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What You Should Know About Installing a New Walk-In Shower System

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Few things can take your bathroom from ordinary to luxury like a new shower system. Of course, a walk-in shower involves a lot of plumbing, which can make an upgrade significantly more complex than other home renovation projects. 

With that in mind, here is a closer look at some of the things you’ll need to take into consideration when installing a new shower system inside your home.

A Walk-In Shower or a Shower/Tub Combo?

Before you even begin your project, you should consider whether you want a walk-in shower or a shower/tub combination. There’s more to consider than just how these installations will make your bathroom look — they will also impact what you can use the bathrooms for.

A shower/tub combination is generally recommended in any bathroom that is going to be used by children. This allows you to give your children baths when they are younger, while still offering the flexibility for them to transition to showering when they are older. These models can also help you conserve space if you have a smaller bathroom, as you won’t need separate floorspace for a shower and a soaking tub.

Walk-in showers provide a more luxurious look for your bathroom, and glass shower doors in particular can help the room feel larger by reflecting light sources. Walk-in showers can be a good choice for individuals who plan to age in place, as the installation of a shower bench and non-slip flooring will greatly reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents in comparison to a normal tub.

A lot of the decision to install either a walk-in shower or a shower/tub combination piece comes down to personal preference — what you think looks best and how you plan to use the bathroom. Still, this is a decision that should be made well in advance, as it will directly influence which parts you need to buy to complete the installation.

Rough-Ins Valves and Stops

A commonly overlooked — yet extremely important — part of any shower installation is the rough-in valve. This component is installed inside the wall, and is the valve the connects the hot and cold water lines. Essentially, it controls the mixture of hot and cold water so when you turn the handle on your shower in the morning, you can get the right temperature.

The type of valve fixture you should choose will depend in part on whether you have a walk-in shower or a shower/tub combo. Rough-in valves typically have two inlet ports (for hot and cold water), an outlet for the shower head, and an outlet for the tub spout. For a walk-in shower, you will need a rough-in valve that has a shower-only function, which plugs the tub outlet.

Some rough-in valves also have stops. Shut-off stops are devices that are built into the shower valve and are accessible after removing the shower trim kit. Stops allow you to turn off the water flow with a screwdriver. While this isn’t a necessary installation, this can prove useful should you ever need to conduct repairs for a leaky shower head. A rough-in with stops allows you to only turn off water to the individual shower, rather than needing to shut off the water supply for the entire house. Stops are typically considered something that is “nice to have” for a single-family home, but in a multifamily apartment building, are an absolute necessity.

While not every shower upgrade will require that you replace the rough-in valve, it may be a good idea to check the condition of your current valve when beginning the work. Items like the Kubebath ASV142 Aqua Piazza by KubeBath 2-Way Rough-In Valve With Cover Plate, Handle and Diverter will have you well on your way to taking care of this essential part of a shower installation.

Bases and Drains

shower base

Shower bases and drains also play an important role in many new shower installations by helping direct water out of the shower enclosure. Proper installation of these parts will keep water from leaking into other areas that could be damaged by water or experience mold and mildew growth as a result of excess exposure.

Not every shower installation will use a shower base, as many homeowners prefer the look of tile. However, acrylic and polyurethane shower bases do have some advantages that are worth considering.

For starters, these shower bases tend to be more cost effective than a tile installation. After the shower walls have been installed, the base is quick and easy for a qualified plumber to install. Acrylic or polyurethane bases are also easier to clean because they do not have grout lines. These shower bases are also quite waterproof, and are generally less likely to have issues with water leaks along the edge with the shower door.

A variety of shapes and drain configurations helps shower bases better fit your space — including if you are working with a relatively smaller bathroom. The DreamLine DLT-2038380 SlimLine 38 D x 38 W x 2 3/4 H Neo-Angle Shower Base, White is a great corner shower solution. On the other hand, models like the Swiss Madison SM-SB514 Voltaire 32 x 60 Inch Acrylic Single-Threshold Shower Base with Right-Hand Drain, White and the DreamLine DLT-1036481 SlimLine 36 D x 48 W x 2 3/4 H Double Threshold Shower Base, Left, White are well suited for a standard rectangular space.

Regardless of whether you will use an acrylic shower base or tile flooring, you will want to be mindful of the type of drain you choose to go along with it. The shower’s “floor” should always slope toward the drain so that water doesn’t leak outside of the shower enclosure. Typically, you won’t need to install new drain lines, as these should already be in place. If you are planning to move the drain lines, you should work with a professional plumber.

Once the shower base has been put in place, you can install a drain cover that best matches the base design and your personal preferences. Drains like the Infinity Drain RKD 5-2P SS 5 x 5 Inch Strainer-Link Pattern and 2 Inch Throat with Drain Body with 2 Inch Outlet, SS, PVC Body work well with acrylic or tile, while options like the Watermark LD6-48-PC Linear Shower Drains Trim Kit with Height Adjustable Grate, Polished Chrome offer a unique look that works well with tile.

Shower Heads

For many homeowners, the shower head is going to be one of the main points of emphasis during a shower enclosure upgrade. After all, the shower head’s design and features will have the most notable impact on your experience when you bathe in the morning!

Overhead shower heads like the Isenberg HSB.10SCP Universal Fixtures 10 Inch Solid Brass Showerhead / Rainhead, Chrome have become especially popular in recent years thanks to the sleek contemporary look and “rainfall”-type spray.

