Not every bathroom will fit a trendy whirlpool. Sometimes installing a regular bath is problematic. After all, not every home can boast of large sanitation. In this case, the ideal solution is a shower rack. In addition to significant savings in useful area, installation does not require large material costs. We can say that a shower stand is a good budget option.
What is a shower rack
Almost every bathroom has a simple construction in the form of a watering can, which is mounted on a long tripod. Modern installations can be equipped with mixers, various 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 cubicle or counter?
The small room inside the bathroom is certainly comfortable for taking water treatments. And if the installation is filled with all kinds of accessories (hydromassage shower, backlight, the possibility of music, etc.), the degree of its comfort increases significantly.
However, it should be remembered that such a design occupies a rather large space. In addition, a shower is not a cheap pleasure. And various convenient additions require additional funds.
In this case, an ordinary shower counter 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 the simple stand installed by the master of his craft looks no worse. Sometimes it is even more convenient to use it than a hydrobox. In addition, a rack mounted above the bathtub makes it possible to first take foamy procedures, followed by a pleasant rinse in the shower.
Benefits of a Shower Column
A well-mounted hydraulic installation has a number of advantages, allowing you to make a choice in its favor:
- Firstly, it is very convenient to use. According to reviews, the shower rack can be operated at any height and at any angle. Thus, the design is universal, that is, suitable for tall people and shorties.
- In addition to the watering can itself, you can attach many additional equipment to the shower rack: soap holders, towel and washcloth holders, etc. All these additions can be arranged according to the owner’s wishes. Thus, the shower column is a multifunctional design.
- Installation of the unit is quite simple. Mounting the rack is simple, and if you follow the instructions that come with the kit, then assembling is not difficult. Even a novice master can mount the design.
Product Options
As already mentioned, the shower column consists of a hose, watering can and adjustable tripod. The headset 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 comfort when using a shower. Elements also improve the design of the room.
There are installations that can satisfy the taste of true fans of such water procedures. A shower column with a rain shower, a design with a spray nozzle, a watering can with lights - which the modern market does not offer.
There are also high-tech shower columns equipped with thermoregulators that dispense a flow of cold and hot water. Racks with the effect of hydromassage, which is achieved due to several nozzles mounted in the product. All these add-ons put the installation in first place compared to a conventional watering can with a flexible hose.
Design Features
Upgraded plant models give you the opportunity to swim with comfort and convenience.
Depending on the purpose, there are the following options for shower racks:
- The elementary design includes only a hand shower, hose and tripod.
- The upper shower column consists of various nozzles, which are endowed with all kinds of functional purposes. This may include nozzles for a massage, relaxing, tonic effect.
- A model equipped with a cascading shower, with which you can massage your back, arms, legs and even feet.
- Watering cans of various geometric shapes can also be included in the package of shower design.
Types of shower systems
Today, the plumbing market is crowded with a variety of models of hygiene equipment, which differs in structural and functional features. Among the installations, in particular, you can choose:
- Shower rack 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, on such an installation, several shower heads can be attached, one of which is connected to the mixer through a flexible hose. Such a design, in addition to being convenient, is also quite economical. The fact is that the kit includes several parts that are separately more expensive.
- Installation without a mixer is a simple vertical tripod, to which is attached a bracket for fixing the watering can. The shower itself is attached to the mixer through a flexible hose.
- A shower column with a shower and a tap is not very successful today. The reason for this is the rather rigid connection of the pipe to the isolation valve. The main function of the latter is to instantly transfer the water flow from the watering can to the mixer. A problem when using this installation may be a breakdown of the switch due to the accumulation of salts and scale on it.
- A shower column with a rain shower and a thermostat is a very useful item. Due to the effect, hot and cold water is mixed to the desired temperature. The only problem may be the selection of a thermostatic system for a specific rack or mixer. As a result, it is recommended to purchase factory models of the mixer and thermostat.
- Spout installation is rarely used. In addition to the rack, the package also includes a small tank through which the bathtub is filled with water.
- Shower racks with a mixer and overhead shower are very popular today. The structures consist of a pipe with a stationary watering can at the upper end. Usually shower heads of such installations are large diameters. The stand for convenience is supplemented with a watering can on a flexible hose.
Despite the huge selection of different options, you should approach the purchase of a rack with special attention. Only by analyzing all the nuances and quality of the components of the structure, you can purchase a product that suits the preferences of the future owner.
