Not every bathroom will fit a trendy Jacuzzi. Sometimes the installation of a conventional bathtub is problematic. After all, not every home can boast of large bathrooms. In this case, a shower rack is the ideal solution. In addition to significant savings in usable space, installation does not require large material costs. We can say that the shower stand is a good budget option.
What is a shower rack
Practically in every bathroom there is a simple design in the form of a watering can, which is mounted on a long tripod. Modern installations can be equipped with mixers, different nozzles and other accessories. A shower rack, and this is how this plumbing device is designated, can be used in an ordinary bathtub and in a shower cabin.
Shower stall or stand?
Small room inside the bathroom, of course, convenient for taking water treatments. And if the installation is filled with all kinds of accessories (hydromassage shower, lighting, the ability tomusical accompaniment, etc.), the degree of comfort increases significantly.
However, it should be remembered that such a design takes up quite a lot of space. In addition, a shower stall is not a cheap pleasure. And various convenient additions require additional funds.
In this case, an ordinary shower rack helps out. It can be mounted above the bathtub and separately on the wall panel above the drain.
Of course, a cabin with a hydromassage shower and other "bells and whistles" looks presentable and stylish. But a simple stand, installed by a master of his craft, looks just as good. Sometimes it is even more convenient to use than a hydrobox. In addition, a rack mounted above the bathtub makes it possible to first take foam treatments, followed by a pleasant rinse in the shower.
Shower column benefits
A well-mounted hydraulic installation has a number of advantages that allow you to make a choice in its favor:
- First, it is very convenient to use. According to the reviews, the shower rack can be operated at any height and at any angle of inclination. Thus, the design is universal, that is, suitable for tall people and short people.
- In addition to the watering can itself, a lot of additional equipment can be attached to the shower column: soap holders, towel and washcloth holders, etc. All these additions can be arranged according to the wishes of the owner. Thus, the shower column is multifunctionaldesign.
- Installation of the unit is quite simple. Mounting the rack is simple, and if you follow the instructions that come with the kit, then the assembly is not difficult. Even a novice master can mount the structure.
Product set
As already mentioned, the shower column consists of a hose, a shower head and an adjustable tripod. The set also includes all the details for attaching the product to the wall. Additional elements can be holders for soap dishes and washcloths, shelves, hooks and other useful accessories. All these little things are designed to improve the comfort when using the shower. Also, the elements enhance the design of the room.
There are also installations that can satisfy the taste of true fans of such water procedures. Shower column with rain shower, jet design, shower head with lights - there are many options on the market today.
There are also high-tech shower columns equipped with thermostats that dose the flow of cold and hot water. Racks with the effect of hydromassage, which is achieved due to several nozzles built into the product. All of these additions put the installation in first place over a conventional flexible hose shower head.
Design features
Upgraded models of installations give you the opportunity to swim with comfort and convenience.
Depending on the purpose, there are the following options for shower racks:
- Basic design only includes hand shower, hose and tripod.
- The overhead shower bar consists of various nozzles that are endowed with all sorts of functional purposes. This may include nozzles for massage, relaxation, toning effect.
- A model equipped with a cascade shower that can be used to massage the back, arms, legs and even feet.
- Washing heads of various geometric shapes can also be included in the shower structure.
Types of shower systems
Today, the sanitary market is full of various models of hygienic equipment, which differ in design and functional features. Among the settings, in particular, you can choose:
- Shower stand with shower and faucet. This model is an excellent solution for bathroom equipment. This design consists of a mixer with a stainless steel pipe. A watering can is mounted in the free end of the pipe. Typically, several shower heads can be attached to such an installation, one of which is connected to the faucet via a flexible hose. This design, in addition to being convenient, is also quite economical. The fact is that the kit includes several parts that cost more separately.
- The installation without a mixer is a simple vertical tripod to which a bracket is attached to fix the watering can. The shower itself is attached to the mixer with a flexible hose.
- The shower stall with shower and faucet is not very popular these days. The reason for this is quiterigid connection of the pipe with a disconnect valve. The main function of the latter is the instant transfer of the water flow from the watering can to the mixer. A problem with this setting may be the breakage of the switch due to the accumulation of s alt and scale on it.
- The shower rack with rain shower and thermostat is a very useful item. The effect is to mix hot and cold water to the desired temperature. The only problem may be the selection of a thermostatic system for a specific rack or faucet. As a result, it is recommended to purchase factory mixer and thermostat models.
- Installation with a spout is used quite rarely. In addition to the rack, the package also includes a small tank through which the bathroom is filled with water.
- Shower racks with faucet and overhead shower are very popular today. The structures consist of a pipe with a stationary watering can at the upper end. Typically, shower heads of such installations are of large diameters. For convenience, the stand is supplemented with a watering can on a flexible hose.
Despite the huge selection of different options, the purchase of a rack should be approached with special attention. Only after analyzing all the nuances and quality of the design components, you can purchase a product that suits the preferences of the future owner.
