Shower baths are perfect for adding both style and practicality to your bathroom, as showers are increasingly popular in modern living. With a shower bath, you can enjoy a luxurious bath on the weekend while benefiting from a shower every day. In the following FAQs, we'll explain why a shower bath might be the right choice for you and what to consider when purchasing one.
What are the benefits of shower baths?
Available in left or right-hand options, shower baths feature a conventional tub, which is wider at one end to accommodate a shower. A screen is fitted to this end to prevent water from splashing onto the floor.
The main advantage this kind of bath has is that it combines two elements together, which gives you more options and also allows you to save space in the bathroom. Most people don't have the room for separate bath and shower areas, so these designs are very practical solutions.
They will usually be either P or L shaped for convenience, with the wider end providing an ideal space for you to shower. They are an ideal option for families who don't have much room as they allow everyone to get what they need from a bathroom without having to have the cramped feel that having separate bath and shower areas can sometimes create.
What are P and L shaped shower baths?
Shower baths can come in both P and L shapes. One end of the bathtub will feature wider dimensions, which are either squared (L) or rounded (P) shaped. This will also dictate which bath screens you can use, as L-shaped baths will need straight screens while P-shaped options will required curved ones. You can also find bath screens that fold into multiple sections for added practicality.
How do I install a shower bath?
When it comes to installing your new shower bath, we recommend you enlist some professionals. If you're not overly confident in your own abilities, it's best to hire a plumber. However, if you feel that you are capable of fitting it yourself, these helpful tips may come in handy along the way:
- Always make sure the water is turned off before undertaking any serious plumbing work.
- Install the pipework prior to the bathtub itself.
- Ensure the hot and cold water lines and waste are all aligned correctly to the bath.
- Run the pipe leading to the showerhead up the wall ensuring all the necessary nuts and bolts are properly secured and the pipe itself is not loose or ill fitting in any way.
- Silicone caulk should be applied to areas where the bathtub meets the wall in order to get a tight, safe fitment.
- PTFE tape should be applied to shower pipe threads in order to prevent leaks.
- Finally the water should be turned back on and allowed to run for a couple of minutes to allow you to check for leaks.
What waste should I choose?
When it comes to choosing a waste suitable for your shower bath, either a click clack or pop up option will be ideal for modern bathrooms. If you have more of a traditionally styles bathroom, a plug and chain waste may be more appropriate. Always double check the dimensions of items like these before buying, and make sure that the type of waste you buy will actually be able to work with the bath that you have to avoid any problems further down the line.
