Shower system with rain shower and mixer: bath stand, types, choice

The equipment of modern shower cabins allows the user to take water procedures in the most comfortable conditions thanks to a number of innovative solutions in design, interior and plumbing equipment. One of the popular engineering developments that is in great demand among consumers is a shower system with a rain shower and mixer.

To make the right choice, you should consider the types of plumbing devices offered in the retail chain with the implementation of a rain shower function, compare their physical parameters, technical characteristics and make a purchase of the device from the point of view of the optimal ratio of its cost and quality. Also, before purchasing shower plumbing equipment, take into account the convenience of its connection to water sockets and the compliance of the bathtub and shower stall with the design and dimensional parameters.

Shower on a separate counter

What is a tropical shower, its distinctive features

A rain shower is an analogue of a standard watering can and has the following features:

Its main, immediately noticeable distinguishing feature is the large area of the watering can with a large number of holes.
Unlike a regular shower, where water flows from the nozzles in a continuous stream, in the tropical version the stream consists of an intermittent series of drops, reminiscent of rain. The effect is achieved by a special design of the nozzle, which has a number of holes for suction of air masses, thanks to which the water is saturated with large volumes of air.
A shower stand with a rain shower, on which a watering can is attached, allows you to adjust its position to any height convenient for the user.
In addition to the wall, the watering can be mounted on the ceiling in a stationary position, while the water pipes are laid in the grooves of the wall surface or behind the ceiling covering.

The principle of operation of a rain shower and its design features

Typically, the watering can is connected to the water socket through a hinge joint - this allows you to rotate it around the central point at any angle.
The shower stand, on which the rain shower head is placed, can be supplied separately or complete with the mixer, extending from its body.
Often, a shower counter set is complemented by soap dishes, hooks, glasses for toothbrushes or shelves for various items.
The diameter of a standard rain shower grate ranges from 15 to 40 cm, its flow capacity is from 12 to 22 liters per minute.
Most shower systems require at least 2 bar water pressure to function.
When attached to a wall, the distance from its surface to the center of the watering can is 25 - 40 cm.
In expensive high-tech models (Hansgrohe vs Dornbracht), the design of the watering can simultaneously with the tropical shower implements the functions of a laminar jet (hydromassage), a regular shower, and water mist.
The material used for the manufacture of sanitary ware with a tropical rain function is brass with a chrome finish; the body of the showers is made of stainless steel, polymers, aluminum, glass, copper or bronze in exclusive models of classic, Italian, and retro styles. Some models are coated with powder paint in different colors using the spraying method.

Illuminated shower - options

Malfunctions and repairs

Shower systems are prone to malfunctions similar in type to those that occur in any faucet. Problems with shower heads and fasteners are less common.

Faucet leaks

A mixer is a faucet-axle box, usually connected by a brass tube, with cartridges for mixing water and switching modes. Repairing leaks usually comes down to replacing the faucet. How to choose the right one? You need to measure the center distance between the handles. In combination with a known number of modes, this parameter is enough to select the correct replacement.

Installation occurs as standard:

the old faucet is twisted;
eccentrics are aligned to match the new one;
connections are sealed with fresh fum tape or its analogues;
a new device is installed.

The fasteners must be tightened with care. Constrictions are fraught with damage.

The overhead shower is clogged

More often the problem concerns models with a rain shower. Increased volumes of hard water clog the nozzles over time.

Standard cleaning comes down to twisting the head and removing lime deposits using improvised means: water with vinegar, lemon or specialized chemicals.

How to twist:

turn off the water;
unscrew the head fastening nuts;
If necessary, disconnect the nozzle from the water supply hose by unscrewing it.

Reassembly after cleaning is carried out in the reverse order. In advanced cases, when the head can no longer be cleaned, it is reasonable to replace it with a new one. Replacement requires the same steps as cleaning.

In case of wear of the rails, holders or fasteners, replacement occurs point-by-point and does not cause any difficulties. Parts from other manufacturers are often suitable, but just in case, you should measure the internal and external diameters of the existing holes.

The cartridge is broken

The cause of failure can be water hammer, hard water, or poor-quality materials. Repair comes down to replacing the part.

Necessary:

Shut off the cold and hot water supply.
Using a thin screwdriver, pry off the decorative plug with color-coded water. Under it there is a fixing screw, usually a hexagonal one. The screw is twisted, after which the lever and the protective ring under it are removed.
Use an adjustable wrench to remove the clamping nut.
Next, the cartridge is removed, a new one is installed in its place, and the mixer itself is cleaned from the inside.

