Modern bathrooms often have a wall shower. Also known as a fixed or built-in shower, it is a popular feature. The showerhead is mounted to the wall and controls are provided for changing water flow and temperature. The styles of wall showers range from the simple and functional, to the luxurious and spa like. This essay will examine the benefits, history, and design of wall showers. We will also discuss installation and maintenance.
History of Wall Showers
Showers date back to ancient civilizations when people cleansed themselves in various ways, such as bathing in lakes or rivers, or by using water containers. Ancient Greeks and Romans were credited with the creation of indoor plumbing systems that included primitive showers. Early showers were made up of simple spouts and pipes that provided water for bathing.
As plumbing technology improved, more advanced shower systems were developed. As indoor plumbing became more common in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, showers started to look like the fixtures that we know today. These early showers, however, were usually standalone units that were separate from the rest the bathroom.
Built-in showers were not popular until the middle of the 20th century. As bathroom design evolved over the years, architects and designers started incorporating showers into walls to create a sleek, integrated look. The modern wall shower was born.
Components and Design
The typical wall shower is composed of a few key components.
- Showerhead: A showerhead is a part that distributes water. Showerheads can be fixed or handheld. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some showerheads have additional features, such as massage jets or rain effects.
- Controls: The controls of a wall-mounted shower allow you to control the temperature and flow. The controls for a wall shower are typically located on a trim plate or panel mounted to the wall. They can be simple knobs or levers.
- Valve: The valves regulate the flow of the water to the showerhead. Valve types include thermostatic valves that maintain a constant temperature of the water, and pressure-balancing vales which prevent fluctuations in pressure.
- Pipe: piping carries water to the showerhead from the plumbing system. The piping in a wall-mounted shower is usually hidden behind the walls to create a seamless and clean look.
- Trims and Finishes: A wall shower’s trims and finishes can vary depending on your style and design preference. Materials include stainless steel, brass, chrome, brushed-nickel, and stainless steel. Finishes range from matte to polished.
- Accessories: Accessory such as shelves and soap dishes can be added in order to improve the convenience and functionality of the shower.
Benefits and Functionality
The wall showers have several advantages over the other types of showers.
- Save space: Wall showers take up less room than standalone units because they are built into a wall. This makes them perfect for bathrooms with limited space or small bathrooms.
- Aesthetic appeal: Wall Showers create a modern and sleek look for the bathroom.
- Customization: Wall Showers are available in many styles and designs. This allows homeowners to customize the shower according to their preferences and tastes.
- Ease in cleaning: The wall showers are much easier to clean than the standalone units because there are no gaps and seams that dirt can accumulate.
- Accessibility : Wall Showers can be designed with grab bars and benches to make them accessible to those with mobility issues.
- Luxury Features: Many showers come with additional features like LED lighting and speakers. They can also be equipped with steam.
- Increased value of home: Upgrade to a wall-mounted shower can make your home more appealing to buyers.
Installation Considerations
There are many factors to take into consideration when installing a wall-mounted shower:
- Plumbing Requirements: In order to install a wall shower, it is necessary to have access to the existing plumbing system.
- Waterproofing: Proper waterproofing is important to prevent leaks. Installing a waterproof membrane and waterproof caulk and grout behind the shower wall is one way to do this.
- Support Structure: The wall showers should be firmly anchored into the wall studs in order to support their weight and to prevent them from pulling off the wall with time.
- Drainage: It is important to have a drainage system that will ensure water drains away from the shower and doesn’t pool on the ground. Installing a linear or sloped drain may be necessary.
- Ventilation: Adequate air circulation is essential to avoid mold and mildew in the shower. Installing a ventilation system or opening the window will allow steam to escape.
- Accessibility: If a member of your family has mobility issues, you may want to consider adding features like grab bars, benches, and handheld showerheads.
Maintenance & Care
Follow these tips to maintain your wall shower.
- Clean regularly: Wipe the shower walls and fixtures as well as glass panels or doors down regularly to avoid soap scum.
- Unclog drains: Use a drain snake or a plunger to unclog any drain clogs.
- Check the showerhead for leaks: Inspect the valves and piping periodically for signs of leaks and fix any leaks immediately to prevent water damage.
- Replace worn out parts: Over the years, shower parts such as the valves or seals may need to be changed. Watch for signs of wear, and replace worn parts if necessary.
- Seal the grout: When your shower is tiled, you should seal the grout on a regular basis to prevent water seeping in and causing wall damage.
- Maintain ventilation: Keep your bathroom well ventilated to prevent mildew and mold growth. You can use a ventilation system to remove moisture from the air during and after a shower.
Conclusion
Wall showers are popular in modern bathrooms because of their attractive design, space-saving features, and customizability. There is a wall-mounted shower for every budget and taste. You can relax and rejuvenate in your personal oasis for years by carefully planning the installation and maintaining it.