Varieties of nozzles
The shower in the bathroom is an indispensable item. Morning and evening water treatments temper and relax. As a result, it is very important whichit is watering cans that are washed.
Today there are many shower heads that differ in purpose, shape, size, style, design, etc.
Earlier, the installation package included one diffuser with a certain number of holes for water supply. Often the shower resembled an elementary watering can. But now there are nozzles with several modes that provide a variety of water jet outflow.
Depending on the shape, diffusers are divided into:
- Oval.
- Round.
- Rectangular.
- Square.
According to the type of fastening, flexible and stationary nozzles are distinguished. The diffuser on the hose can be sprayed at different angles and at different heights.
According to the purpose, shower heads come in several types:
- Top watering can.
- Installation with backlight.
- Aeration shower that provides a combination of water and air. Typically, this saves up to 60% of water.
- Tropical watering can - a large flat nozzle that simulates rain in the jungle.
- Massage attachment makes it possible to take care of the figure and maintain muscle tone during the water procedure.
Additional features of sanitary kits
Additional shower column gadgets that can be included are:
- Various soap dishes.
- Shelves for detergents.
- LED backlight.
- Mixer, which is built into the commonplumbing pipe.
- Built-in spout on some shower designs.
All these little things make water procedures more comfortable and convenient.
Materials of production
For the production of shower racks use different materials. As a rule, nozzles for watering cans are made of high-quality plastic and very rarely - stainless steel. The most luxurious nozzles are those made of ceramics. They make a great addition to a retro bathroom.
What can not be said about the shower column itself. Budget options may also be plastic, however, the service life of such a product is usually short.
More expensive models are made of steel with an anti-rust coating. The coating can be different, for example, an anti-corrosion film or a more reliable option - multi-layer spraying, which will last 7-12 years.
Brass and stainless steel are used in the production of luxury variants. These shower racks are expensive, but also durable.
Products of European plumbing companies
Today the market is overflowing with bathroom fittings. While domestic brands are gaining momentum in popularity, many consumers prefer imported products. Products from European manufacturers have a number of advantages that are very important when using them:
- Products are reliable and have good functionality.
- Plumbing fixtures (like shower racks) are designed to save water. At the sametime, the comfort of taking water procedures does not deteriorate.
- Each part of the unit features a stylish design.
- All metal components of European sanitary products are protected from plaque and contamination.
- Imported shower units are generally easy to operate and maintain.
Among European manufacturing companies, one can distinguish sanitary ware from the Czech company RAVAK, Polish bathroom installations from Q-Tap, German Hansgrohe shower rack, etc.
Selection rules
To buy a quality shower column, it is recommended to consider the following nuances:
- How exactly the product will be attached to the wall.
- Evaluate the material from which the installation is made.
- Determine the purpose of the soul. If simple water procedures are supposed, then a stand with all sorts of “bells and whistles” is simply not advisable. In this case, you can buy a simple design with hinged fasteners, which makes it possible to use the watering can at different angles and at different heights.
- If you want to purchase models with hydromassage and other functions, you can fork out for a more stylish product.
How to take care of the device
Every household item requires careful care. Especially if the thing is in constant contact with water. Scale, dirt, fungus may appear periodically if the product is not cleaned in time.
To wash the shower rack, special attention should be paid to metal and chrome parts. The brilliance of an object is not onlyevidence of the efforts of the hostess, but also a sign of sanitary safety. To give the installation perfect cleanliness, it is recommended to use special metal care products. The substance is sprayed onto the part, they wait for the time specified in the instructions for the liquid, and after the expiration of the period, the product is thoroughly rinsed with running water and wiped dry.
It is important to remember that using home remedies or conventional cleansers is not recommended as they can cause the shower column to become cloudy and lose its shine. It is best to rely on special care products for metal and chrome products.
Tips for self-installation design
The faucet with a shower column can be installed at home without resorting to the services of specialists. The installation is quite easy and if you follow the instructions you can achieve the desired result.
The shower column installation algorithm is as follows:
- Mount the mixer connection points. It must be remembered that the holes for cold and hot water must be on the same line.
- Special corners are screwed onto a special bar, into which adapters with an external thread are screwed.
- A mixer is mounted on adapters.
- All joints must be sealed with tow or rubber band. This will prevent water from leaking through the connecting threads.
- After installing the mixer, you can proceed torack mounting. For this, the height at which the unit is planned to be mounted is determined.
- Using two dowels, the shower column stand is attached to the wall. Installation should be done directly on the tile. Holes for dowels are drilled with a diamond-tipped tool so as not to damage the tile.
- Stand is mounted on stainless steel screws.
- A holder for a watering can, a flexible hose and a shower itself are mounted to the attached installation.
Following a simple installation procedure, you can enjoy the work done and take water treatments as often as you want.