Assembly is carried out by analogy in reverse order.

Advantages and disadvantages of a rain shower system

A shower panel with a rain shower and faucet has its pros and cons, which the consumer should take into account when purchasing a product:

Thanks to the large area of the nozzle, the drops immediately fall on the entire body and there is no need to alternately place one or the other shoulder under the jets. In addition, raindrops provide a relaxing and massage effect, improve blood circulation, and relieve fatigue.
Some models have built-in lighting, creating a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
When installing a shower with a tropical function, you will still have to install a mixer with a regular shower head - this is necessary for taking water procedures without rinsing your head, caring for plumbing equipment (bathtub, shower stall, fence), and washing animals. Therefore, most shower systems with a rain shower function are equipped with a removable mobile head.
A rain shower with bathtub faucet that is recessed into a wall or ceiling is difficult to install, so most users will need to call a professional plumber to help with the job.

Wall-mounted shower

Advantages

We will consider the advantages of shower systems in relation to the basic configuration, without touching on accessories.

type of instalation

Open . Does not require repair or redevelopment of the installation room. Joints and weak points are visible and accessible, which greatly facilitates their repair and maintenance.
Closed . Saves space in small bathrooms. It is aesthetically pleasing, since all bulky parts are hidden behind the wall surface, and fits into any interior.

Both types are easy to install when it comes to connecting pipes, fittings and fittings. There is no fundamental difference - only that which is determined by the dimensions of the room or the need for the absence/presence of technical details in sight.

Mounting method

A hand shower is convenient as an independent or additional accessory. Depending on the type of rod, it can be used as an upper one. Convenient for spot washing individual parts of the body.
Overhead shower . A large watering can provides uniform streams of water when washing. Variations of the rain shower are possible only with this type of design.
Shower panels . Built-in jets expand the functionality of the system, turning it into a kind of spa.
Combined type . The advantages of all the models described above are combined into a single compact system.

Faucets

Double-valve mixers. Durable, repair and maintenance are simple and accessible even using improvised means. Understandable to the older generation: often elderly relatives who come to visit are unable to understand modern models of faucets, but a two-valve faucet does not cause such problems.

Faucets with thermostat. Allows you to save water because it does not require lengthy adjustments. Due to this, it quickly pays for itself. Water flows with stable pressure and temperature, regardless of the condition of the water supply system and the presence of other consumers.

Single lever mixers. They are deservedly considered the most convenient type. Easy and quick adjustment, even when your hands are full.

Varieties

The mixing equipment supplied to the market with the implementation of the function of a rain shower can be divided into the following types according to its design:

Shower head . Typically, this unit includes a mounting pipe or angle with fastening, and a reflector when installing the device on the ceiling. This set is designed for concealed installation of a shower in a wall or ceiling with water supply from the mixer through a pipeline located in the grooves behind the finishing materials, above the level of the ceiling covering.

Rain shower head on a separate stand . In this design, the shower system is connected to the tap via a flexible hose - this allows it to be connected to any mixing device. The stand can be located to the right or left of the mixer at any height convenient for the consumer; usually a mobile shower is attached to it. Both the rain shower head and the shower head can move freely along the bar over a certain distance.

The advantage of this connection system is its high maintainability; the disadvantages include a not very aesthetic appearance due to the hanging flexible hose, as well as damage to the tile covering when installing the stand on two brackets.

Shower integrated into faucet

Shower mixer with rain shower . In this type of design, the rod along which the watering can moves is vertically attached to the mixer, and water is supplied to it through an inner tube. In this case, the structure is a single unit with the crane, and if one of the elements breaks down and cannot be restored, in most cases the entire assembly will have to be replaced.

Shower panel with hydromassage and rain shower . This type of system is installed in shower cabins and consists of a single panel with a mixer, a rain shower and numerous nozzles located on its front part. A shower column can have two types of designs for water supply nozzles for hydromassage - from a series of individual protruding elements with small nozzles or one (several) sprayers integrated into the panel.

Shower panels with hydromassage

Advantages and disadvantages

How does the product differ from the standard set with a hose and watering can?

Firstly, it is equipped with a flexible hose. But in addition to the basic core.

Secondly, the set includes two showerheads: for the overhead shower and an additional one.

You need to understand the difference between a rack and a panel. The panel is an entire shower complex, including jets for hydromassage, which requires connection to a power source.

It should be noted right away that the design is practically free of shortcomings.

