Getting Started - Frequently Asked
Questions
Design Your Own Shower System
Examples Of Shower Systems
Getting
Started - Frequently Asked Questions
Why
can't I find a "2 Handle" Shower Faucet? - Old style
faucets with Hot and Cold handles were not designed to compensate for
fluctuations in water pressure. In other words, if you were taking a
shower and someone ran water elsewhere (flushed a toilet, started
dishwasher etc.), the old faucets would widely fluctuate in temperature.
Most codes today require a faucet that will not vary in temperature
despite pressure drops.
What does "Thermostatic" and
"Pressure Balance" mean?
- Thermostatic and Pressure
Balance faucets will compensate for hot or cold water pressure
fluctuation. They keep water temperature constant even when there is other
water usage in your home.
So what's the difference between the two?
- Thermostatic valves are better because they (1) Utilize ceramic disc
technology for a smooth and drip-free operation, (2) Allow you to
precisely pre-select your preferred water temperature before you step into
the shower, eliminating wasteful adjustments and saving water, (3)
Automatically maintain your water temperature within 1 degree regardless
of seasonal changes in your hot and cold water supply, and (4) Provide
satisfying high water flow at all temperature settings allowing for
multiple outlets (showerheads, bodysprays etc.).
Do Thermostatic Valves require special plumbing?
- Thermostatic valves do not require any special plumbing.
Hansgrohe offers ThermoBalance valves - What is
that? - ThermoBalance faucets are nothing more than a
Thermostatic valve with a built in volume control and diverter. They
are easier to install (Plumber friendly!), easier to use, do not require
separate diverters or volume controls (less holes in the wall) and
therefore more economical.
I want to design my own custom Shower System -
What do I need to know? - The most important part of a custom
shower system is the valve. The valve must supply enough water to
satisfy all outlets - in other words, if your outlets (showerheads,
bodysprays etc.) require 7 gallons/minute and your valve only allows 5
gallons/minute to flow through it, your system will not work
properly. Other important things to consider are (1) the size of
your water heater (remember, a well designed shower system encourages
longer showers!), (2) your budget, (3) the size of your shower (will
everything fit nice and neat), (4) the shower enclosure (expect more
splashing with a custom shower - no shower curtains please!), and (5)
local codes. For more information on shower systems, see below.
Help! I am still confused. - Call us at 800-378-7001.
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Design Your Own Shower
System
Most
people do not give their daily shower a second thought. It is just
another part of a busy day, a way to get clean and get going. But
the shower can be much more than that. Think of a custom, personal
environment where the power of water can revitalize, relax and leave you
feeling serene and content.
Versatility is perhaps the most distinguishing attribute of a shower
system. Showerheads and bodysprays on the wall and ceiling work
together with an adjustable wallbar and handshower, making the shower easy
and comfortable for people of all sizes.
Hansgrohe's ThermoBalance valve technology puts total control of your
system in a single compact unit.
Step
I: Establish Your Design Parameters
Budget: There is no limit to your imagination, but there may
be practical limits to what you can accomplish. A system can be
designed to fit within just about any budget, from simple to
sophisticated.
Space: Showers can range in size from about 30" x
30" to any customized dimension. You can design a system to
work in the area you have.
Enclosures: Many showers are built with some type of
enclosure. Enclosures contain splashing and create a more private
space, but they are not a necessity when designing a dream shower.
An open plan can offer many possibilities.
Water Flow: Water pressure across the United States can vary
greatly. To power a shower system, we recommend 44-65 PSI. Your
plumber or contractor can help you determine your average incoming water
pressure.
Water Volume: Are you connected to a municipal water system
or a private well? Do you have sufficient volume to feed a custom
shower? Your supply lines must deliver more volume than the maximum
calculated output of your shower system.
Water Heater: It is important to ensure a sufficient hot
water supply! Remember that a well designed shower system encourages
longer showers.
Floor Drain: What you put in must also drain out.
Install a drain (or multiple drains) which can handle twice the amount of
water as all components can provide.
Local Codes: Be sure to understand and follow them.
Time: Installation time may also be a factor. We
recommend that shower systems be installed by a licensed plumber.
This will save you time, give you peace of mind, and can actually save
money in the long term. There is no substitute for professional
skill and judgment in realizing the potential of your dream shower.
Step
II: Components and Flow Rates
A. Valves:
Hansgrohe's ThermoBalance valves are concealed valves, consisting of two
subassemblies - the rough (the valve itself, which goes behind the wall) and the
trim (the decorative plate and handle).
