Shower valves:

Most shower valves on the market fall into 2 categories; thermostat or pressure balanced. A pressure balanced shower valve (sometimes called a cycling valve) balances incoming pressure from the hot and cold side. This compensates for pressure loss due to a toilet or other fixture being flushed/used in the house at the same time, poor water pressure, or inadequate water flow due to clogged water pipes. This type of a valve is more common due to the simplicity and price.

A thermostat valve typically delivers a higher flow rate than a pressure balanced valve giving you the power necessary to create a multiple outlet custom shower.

See article on how to create a shower system

Shower heads:

Different functions/spray patterns include:

• Rain
• Fine spray
• Water saving eco
• Air infusion
• Massage
• Mist
• Flood spray
• Champagne
• Aerated

Installation types:

• Ceiling mount
• Wall mount

Typical shower heads range from 2.5" in diameter to 6" in diameter

Some specialty shower heads range from 8" to 10" in diameter. Having a larger diameter showerhead is great because it rinses shampoo and conditioner from the hair more effectively.

Body sprays are typically installed on the wall at custom heights to ensure perfect spray height for wherever you desire the spray to ultimately make contact with the body.

Body spray patterns can be regular shower sprays (like a shower head), pulsation spray, champagne spray, massage and eco spray.

Body sprays are typically installed on the wall. However, they can also be mounted on the ceiling. Some are low profile and some are flush mount. Most give you adjustable spray angles from 30 degrees to 50 degrees for optimum placement toward the body.

Hand showers:

Hand showers are quickly becoming more popular. Reasons being mobility, flexibility, range of motion, installation locations, can be mounted anywhere in the shower, often found over the top of benches that are found in the shower.

Typical uses are cleaning the shower, washing the children and washing the dog. Many people with physical impairments use hand showers – which is easier for them.

Hand showers are therapeutic and can be used in many ways to assist the body. The hand shower can be brought closer to the body for more warmth, deep tissue penetration, comfort and reaching specific areas more effectively.

Myth: hand showers don't have the same spray as a fixed shower head.

Truth: hand showers have the same pressure and spray functions as a fixed shower head. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Shower drains:

Tired of the typical shower drain trim? Now you can match your design style right down to the shower drain! Many styles are available and many finishes are available to complement the existing hardware/fixtures of the bathroom.

Trough drains or linear drains disappear into the floor. This gives you massive control over cleaning the drain. Your design is more complete with the use of a trough or linear drain. This type of drain can be tiled over the top of for a seamless look. They are usually found in barrier free showers, ADA accessible and walk in showers.

Shower doors:

There are more choices today for shower doors than ever. From sleek unobstructed frameless, to a framed door that pivots or slides for both showers or tubs. Thicknesses range from 3/16" to 1/2" glass. Finishes on the glass can be clear, obscured, satin, rain gluechip, narrow reed, and custom etched with virtually any design that your imagination and vision so desire.

At Bay Plumbing Supply we can provide shower doors ranging from standard sizes to custom frameless applications of any size. If you are looking to purchase a shower door, come on down to Bay Plumbing with the size you are looking for and we can show you the options that are available to you.

Steam:

Steam is green!! Steam generators are more common today because steam showers only use 2 gallons for every 20 minutes of use. Steam showers are a great alternative to a shower to relax or "rinse off" because it uses much less water than a standard shower. They are quiet. They have lights that filter through for an incredible soothing affect.

Digital controls inside the shower let the user adjust the steams temperature and duration. Lighting, music and aroma therapy can also be added and controlled by the bather.

Most models offer instant steam and take less than 1 minute to build up a head of steam. Remote controls are available so you don't have to get up from your bench to adjust steam time or temperature. There can also be a remote on the outside of the shower giving you the ability to turn on the steam before entering the shower. This is a huge plus on larger shower and steam installations.

Auto flush systems reduce calcium deposits on the heating element by power flushing mineral deposits away from the tank. If you don't know what this means – it's ok. It's a technicality that is already taken care of for you by many manufacturers so that your steam shower remains in good condition. Not to mention, it will insures that you are not steam bathing in the previous water from the last steam.

The benefits of the steam shower are softer, more supple skin. Steam therapy may also be a natural detox that removes impurities from the body. It may also enhance breathing leaving you with an improved sense of tranquility and wellness. Skin ailments may improve and increased circulation will give you a healthy glow.

Bay Plumbing Supply displays and stocks brands such as Hansgrohe, Grohe, American Standard, Huntington Brass, California Faucets, Santec, Alsons and Rohl. For a complete list of products offered by Bay Plumbing Supply, click here.

Come on down to Bay Plumbing Supply so you get the best shower ever!