Follow the link to our shower showroom, including design information about shower faucets
See our section on design information for custom showers.
Shower Faucets - what most people call "a shower"
Shower Faucets consist of two elements - the shower head and the thermostatic valve that controls the flow of water to the shower head. To see our selection of shower faucets click on the link at right.
Shower faucets range from a basic shower system that allows water to flow out onto your body to an intricate combination of devices with multiple controls to regulate the volume and force of the water and stream shape. When one thinks of a shower faucet one should consider the shower head(s), sprays, spouts and the controls necessary to set the shower temperature and pressure. The controls typically include a thermostatic valve that is pressure balanced.
"Thermo" stands for temperature so the thermostatic valve controls the shower temperature. Typically thermostatic valves are 1/2" or 3/4" valves, with the size determining the ultimate water flow to the shower system.
Being pressure balanced allows the water temperature to stay constant even when the water pressure changes, like when a toilet is flushed. These shower faucets reduce or "balance" the water pressure to maintain the water temperature.
The valve component that goes into the wall is called the rough-in. The handle / control on the outside of the wall is called the trim.
This whole assortment is typically called the shower faucet and can be provided in a single package or custom designed with shower components to meet specific needs.
Follow this link for detailed information on Custom Shower System - Design Information.
FOR A LIMITED TIME: Use coupon code "custom-shower-for-me" at check out to receive a 2% discount on your Shower Faucet purchase. Also look at our daily volume discounts, which may be greater!
Shower Heads - the Functional Part of your Shower Faucet
Most people with standard-size showers use just one shower head. The standard shower head provides a steady stream of water and does not allow you to change the flow pattern. Multi-function shower heads, however, allow for 2 to 3 different water flow patterns - various combinations of wide spray, consentrated spray and pulsing. In addition some shower heads have special functionality:
High-end shower systems can employ multiple shower heads designed to massage your body, spray from all angles or provide a soothing recreation of light rainfall. We will be glad to assist you in your shower faucet selection and show you how you can customize your shower to provide functions as needed or desired.
Conserve Water with Low-Flow Shower Heads
In today's world, there is a need to "go green", conserve water and generally become friendlier to the environment. Installing a low-flow shower head can make a big difference in the amount of water that is used during your daily shower. Instead of the two-and-a-half gallons of water per minute (gpm) that is used with a standard shower head, a low-flow model reduces the flow. Some as low as one-and-a-half gpm. A well designed shower faucet system will provide this lower water use without compromising the functionality of your shower. The water pressure that you find most comfortable during your shower is maintained, but the water flow is reduced.
Another conservation measure can be achieved by adding control valves to your shower head that allow you to turn off the water completely during parts of your shower. This type of option can work along with your shower system's thermostatic valve, which controls the water temperature.
Shower Faucet Thermostatic Valves
Your thermostatic valve is the "motor" of your shower faucet system. It determines the amount of flow, the temperature, the presssure and the ultimate capacity of your system. Find out the size of your water supply hot and cold piping to know what size thermostatic valve you will need.
Kitchen and Pantry ~ your online source for shower faucets.
Kitchen and Pantry employs engineers who assist customers with custom shower design as well as provide information about shower faucets, fixtures and shower heads. Those considering a new or custom shower design are encouraged to call Kitchen and Pantry's engineering staff with their shower faucet questions and comments. Call toll free: 1-866-615-7197.
Follow the link to our shower showroom, including design information about shower faucets
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