PHAM NEWS | MAY 2025 32 Showers& Enclosures


Best shower solutions for commercial washrooms


What are some of the key things installers need to consider when selecting the right showers for use in non-domestic environments? Carole Armstrong from Delabie UK off ers advice on assessing system requirements and how to avoid potential callbacks.


C


hoosing a domestic shower is generally straightforward. Some of the key considerations are


temperature reliability, eff ective hot water production, water and energy effi ciency, ease of installation, and how easy it is to use and clean. A poor shower choice results in dissatisfi ed customers, return visits and a higher cost in terms of labour and materials. In non-domestic settings,


these factors also apply but higher usage and increased wear and tear must be also factored in. Showers in leisure centres, campsites and schools need to be reliable, durable and effi cient,


Carole Armstrong Senior marketing & communications manager at Delabie UK


especially as the user is not responsible for the water, energy and repair bills.


Under pressure The fi rst consideration, before even choosing the shower, is to check the system pressure. Insuffi cient pressure will prevent even the most reliable shower from working correctly if it is installed at the end of a pipe run that also feeds the toilets, taps and several other showers. Taking time to check the


system pressure and work out how many outlets could be used at the same time (e.g. during school playtime or after a session at the local swimming pool) will identify whether a booster pump is required. Good dynamic pressure means a good fl ow rate, even for that last shower, so every outlet will operate correctly even during busy periods. The next challenge is to ensure


that the shower temperature remains constant, even if all the toilets on the pipe run are fl ushed at the same time.


Hot fl ushes Temperature spikes occur when a shower is fi rst turned on, or when there is a high draw-off on the cold water upstream of the shower. Showers with an integrated thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) provide the perfect solution. The hot and cold water feed directly into the shower head, and a thermostatic cell inside the valve reacts instantly to any changes in pressure or temperature, delivering a constant temperature at the outlet. User safety is paramount,


Delabie’s TEMPOMIX time fl ow shower mixers and (above) SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM electronic shower panels


especially in public buildings that accommodate young or vulnerable people. Choosing showers with a thermostatic failsafe, where the mechanism shuts off instantly if either


the hot or the cold water supply fails, will prevent both scalding and cold showers. A pre-set maximum temperature limiter will also prevent users from inadvertently scalding themselves. A shower with an integrated


TMV replaces the more traditional group mixing valve which typically feeds several showers. The disadvantage of a group TMV is that the water is pre-blended upstream of the shower so the cold water feed to the shower has very limited draw-off . This creates a cold water dead-leg where water can stagnate, increasing the risk of Legionella bacteria development. An integrated TMV draws from both the hot and cold water at the point-of-use, removing this risk completely.


Sustainable showering In non-domestic washrooms users can waste as much water as they like with no direct consequences for over- consuming. The choice of shower can, therefore, have a signifi cant impact on the water (and energy) bill. A fl ow rate of 6 litres/minute will deliver an effi cient shower without compromising user comfort. Reducing consumption also means saving on energy as less hot water is required. Choosing a shower that shuts


off automatically will also prevent wastage. A push-button or sensor-operated shower closes the mechanism after


a set period of time (usually 30 to 60 seconds), preventing excessive waste. Some showers also feature an anti-blocking system in the event of misuse.


Built to last The choice of shower needs to refl ect the environment and usage patterns. Public showers face much higher levels of use than domestic showers, and are often subjected to deliberate


vandalism. The fi xings and mechanism need to be robust to withstand intensive use day-in, day-out. In areas where vandalism is potentially higher, the valve should be recessed or concealed, accessible only by the maintenance staff . Over time, the valve will see


wear and scale build-up, in which case regular servicing will extend the product’s lifespan. At Delabie we off er a 30-year warranty on all its showers and will guarantee that spare parts are available for 50 years.


Keeping it simple In non-domestic settings time is money, especially in larger facilities with higher numbers of showers installed. Products that are easy to install, clean and service will save time and money throughout their lifespan. Shower panels are ideal for refurbishment projects, as they conceal previous installations. All sensitive elements are kept away from mischievous hands, and a one-piece cover is also very easy to clean. If vandalism levels are high, a recessed mechanism (behind a cover plate) with fi xed shower head cannot be accessed by mischief makers, and it looks stylish. However, maintenance staff can still access and service the mechanism, which is impossible if the mechanism is installed behind tiled walls!


Minimising callbacks When choosing showers for public-access buildings, time invested in assessing system requirements and comparing shower features will pay dividends. Ensuring the right product is installed fi rst time will avoid callbacks and keep both building owners and users happy. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/48


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