7 Things to Remember When Planning Your Custom Shower (2022 Guide)

Diverter Valve

If your pressure balance shower has more than 1 function like the example below, then you'll require a diverter. This simply tells the water where to go. It accepts all that perfect-temperature water from the main on/off pressure balance valve and tells it to either go to the showerhead or the handheld shower. If you live in a state with water restrictions, you won't have the ability to operate both functions at the same time. 

 

 

Fine Print

Keep in mind that once you turn the handle to "on" in a typical pressure balance shower, you don't have the ability to control the water volume - how much water is produced. You only have the ability to adjust water temperature. 

***We cover what we call a "true" thermostatic shower in the next section, but it should be mentioned here as well. For brands like Delta and Moen, they have incorporated the ability to control both temperature and water volume into their higher-end valves. They will call it thermostatic, too. It sounds confusing, but we'll explain how we handle the difference! Keep reading!

• Delta's "T17" trims - They'll give you both temperature control and volume control separated by two different handles:
  

• Moen's M-Core trims - They offer the ability to control temperature and water volume in one handle that rotates for temperature and rocks up and down for volume:
  

Here's how we separate the confusion between the above thermostatic systems and what we've named "true" thermostatic: the amount of water the valve can handle behind the wall. 👏 If you recall, a typical valve can handle about 5 gallons per minute. A "true" thermostatic valve can handle a lot more! 

 

 

4. Thermostatic Shower Systems

Sounds fancy, right? It is! The benefit of a thermostatic shower valve is that you can control and maintain your shower temperature precisely. That, and you have the ability to run multiple functions at the same time without sacrificing water pressure. This type of shower valve can accept between 9-17 GPM. It will depend on the pipe size in your home. Usually, the pipe running to your shower is 1/2". If you're building and want that car wash experience, then ask for a larger, 3/4" pipe, to be run to your shower! Once you start adding body sprays, or more than 2 functions in your shower, you'll want to consider a "true" thermostatic shower valve. 

 

In the photo above, the largest control at the bottom is what we call a "thermo control". This does what you'd think. It controls the water temperature. It does not turn the shower on like you'd expect from a pressure balance shower system. Those two smaller controls pictured are called "volume controls". These turn your shower on! Each volume control functions independently. Here's where the custom shower experience happens. Those volume controls can turn your water on to the desired volume while the thermo control can be set to your favorite temperature. The next time you take a shower, your temperature is pre-set from the last use.

When planning your custom shower, we may need to do some math. (Boo hiss.)

Let's say you'd like 3 body sprays, two shower heads, and 2 handheld showers.

• Body sprays - 2.0GPMx3 = 6.0GPM
• Shower heads - 1.75x2 = 3.5GPM
• Handheld showers - 1.75x2 = 3.5GPM

You'll need at least 13GPM in your shower! 

• 👍Pros: You can control the temperature and volume of water precisely. You can add more than 2 functions in your shower and run them simultaneously.
• 👎Cons: There are a lot of handles to clean! Thermostatic shower valves come with a higher price tag.

 

5. Digital Shower Systems

This is the epitome of a custom shower. This is a conversation starter. Your friends are going to want to see this shower. You can even start your shower from your phone with some digital shower systems. You can add all the bells and whistles! You'll be the envy of the neighborhood. 

 

A digital shower sounds a little intimidating at first.

Haven't we already successfully made smart kitchen faucets? Doesn't everyone use some kind of smart home product like a thermostat or lighting control? Why not your shower, too?

A digital shower system like Kohler's Anthem (new!) product line allows all of your shower functions to operate with one interface. It combines the customization of a thermostatic shower and simplifies the usage. You'll get a high-flow shower without all of the confusing handles.

This customizable shower system will require some extra planning. You and your installer will need to map out where you'll place the digital valve to access for future maintenance. No worries! We can help you communicate any specifics with your plumber.

 

This video by Popular Mechanics demonstrates a Kohler digital shower system and what it looks like behind the wall. Kohler launched this in 2019, but the plumbing method remains the same for a lot of digital shower valves on the market.

 

• 👍Pros: You can create whatever kind of custom shower experience you'd like. You can put your controls wherever you'd like. This is the ultimate shower experience.
• 👎 Cons: It comes with a price tag, but not necessarily always more expensive than a thermostatic shower. This system requires a little more pre-planning for the components.

 

6.  Steam Showers

A steam shower is becoming a more frequent request in our showrooms. There are many benefits of steam for the mind and body.

Some things to keep in mind when planning for a steam shower:

• Where will you be storing the steam generator? 
• What is the cubic square foot of your shower? (For proper steam generator sizing.)
• A specific type of shower door will be needed to keep steam in and allow proper venting once your shower is complete.
• Is aromatherapy appealing to pair with your steam shower?
• Consider a new exhaust fan when purchasing a steam shower to properly remove moisture from your bathroom
  
  
  

7. Custom Shower Systems & Water Heaters

Something that is often overlooked is a home's water heater.

If you're planning on a thermostatic or digital showering experience, you'll want to make sure that your water heater can withstand the gallons per minute that your shower will demand of it!

Rheem's tankless water heaters are a great solution. Just make sure to discuss with your plumber beforehand! They'll understand exactly what size you'll need for the shower you want.

 

 

Bonus Tips!

Communication with your plumber, remodeler, and/or builder is very important. They are the experts that can help further guide your custom shower decisions. Throughout the process of creating your shower, make sure to communicate any questions or changes with your plumber! This isn't their first rodeo!

Your first move should be consulting with your builder, remodeler, or plumber before purchasing any material. This will help you avoid any mistakes or headaches down the road. 

 

Your plumber will encourage you to purchase your shower faucets somewhere reputable like Wiseway! Let's face it - they don't want to deal with a faulty faucet or have to order parts from who-knows-where.com and have to wait for months! They'd prefer to give you the shower of your dreams and move on to the next job.

For more information on this topic, read this.

When budgeting for your new shower, make sure to consider items beyond shower faucets: