Installing your shower column
Whether you are replacing an existing shower column or installing a new shower set, you’ll need specific tools and supplies for your installation.
Here is a list of what you will most likely need:
- Wall plugs
- Screws
- Sealing compound
- Masking tape
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill and drill bits
- Glue/silicone gun
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
This list is generic and not exhaustive. It may vary depending on the specific model of shower column you wish to install.
As a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a video explanation of a generic shower column installation process. It includes many valuable tips to help you get the job done.
If you have chosen a Grohe Vitalio Joy 110 shower set, the brand has created an installation video specifically for this model. If you are fitting another model, some of the steps may not be quite the same, but this video will be a useful reference in addition to the manual.
A wide choice of technologies and brands
When it comes to your bathroom, whether it’s for your shower, sink or toilet, you can usually choose from a wide range of products, brands and technologies, and shower columns are no exception.
Besides the technological aspect, shower columns come in many shapes and colours. You can also choose a built-in shower column or enhance your bathroom with a bathtub column.
There are many brands to choose from: Anima, Axor, Eisl, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Kludi, Paffoni, Porcher, Ravak, Schell, Swiss Aqua Technologies.
The technology
In the case of the shower column, the technological differences are usually in the mixer. The models also differ in the number of jets they offer.
The mixer
The mixer is the main element of a shower column whose technology varies, and it can have an operating mechanism ranging from the simple to the most sophisticated. Here are the main types:
No mixer: it is possible that a shower column comes without a mixer, as for this Hansgrohe Showerpipe Crometta S 240.
See the shower columns without mixer
Mechanical: the simplest system available, this mixer is also one of the most common. Most brands offer it. We find it, for example, on this Swiss Aqua Technologies shower column model.
See the columns with mechanical mixer
Dual-lever: for a shower column with a more vintage feel, you can be tempted by a mixer model like this superb Paffoni Ricordi column.
Thermostatic: the best choice for a mixer, the thermostatic shower column allows you to regulate the water temperature with greater precision. It usually has a 38°C stop to avoid any risk of burning. This type of model, like the Grohe Euphoria System 260 shower column, also allows for more precise adjustment of the water flow rate.
See thermostatic mixer columns
The number of shower jets
Another variable element of a column is the number of jets, which can range from one to four. These are usually the hand shower jets:
- Single jet hand shower
- Two-jet hand shower
- Three-jet hand shower
- Four-jet hand shower
Some multi-jet columns are equipped with a massaging jet function as detailed in the following section.
The hydromassage shower column
In addition to its hygienic function, the shower is often a moment of relaxation and manufacturers have understood this. Some brands, such as Anima, have taken the idea of comfort a step further by adding a hydromassage function to their models, like this one.
A wide range of shapes and colours
The shape: from the column to the head
Although the shower column is usually in the form of a bar, it can have a larger body for design purposes.
In addition to the shower column itself, the overhead shower also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes:
- Square heads
- Round heads
- Oval heads (Grohe)
- Atypical heads (Kludi)
- XXL heads (40 cm diameter and more)
Colours
Even though shower columns are often chrome-plated, manufacturers are competing with each other to come up with the most innovative colours: gold, white, bronze, black and many metallic shades. The Swiss Aqua Technologies black hydromassage shower column is an original example.
Other options for your shower column
The built-in shower column
Instead of an exposed bar, you can opt for a built-in (or concealed) shower column. In this version, the bar disappears in favour of a built-in overhead shower and mixer tap. There is also a wide range of built-in bodies and finishing sets.
The bathtub column
If you want to add a shower column to your bathtub, the manufacturers have also thought of you. It can be a bath column or a free-standing mixer tap.
See shower columns for bathtubs
Other accessories for your shower
You can also find other items that you may need when building or renovating your shower:
- Shower rail
- Shower tray
- Shower door and screen
- Bathroom accessories
If you want to go further, find out in this article how to install your washbasin!
Is your thermostatic mixer malfunctioning ? Check out our article on how to resolve issues with a faulty thermostatic cartridge.