Thermobalance I : A single function (1 outlet) valve which
incorporates an independently adjustable temperature control (the center knob)
and separate volume control (the handle). Maximum flow rate 9.5 gpm at 44
psi.
Used for shower only applications with the single outlet being either a
showerhead or handshower.
Thermobalance II : A two function valve with independent
temperature control. The integrated volume control and diverter are
controlled by the handle. Maximum flow rate 8 gpm at 44 psi.
Used most commonly for:
A tub/shower application with the two outlets being the tub spout and either a
showerhead or handshower.
A shower only application with the two outlets being a showerhead and
handshower.
Thermobalance III : A three function valve with independent
temperature control and an integrated three position diverter/volume
control. The Thermobalance III valve allows the user to blend the flow of
water between positions II and III allowing those two functions to be used
simultaneously. Only positions II and III can be blended so the installer
must plumb the valve accordingly. Maximum flow rate 6 gpm at 44 psi.
Used most commonly for:
Position I - Tub Spout; Position II - Showerhead or Handshower; Position III -
Bodysprays
Position I - Handshower; Position II - Showerhead; Position III - Bodysprays
Note! All ThermoBalance temperature control knobs incorporate a safety
stop at 100º F. You must firmly push the knob while turning to set
temperatures higher than 100º.
B. Showerheads
Choose Hansgrohe showerheads ranging from simple single spray models to
showerheads that feature multiple spray modes in multiple combinations including
a full drenching spray, a soft aerated spray and pulsating massage.
Showerheads flow at 2.5 gpm.
C. Handshowers
Hansgrohe's handshowers feature superior spray modes and patented
cleaning systems for years of trouble free enjoyment. You can use a
handshower to put the spray where you want it for maximum freedom and
flexibility. Mounting options include a handshower holder, showerarm mount
or, ideally, an adjustable wallbar. The wallbar and showerarm mount allows
the handshower to be placed high enough to be used instead of a
showerhead. Handshowers are perfect for two shower users who vary substantially
in height, washing children or pets, and make cleaning your shower much less of
a chore.
Handshowers flow at 2.5 gpm.
D. Body Jets
Surround yourself in comfort with Hansgrohe's Body Jets. Put them
anywhere - on walls and even the ceiling - to create a "vertical
whirlpool" experience. You can adjust the angle of the spray with
their versatile swivel mounts.
Body jets flow at either 1.0 gpm or 2.0 gpm depending on model.
E. Wallbars
Long a standard bath essential in Europe - and a Hansgrohe invention! -
adjustable wallbars allow every user in your shower to adjust the handshower to
a perfect height. No shower will ever be too high or too low.
F. Accessories
Once again the possibilities are limited only by your imagination (and
available space!) Hansgrohe has a wide variety of accessories such as
hoses, showerarm diverters, handshower mounts and wall outlets to make your
shower system more versatile and enjoyable. Additionally, your designer or
contractor can give you guidance about built-in options like seating, steam
systems, aromatherapy, lighting and even sound systems.
Step III: The Flow Rate Worksheet
Fill in the following chart to calculate the maximum flow rate of your
system.
This value cannot exceed the capacity of your incoming water supply!
You also must use this value as a guide in determining the capacity of the water
heater and drain(s).
Remember what Hansgrohe's ThermoBalance valves will deliver:
ThermoBalance I: 9.5 gpm at 44 psi.
ThermoBalance II: 8 gpm at 44 psi.
ThermoBalance III: 6 gpm at 44 psi.
It is possible to use more than one ThermoBalance valve in a shower.
Multiple valves must be supplied independently.
Step IV:
Placement of Shower Components
A.
Consider everyone who will be using the shower. The tallest user's
height should be the determining factor in the placement of the
showerhead. The shortest adult user should still be able to reach the
showerhead so that they can manually adjust the spray mode and angle.
B. Wallbars increase the versatility of your system. Children, the
elderly, and anyone with special needs can be accommodated with a wallbar and
handshower that will adjust to the user's height. many of Hansgrohe's
products are "ADA" (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved.
C. The top Body Jet should ideally line up to the user's shoulders or
upper back. It should not be too high and aim at the user's face or head.
D. The middle Body Jet should line up with the user's mid-torso or
abdomen.
E. The bottom Body Jet should line up with the user's thighs or
knees. All Hansgrohe Body Jets are angle adjustable. Exact alignment
is not crucial.
F. The ThermoBalance valve or valves should be quickly and easily reached
by any user.
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Examples Of Shower Systems
ThermoBalance I Examples:
