Custom Shower System Buying Guide

What is a Custom Shower System?

It is not difficult to imagine the benefits of being surrounded by soothing jets of warm water. If the contortions and calisthenics of trying to wash under a conventional showerhead are no longer appealing to you, then a Custom Shower System is the answer.

A Custom Shower is a shower system that you have the freedom to design. The system brings together traditional accessories like a showerhead or handheld shower, with a collection of smaller, wall mounted body sprays. The number and placement of the body sprays depend on the size of your shower chamber and your personal preference.

Your Custom Shower System, however, is more than simply a standard shower with additional body sprays. It is truly an integrated shower system. It requires valves specifically engineered to control water temperature and pressure, and a special diverter valve to direct the flow of water to the additional shower devices in the system.

Your Custom Shower System can be a modest affair that features two body sprays on the wall below your existing showerhead. Your shower chamber can also be customized into a complete “surround shower” experience as multiple body sprays, front and back, operate in concert with a full range of other shower accessories.

Custom Shower Systems Typically Include the Following Components:

Shower Diverter Valve

The Shower Diverter valve determines where the water will be “diverted” or, simply put, where the water will come out. Unlike a conventional tub & shower diverter, shower diverters typically offer offers eight setting options. This allows you to direct the water to individual devices such as the body sprays or the showerhead alone. The Diverter also allows you to operate a combination of devices. For example, body sprays and handheld shower together or the showerhead, body sprays and handheld shower at the same time.
                                                                                                                       

Thermostatic Valve

The heart of a Custom Shower is a Thermostatic valve. You will love the ability to set the temperature handle and know that each time you start your shower the water will return to your temperature setting. The valve will also maintain your water temperature setting during operation, regardless of changes in your system’s water pressure or changes in the temperature of the water entering the valve.

A great example is the new Danze Thermostatic valve which offers a separate volume control handle that allows you to easily turn the water on and off. Like all Danze shower valves, it features scald prevention technology which allows you to limit the highest water temperature allowed in the shower.
                                                                                                                       

Body Sprays

The most obvious component of a new Custom Shower installation is the wall mounted body spray. Most Body Sprays are adjustable so you can aim the water to where it will do the most good. Many body sprays are also packaged in pairs. The body sprays can be arranged in whichever pattern suits your needs best.
                                                         

Showerheads and Handheld Showers

Many manufacturers offer hundreds of showerheads, shower arms and handheld showers in a wide range of decorative finishes. Truly, your new Custom Shower can be customized to reflect your tastes and your style.
                                                         

Custom Shower Installation Considerations

The sum total of all flow rates (showerheads, hand showers and shower body sprays) can not exceed the maximum flow rate of the valves that supply them. For example, the Danze thermostatic valve and diverter will support at least six body sprays along with additional shower accessories under typical water pressures. A professional plumber can help you to calculate the number of showerheads you can install based on your conditions.

Changes are usually required to existing plumbing. Most fittings are compatible with 1/2" piping, most often found in homes. Professional installation is recommended.

Depending on the system you design, you may require more hot water. You may need a larger capacity water heater to ensure a drenching shower without running short.

Many products are designed to operate at water pressures from 20 psi to 80 psi. However, it is recommended that the water pressure entering the thermostatic valve be at least 40 psi if you intend to supply water to multiple showerheads and fixtures.

Custom showers usually pour more water into your shower chamber and you may need to increase the size of your drain. Two 2” floor drains or one 3" drain is recommended. Water wells or septic tanks may not be able to handle this extra capacity as well.

Custom showers can produce a high level of humidity. Adequate ventilation is required.