What Is a Thermostatic Shower?

What Is a Thermostatic Shower?

When it comes to choosing a new shower for your home, the options can feel endless, from sleek digital showers to ever-reliable electric models. But one type that’s often overlooked, yet ideal for family homes, is the thermostatic mixer shower.

At Gainsborough Showers, we believe in making every shower safe, simple, and enjoyable. That’s where thermostatic showers come in: blending practicality with peace of mind.

What Is a Thermostatic Mixer Shower?

A thermostatic mixer shower works just like a standard mixer shower, combining hot and cold water from your home’s supply but with a major upgrade: it uses a thermostatic valve to maintain a constant water temperature.

This means that even if someone flushes a toilet or runs a tap elsewhere in the house, your shower temperature won’t suddenly spike or drop. It’s a safer, smarter choice for families, especially those with young children or elderly relatives.

How Does a Thermostatic Shower Work?

Inside a thermostatic shower, the magic happens with a clever thermostatic valve. Here’s how it works:

• Mixing water: The valve blends hot and cold water to match your chosen temperature.
• Monitoring constantly: It senses any fluctuations in water temperature and adjusts the mix instantly.
• Built-in safety shut-off: If the cold water supply fails, the valve shuts off the hot water to prevent scalding.

The valve contains a special element that expands and contracts based on the water temperature. This controls a piston that adjusts how much hot or cold water comes through. The part you control, the temperature dial, lets you set your ideal heat, and the system does the rest.

What Does a Thermostatic Shower Look Like?

Thermostatic showers come in a variety of styles to suit different bathrooms:

• Bar Valve Showers: Sleek and compact with twist controls.
• Concealed Valve Showers: Clean and modern, with just a wall-mounted plate and dials visible.
• Exposed Valve Showers: All the controls are on display, often paired with dual outlets like a fixed head and a handheld option.
• Traditional Valve Showers: Classic designs that bring vintage charm, ideal for period homes.

Whether you prefer a contemporary look or something more traditional, there's a thermostatic style to match your bathroom aesthetic.

How Is a Thermostatic Shower Different From Other Types?

Mixer Showers: While both mix hot and cold water, standard mixer showers don’t adjust to temperature changes, if someone uses water elsewhere, you’ll feel it. Thermostatic showers, on the other hand, keep your temperature steady.
Electric Showers: Electric showers heat cold water on demand, so they need a larger control unit on the wall. In contrast, thermostatic showers are plumbed into your hot water system and use a compact valve, perfect for a neater finish.

Why Choose a Thermostatic Mixer Shower?

If you’re looking for a shower that offers safety, reliability, and comfort, a thermostatic mixer shower is a smart choice. It’s especially well-suited to busy family homes where keeping everyone safe (and happy!) is a top priority. Want to explore the best thermostatic showers for your home? Shop Thermostatic Showers online at Gainsborough Showers.