Advantages:

Installation is simple and easy, accessible even to a person who does not have the appropriate skills.
Convenience - the watering can moves freely along the rod, which makes it possible to attach it at the required height. This is especially true when using the shower with young children.
Versatility - with holders, it is possible to attach a soap dish, hook or stand for hygiene items so that they are at hand.
Comfort – the thermostat maintains the temperature within the established limits.

A permanent installation without a bathtub will require the installation of partitions in the shower area.

Mixers for shower systems

The bathtub mixer that comes with the rain shower can be with a fixed short spout or a long swivel spout, without a spout. Expensive devices are equipped with thermostat units, the taps are turned on by ceramic faucet axle boxes in classic-style models or by a single-lever cartridge, from the infrared radiation of hands brought to the body or by touching it in touch models.

To switch the water, special three-way rotary cartridges are installed in the mixers, directing the flow into a rain shower with a mobile head or spout. They work according to the following principle: in the central position the water is turned off, but when you turn the handle to the left and up, water flows to the shower head; the higher the switch position, the more intense the water flow. To redirect water to the spout, turn the handle to the right - the higher it rises, the more intense the water supply.

Water switches (divertors) can be located either separately on the mixer body or on the spout. In some models, the switch is integrated into the spout itself and is controlled by turning it - when the gander is pulled away from the wall, water begins to flow into it; the further the distance from the wall, the more intense the flow. When the spout is pressed against the wall, the shower heads are turned on; in the middle position of the gander, the water is turned off. Some models have two separate switches - the first connects water to the spout or small and large shower heads, and the second regulates the intensity of the water flow.

In high-tech models, operating modes are controlled using push-button or touch panels built into the wall. Expensive faucets are equipped with thermostats and convenient handles for setting temperature conditions; many models have liquid crystal indicators showing the water temperature.

Types of mixers for shower cabins

Which ones are better

The comfort parameter is individual and depends on the personal preferences of family members, so you need to choose a shower system based on your own needs.

Hand or overhead shower?

For men and people with short hair, an overhead shower is more comfortable because it allows you to wash your hair quickly and evenly. But ladies with long curls run the risk of hating it, since while washing the body they will have to pin up their hair and firmly fix its position.

Otherwise, wet strands spreading over the chest and shoulders will create a lot of problems - from blocking the view to difficulties with soaping the upper body.

Built-in or open?

Selected according to the need for aesthetics, ease of repair and maintenance. For a family where the husband’s hands grow out of the place intended by nature, any type is suitable; slight twisting will not cause problems.

At the same time, for single women and older people, the built-in type will be a guaranteed problem in case of minor breakdowns. Even hygienic cleaning of a high-mounted watering can will require calling a specialist - this is a discomfort.

Thermal mixer or regular?

The first type is more comfortable, but the second is more convenient in everyday life. When taking a shower with a thermal mixer, you don’t have to worry that the turned on washing machine will leave you alone with boiling water and a soapy hair. But in case of minor breakdowns and leaks, it is unlikely that you will be able to repair such a mixer yourself.

An ordinary faucet can be adjusted and adjusted by anyone with a wrench; repairs do not take much time; the owner of the system does not risk being left without a shower for several days.

How to choose

When choosing a rain shower system, its cost and room size play a decisive role. When purchasing, pay attention to the following parameters:

Nozzle size. The dimensions of expensive multifunctional rain shower heads can reach up to 1 meter in diameter; it is clear that they are more designed for installation in a shower room, rather than in a small stall. Some users place a rain shower head above the bathtub - in this case it is of a minimal size.
Material of manufacture. Typically, watering cans are made from sheet stainless steel, chrome-plated brass, aluminum, less often copper, bronze; there are options for using glass and plastic coated with chrome paint. Unlike a mobile shower head, the tropical variety is not moved, so the metal and polymer models can last for a long time. It is important that the nozzles of the watering can are made of silicone - this material is easily cleaned of limescale when touched by hand, so the passage channels will always be in working condition.

Multifunctional shower heads

Additional functions. Rain shower installations often use LED lighting, and the panels are equipped with a hydromassage function. Expensive brands equip their nozzles with additional modes - strong water jet, regular shower, water mist, and faucets with thermostats, push-button or touch control of modes on a switch attached to the wall. If desired, all these functions can be obtained by paying a considerable amount for a stand with a rain function in the tropics.
Brand. All plumbing products on the market are of high quality, the most budget products costing about 5,000 rubles from the Chinese brands Frap, Ledeme, Russian Iddis, Rossinka; the prices of sanitary equipment from popular German brands Grohe, Hansgrohe are higher than others, and the cost of exclusive Cezares (Italy) can exceed 100,000 rubles.