Varieties of nozzles
Shower in the bathroom is an indispensable item. Morning and evening water treatments temper and relax. As a result of this, it is very important from which watering can the ablution comes.
Today, there are many shower heads that vary in purpose, shape, size, style, design, etc.
Previously, a single diffuser with a certain number of holes for supplying water was included in the package. Often a shower resembled an elementary watering can. But nowadays, there are nozzles with several modes that provide a diverse flow of water stream.
Depending on the shape, diffusers are divided into:
- Oval.
- Round.
- Rectangular
- Square.
According to the type of attachment, flexible and stationary nozzles are distinguished. The diffuser on the hose can be doused at different angles and at different heights.
According to the purpose, shower nozzles come in several forms:
- Upper watering can.
- Backlit installation.
- Shower with aeration, providing a combination of water and air. As a rule, this saves up to 60% of water.
- Tropical watering can - a large flat nozzle that simulates rainfall in the jungle.
- The massage nozzle makes it possible to take care of the figure and maintain muscle tone during the water procedure.
Additional features of plumbing kits
Additional shower gadgets that can be included in the package are:
- A variety of soap dishes.
- Shelves-stands for detergents.
- LED lights.
- A mixer that is integrated in a common plumbing pipe.
- Built-in spout on some shower structures.
All these little things make water procedures more comfortable and convenient.
Materials of manufacture
For the production of shower racks, various materials are used. As a rule, nozzles on watering cans are made of high quality plastic and very rarely stainless steel. The most chic nozzles are those made of ceramic. They perfectly complement the bathroom in retro style.
What can not be said about the shower rack itself. Budget options can also be plastic, but the service life of such a product is usually short-lived.
More expensive models are made of steel with anti-rust coating. The coating can be different, for example, an anti-corrosion film or a more reliable option - multilayer spraying, which will last 7-12 years.
In the production of luxury options, brass and stainless steel are used. Such shower racks are expensive, but also durable.
Products of European sanitary ware manufacturers
Today, the market is full of goods designed to equip the bathroom. While domestic brands are gaining momentum in popularity, many consumers prefer imported products. Products from European manufacturers have several advantages that are very important when using them:
- The products are reliable, have good functionality.
- Plumbing products (for example, shower racks) are made taking into account the saving of water consumption. At the same time, the comfort of taking water procedures does not deteriorate.
- Each part of the installation has a stylish design.
- All metal components of European sanitary products are protected against plaque and contamination.
- Imported shower units are usually easy to operate and maintain.
Among European manufacturing companies, we can distinguish sanitary ware from the Czech company RAVAK, Polish installations for the bathroom from Q-Tap, the German shower rack Hansgrohe, etc.
Selection rules
To buy a quality shower rack, 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 completed.
- Decide on the purpose of the soul. If simple water procedures are supposed, then the rack with all sorts of "bells and whistles" is simply inexpedient. In this case, you can buy a simple design with hinged fasteners, which makes it possible to use a 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 care for your device
Every household item requires careful care. Especially if the thing is in constant contact with water. Scale, dirt, fungus can periodically appear if the product is not cleaned on time.
To clean the shower column, special attention should be paid to metal and chrome parts. The brilliance of the subject is not only a testament to the efforts of the hostess, but also a sign of sanitary safety. To give the unit perfect cleanliness, it is recommended to use special metal care products. The substance is sprayed onto the part, waiting 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 it is not recommended to use home remedies or ordinary cleansers, since after using them, the shower stall risks becoming cloudy and lose its luster. It is best to trust special care products for metal and chrome products.
DIY Installation Tips
The mixer with a shower rack can be mounted at home, without resorting to the services of specialists. Installation is quite easy, and following the instructions can achieve the desired result.
The algorithm for installing a shower rack is as follows:
- Mount the connection points of the mixer. It should be remembered that the holes for cold and hot water should be on the same line.
- Special angles are screwed onto a special strip with screws, into which adapters with an external thread are screwed.
- A mixer is mounted on the adapters.
- All joints must be sealed with tow or rubber tape. So water will not flow through the connecting threads.
- After installing the mixer, you can begin to mount the rack. To do this, determine the height at which it is planned to mount the installation.
- Through two dowels, a shower 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.
- On stainless steel screws, a rack is installed.
- The holder for the watering can, the flexible hose and the shower itself are mounted to the attached installation.
Having completed a simple installation procedure, you can enjoy the work done and take water procedures as often as you want.