Bathrooms

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Thermostatic Showers: What Are They and How Do They Work?

19th January 2024

Whether you are investing in an entirely new bathroom or looking for a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade to your existing one, choosing the right shower can be a challenge. In this series, we will be looking at the different types of shower and how they work, starting with the thermostatic shower.

Most people have heard of mixer showers – showers that draw from the existing water supply and you change the hot and cold feed to get the right temperature. Many people will also be familiar with the icy or – worse – boiling shower that happens when you are in the shower and someone in the house switches on a tap. Thermostatic showers are usually mixer showers, with an improvement.

What is a thermostatic shower?

In a nutshell, a thermostatic shower draws hot and cold water from your water supplies to reach the right temperature. Because the shower is designed to default to a specific temperature, they do not deliver hot or cold bursts when water is used elsewhere in the house. This is great for households where vulnerable people may inadvertently change the temperature, as well as for people who just don’t like being surprised with boiling or freezing bursts.

Most people will have seen thermostatic showers in hotel bathrooms, where the mixer tap is used to switch the shower on, but the temperature remains steady, despite lots of other people using the water at the same time.

Are there different types of thermostatic shower?

The term thermostatic relates to the shower’s capacity to maintain water temperatures. So, you can get thermostatic power showers and manual power showers, as well as thermostatic and manual electric showers and mains (mixer) showers. The type of shower that will work in your home will depend on the type of plumbing that you have, and your budget.

Can anyone have a thermostatic shower?

Because there are different types of thermostatic shower, it is possible to get one to meet your needs regardless of the type of boiler that you have. However, because they are more complex to fit, it can cost a bit more to fit a thermostatic shower than a manual one. If you are unsure of what will suit you and what the price differences will be, get in touch with a local plumber or bathroom specialist and ask for recommendations and quotes; remember, it is best practice to get at least two quotes so that you know you are getting the right deal.

If you are considering a bathroom revamp, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or X for the next blog in this series on bathroom upgrades, including a summary of the different shower types and what boiler types they work well with.

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Looking for more bathrooms advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common bathrooms questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

Do I need a plumber or a bathroom fitter to install a new bathroom?

For a simple swap - same bath, toilet, or basin in the same spot - a plumber can usually handle it. For a full renovation with layout changes, tiling, and proper waterproofing, a bathroom fitter is the better choice. Many larger jobs need both, or a fitter who subcontracts the plumbing. Be upfront about what you want when you're getting quotes - it makes a difference.
What are the most popular bathroom design trends right now?

Walk-in showers with frameless glass are still the most popular choice - they look great and make the space feel bigger. Wall-hung toilets and basins are increasingly common for the clean look and easier cleaning underneath. Brushed brass and matte black are the tap finishes people are going for right now, largely replacing chrome. Warmer tones - stone, clay, warm whites - have pushed out the all-grey bathroom of the last decade. And underfloor heating and digital showers are increasingly being planned in from the start rather than added as an afterthought.
What is the difference between a wet room and a shower room?

A shower room has a shower enclosure - the shower is contained within its own space. A wet room is different: the whole floor is waterproofed and slopes to a drain, with no enclosure at all. Wet rooms look clean and minimal and work really well for people with limited mobility. The catch is they need far more thorough waterproofing during installation - any gaps and you'll get water getting into the structure. Using a professional is an absolute must!
Do bathroom renovations require Building Regulations approval?

A like-for-like replacement generally doesn't. But if you're moving a soil pipe, adding new electrical circuits, or making structural changes, it might. The one constant: any electrical work in a bathroom has to comply with Part P, regardless of how small the job is. If you're unsure, your installer or local building control team can tell you what's needed before you commit.
How long does it take to fit a new bathroom?

A full installation in an average bathroom typically takes five to ten working days, depending on how complex the layout is and how much tiling's involved. A straight swap with no layout changes can often be done in two to three days. Plan for some disruption either way, and make sure you've got access to another bathroom while the work's on.
Can I install a walk-in shower myself or do I need a professional?

The enclosure and screen? Potentially DIY-able if you're confident. But the plumbing and electrical side - no. Electrical work in bathrooms falls under Part P regulations with strict rules around anything near water. Waterproofing is also something people tend to underestimate - get it wrong and you're looking at expensive water damage down the line. For a full walk-in shower installation, get a professional in.

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