Schemes for installing a shower on the ceiling

Problems

Disadvantages associated with the type of installation have little effect on the performance of the system. In general terms, they have already been described above, so here we will focus only on the functional features.

Mounting method

A hand shower , even when suspended from a bar, requires adjusting your body position during the washing process. The length of the rod, as a rule, has limitations; telescopic models are not produced everywhere, so there may be problems in operation for tall people.

An overhead shower is impossible for targeted use; you have to take a full plunge each time. Increased water consumption due to splashing and large area of watering cans. Inconvenience during maintenance and care of the watering can.

Shower panels - nozzles are not designed for low-pressure systems; they quickly become clogged with limescale even with infrequent use. The type is more likely to break down than others.

Combined - the system often fails due to wear of the washers and seals, and both watering cans break at once.

Faucets

Two-valve – inconvenient adjustment with different water pressure in the hot and cold pipe. Rapid wear of rubber gaskets, resulting in constant leaks.

Single-lever - in budget models, the cartridge quickly fails, since plastic is used for its manufacture. Not designed for a large number of switching and adjustment cycles.

Thermostatic – problems include their low prevalence. In small towns it is difficult to find a technician who can correctly install, configure or repair this equipment.

Features of installing a shower stand

When installing a shower with your own hands, it is useful to use the following recommendations:

Wall installation is the best way to place a rain shower. The option of placing it on a separate rack is the most rational in terms of speed and ease of installation. The stand can be mounted at any height to the right or left of the mixer at a distance convenient for the user; it does not require placing the mixer in a strictly specified location.
Another advantage of a separate stand is the ability to independently replace the shower or faucet.
The overwhelming majority of watering cans have installation dimensions of threaded pipes of 1/2 inch - this ensures the interchangeability of all components and allows convenient connection to standard water sockets.
To install the rack, you will need a hammer drill and two drills of the appropriate diameter - the first feather drills drill the tile in the rotation mode of the power tool so that it does not split, the second Pobedit drills then make holes in the concrete wall, using shock-rotational movement of the chuck.
When installing a shower built into the wall or on the ceiling, you will need gating, laying a polypropylene pipeline with soldering and further finishing the surface with facing materials or installing the ceiling. Carrying out this work with your own hands by an ordinary person without the help of specialists is almost impossible - this procedure will require significant financial expenses.
Typically, flexible hoses in a metal corrugation are used to supply water. The user also has the opportunity to choose a flexible liner made of synthetic materials that has minimal physical impact on the surface of the bathtub, cabin and their enclosure.

Mounting options for wall attachments and stands

There are stretchable flexible hoses available for mobile showerheads that you should pay attention to when using a mobile shower outside of a shower stall or bathtub. In some models for a hygienic shower, the length of the hose can vary from 40 to 150 cm.
A model of a mobile shower head with a bearing at the handle attachment point is very convenient to use - this design allows it to rotate freely around its axis without twisting the hose.

When choosing a mobile watering can in a rain shower system, it is better to give preference to lightweight plastic models - if they fall against the side of a bathtub or shower stall, they will not damage their surface. To increase the comfort of use, the mobile watering can can be equipped with a switch with the following water supply functions:

A standard shower, when water flows evenly from all holes.
Massage - water pours out from the central part in a strong stream in a pulsating mode.
A water cloud is a supply of tiny water particles mixed with air.
Aeration mode - supply of water saturated with air, mini tropical shower.
Combined - includes several modes at the same time.

Shower installation - basic operations

Main characteristics of shower sets

Diameter: a watering can with a minimum diameter, for example 5 cm, will not be functional. It is better to choose models from 8 cm or more.
Modes: if you like to stand under a strong stream of water or, conversely, under a diffuse stream reminiscent of light summer rain, then it is worth purchasing a watering can with several modes.
It is better to choose a hose for connecting the watering can to the mixer with a metal braid and protection against twisting.
When choosing a holder for a watering can, pay attention to the ability to change the angle of inclination, this will make using the device more convenient.
The attachment of the headset rod or a separate holder must be reliable; products with suction cup attachments, etc. should be avoided.
For greater convenience, you can purchase a bar with a soap dish and shelf already on it. This will allow you to have everything you need for shower procedures at hand.

Popular manufacturers

There are at least a dozen popular brands from manufacturers of plumbing products on the market. Consumers are well aware of plumbing equipment from brands such as Frap, Ledeme (China), Vidima (Bulgaria), Lemark, Ravak (Czech Republic), Jacob Delafon (France), Smart sant (Slovenia), Iddis, Rossinka (Russia), Oras (Finland) ), Belbagno, Cezares (Italy), Cludy, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Kaiser, Gappo, Wasserkraft (Germany).

