, depending on the cost of the shower unit, the installation cost, and the number of plumbers you hire.
How do I know which type of shower valve I have?
When trying to identify the type of shower valve you have, the first step is to remove the cover plate. This is typically the easiest way to access the valve and inspect it. Once the cover plate is removed, look for either a single handle or two separate handles.
This should allow you to identify which type of valve you have – single handle or two handle. Additional features of the valve such as the style or finish can also be used to help identify the type of valve.
If you are still uncertain of the type of valve you have after looking at the controls, you can always take a picture of the valve and take it to a home improvement store for further assistance.
Can I replace a shower valve myself?
Yes, you can replace a shower valve yourself if you have the right tools and understand how to do the steps involved. To replace a shower valve, you should first turn off the water to the shower and drain the pipes.
Then using pliers and an adjustable wrench, you should remove the old shower valve. Depending on the type of shower valve you have, you may also have to remove the old trim plate. Next, you should clean the area to ensure that there are no contaminants, such as dirt, debris, and old sealant, then unscrew the escutcheon and stem.
To install the new shower valve, you should attach the new stem and escutcheon with the new valve before securing it in place with the provided mounting nuts. You should then apply a pipe thread sealant to the threads of the new valve and secure it with the mounting nuts before screwing on the new trim plate.
Once the new shower valve is installed, you should perform a test to ensure the water is draining properly and the handle is securely in place.
How often do you replace shower cartridge?
The frequency of replacing your shower cartridge depends on the type of shower cartridge you have and the amount of use it gets. Generally speaking, you should plan to replace your shower cartridge every 8-10 years if it is of average quality and sees a moderate amount of use.
This time frame can vary depending on the quality of the cartridge and the frequency of use. For example, if you have a higher quality shower cartridge, you may be able to extend this time frame a bit longer; if you have a lower quality cartridge, it may need to be replaced sooner.
Additionally, if your shower gets a very high level of use, you may need to replace it more often than once every 8-10 years.
How do I know if my shower cartridge is bad?
If you suspect that your shower cartridge might be bad, then there are a few key indicators that will help you figure out if it is indeed in need of replacing.
First, you should check for any leaks coming from the cartridge. If the cartridge is worn or damaged, then it may no longer be providing an airtight seal and water may be leaking from it. You should also take a look at the handle to make sure that it is firmly connected to the cartridge, as any gaps between the handle and the cartridge can also result in leaking.
In addition, you should check the movement of the handle as well. If the handle feels loose and is not moving smoothly, this could be a sign of a damaged or worn out cartridge. Finally, if water is coming out too quickly or too slowly, then this could be the result of the cartridge not being able to adjust the water volume properly.
If you suspect that your cartridge might be bad, then it is best to contact a professional or replace it yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. This can help you avoid any further issues and keep your shower running smoothly.