All products of these brands are of high quality and have a long service life. The consumer can choose a product in accordance with his financial capabilities, starting from the most budget sanitary ware from Chinese manufacturers Frap, Ledeme, Russian Iddis, Rossinka, and ending with expensive Finnish shower systems Oras, German models Cloudy, Grohe, Hansgrohe and exclusive Cezares, the cost of which reaches 125,000 rubles

Standard shower configuration

Digital display

Equipping shower systems with a digital display creates additional convenience during their operation. With its help, time and water temperature are controlled. Such a device helps to determine the exact water temperature, which is of great importance when taking a contrast shower or water hardening procedures.

Based on safety concepts, when installing all types of such systems, instructions must be strictly followed. However, if previously such an installation, which included the proximity of electronics and water, brought with it a number of difficulties during installation work, then modern electronic shower systems equipped with a display are safe and reliable in use. A certain device is mounted inside the sealed housing, which is triggered by the pressure of incoming water. It begins to rotate, generating electrical energy and supplying it to the display LEDs.

Care

When caring for plumbing fixtures in a shower stall or bathroom, you must follow these recommendations:

It is better to clean plumbing fixtures from limescale with specially designed equipment care products, which usually contain caustic alkali that does not destroy metals.
When caring for plumbing fixtures, do not use abrasive substances and strong acids, which lead to the destruction of metal surfaces.
To remove limescale deposits from silicone nozzles, simply wipe them with a soft flannel cloth - all deposits will fall off when the elastic surfaces are deformed.
You should carefully monitor the tightness of the seals at the junctions of individual units of plumbing fixtures and, if a leak occurs, change the gaskets in a timely manner - the constant presence of water on the surface of the mixer or shower heads leads to an accelerated accumulation of lime deposits that spoil the appearance of the equipment.

Cost of popular tropical systems
The shower stand of a tropical shower is one of the popular types of plumbing fixtures that increase the comfort of taking water procedures. Most wall-mounted systems can be easily installed with your own hands by drilling several mounting holes in the wall using a hammer drill and attaching a stand to them with dowels and screws.

Injectors

One of the most pleasant and useful elements of a shower system can be considered nozzles that act as a hydromassage device.

In the morning, taking a shower with the hydromassage function on will give your body a boost of energy for the whole day, and evening treatments will allow you to relax and relieve fatigue. Hydromassage has a healing effect. Water jets under high pressure remove painful sensations in the muscles and restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Thanks to this healing effect, blood circulation improves and fat deposits are actively broken down. The skin becomes elastic and looks firm. Regular hydromassage treatments are especially effective during the spring and autumn periods.

When choosing a shower system equipped with a hydromassage function, it is necessary to take into account the following factors, namely the presence of high water pressure and the installation of a shower enclosure.

Design features of popular models

At the very beginning, stationary models were inconvenient and uncomfortable, since you had to hold the watering can in your hand while bathing. The design has currently been modernized. The features of modern technology look like this:

Products with overhead showers have nozzles that differ in their functionality. By rearranging them, you can get a massage, toning, relaxing effect.
Equipped with a hose and hand shower.
The appearance of the watering cans is impressive. Basically, they are produced in a variety of geometric shapes.
There is a cascade mode that allows you to massage your feet and back, as well as feel general relaxation.

Everyone has their own criteria for choosing a product, but functionality is of no small importance. Which one is better to buy depends on the preferences of the system user. You can purchase a wall-mounted vertical bar and a special shower holder, which, thanks to the hinged mount, can be adjusted to select the optimal angle of inclination. In this case, the watering can can be moved up and down the stand. The set is also equipped with useful accessories, such as hooks, a shelf for bath accessories, and a soap dish.

What should you pay attention to to avoid making mistakes when choosing? Before visiting specialized outlets for the sale of plumbing products or ordering a model online in an online store, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating of branded products, the collections produced, new products from the world's leading manufacturers, the advantages and disadvantages of the product being manufactured, decide where to buy and how much it costs. Customer reviews are also important. But the main thing is to answer yourself these questions:

Where the structure will be installed.
What method will be used during installation.
The most suitable mounting methods for your situation.
Which design suits your bathroom.
What do you want to choose: a metal or plastic stand.
Possibility of equipping with additional functions, such as the SpeedClean system.
Decide on the height of the people who will use the top rack.
Will you save water? The minimum size of the watering can requires low liquid consumption.