Many shower heads offer multiple spray settings to better match each user’s preferences. Models like the Grohe 26457000 Euphoria 260 Shower Head 3 Sprays, 2.5 GPM, Starlight Chrome also offer hard-hitting jet sprays and water-saving “smart” sprays. The integration of an anti-lime system in this particular shower head also prevents hard water buildup for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Of course, overhead “rainfall” shower heads aren’t your only option. You can choose more traditional shower head options like the Moen 3638 4-3/8 Inch 4-Jet Showerhead, Chrome if that’s your preference.

Regardless of the type of shower head you want to install for your updated shower enclosure, don’t forget about the shower arm! The shower arm extends from the wall and connects to the shower head to provide water at the right angle for when you are bathing. Without a shower arm, the shower head wouldn’t stick out far enough to spray you with water.

While some shower heads come with a standards shower arm or a ceiling mount arm, this isn’t always the case. When placing an order for your preferred shower head, double check to see if you will need to order an additional shower arm. If your current shower arm is in good shape, you may not need to replace it (though you may want to replace it anyway to match the new shower head). 

Shut off the water before unscrewing the old shower arm. Wrap plumber’s tape around the threaded portion of the new shower arm and screw it into the wall, and you should be ready to add on the new shower head of your choice.

Shower Doors

shower doors

Last, but certainly not least, are the shower doors. Shower doors are generally installed at the end of the project, after the walls and base are finished. You must take careful measurements of the space to ensure that the new doors will fit properly and form a watertight seal when they are closed. 

In addition to measuring the surrounds and the height, width, and thickness of the door, you will also need to be aware of any space that the door needs for opening and closing. To keep the shower door from taking up as much space, many homeowners prefer to install a bypass (or sliding) shower door, such as the Dreamline SHDR-1660760-01 Encore 56-60 W x 76 H Frameless Bypass Sliding Shower Door, Chrome. Because the door panels slide past each other rather than opening outward or inward, you have more available floor space for the rest of the bathroom.

Another space saving option is an open entry shower door like the Dreamline SHDR-3234721-89 French Linea Toulon 34 W x 72 H Single Panel Frameless Shower Door Open Entry Design in Satin Black. Be mindful of the spray provided by your shower head if choosing this style of door — you don’t want the shower spray to go past the area “shielded” by the door.

If you prefer a more “traditional” approach to shower doors, pivot shower doors function essentially the same as a standard door, swinging out into the bathroom, or inwards toward the shower enclosure. Neo-angle shower doors like the Vigo VG6063CHCL47W Gemini 47-5/8 x 47-5/8 Inch Frameless Neo-Angle Shower Enclosure with Base, Chrome/Clear Glass are specifically designed for corner enclosures.

Another thing to consider is whether you want a framed or frameless shower door. While both use tempered glass for added durability and easier cleaning, they do have differences to be aware of. Framed shower doors are cheaper and easier to install, though the metal frame may be more susceptible to corrosion over time. Frameless doors offer a minimal, contemporary look and are typically easier to maintain. However, they require more precise installation with the metal clips that keep the door level. As such, frameless installations should generally always be left to a professional contractor.

Get Everything You Need For Your New Walk-In Shower at Kitchen & Bath Authority

Whether you’re simply upgrading your shower head or going for a full-scale walk-in shower renovation, you’ll find the parts and components you need right here at Kitchen & Bath Authority. With top-quality items from brands like Dreamline, Kubebath, Kingston Brass, TOTO, and more, you can have confidence that you’re getting quality parts that will stand the test of time.

Better yet, when you buy from Kitchen & Bath Authority, you gain access to exclusive deals that you won’t find anywhere else. You can find discounts on everything from shower doors to rough-in valves, helping you save big off MSRP to stretch your remodeling budget that much further. All items are available with free shipping, and those who sign up for our membership program can unlock additional discounts on shower parts and other items throughout the site.

Not sure which parts will work best for your installation? Contact our in-house experts, who can answer your questions and use their product knowledge to help you find the right fit. Place your order today so you can start building the bathroom of your dreams.

Could a White House Proposal Change Your Shower Head Options?

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It’s estimated that about two-thirds of Americans shower every day. Whether it’s part of your morning routine or an essential for after you finish your daily workout, few things can feel more relaxing and rejuvenating than a warm shower.

While taking a shower may not seem to be all that controversial in and of itself, like many other industries, shower heads are actually subject to federal regulations, particularly in regards to water flow.

In 1992, the U.S. government enacted regulations that required shower heads to maintain a water flow of 2.5 gallons per minute or less at 60 psi. Designed to help conserve water (especially in the wake of severe droughts that occurred in the late 1980s), the proposal has spurred many bathroom product manufacturers to produce even more water efficient shower heads.

However, a recent proposal from the U.S. Department of Energy seeks to change that — and it could bring about changes to the way you take your shower.

What is the Proposed Change?

shower head

Under current regulations, the water flow limit of 2.5 gallons per minute applies to the entire shower head. If the change proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy were to go through, it would change this to a per-nozzle restriction. 

This means that a shower head with four separate nozzles could conceivably achieve a total flow as high as 10 gallons per minute. As long as each individual nozzle had a flow of 2.5 gallons per minute or less, the shower head would be compliant with the updated regulations.

The proposed change follows comments made at a meeting by President Donald Trump, who is quoted as saying, “So showerheads – you take a shower, the water doesn’t come out. You want to wash your hands, the water doesn’t come out. So what do you do? You just stand there longer or you take a shower longer? Because my hair — I don’t know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect.”

This wasn’t the first time the president had brought up issues with low flow water fixtures. In a December 2019 meeting, he said, “We have a situation where we’re looking very strongly at sinks and showers and other elements of bathrooms where you turn the faucet on — in areas where there’s tremendous amounts of water, where the water rushes out to sea because you could never handle it — and you don’t get any water.”

In effect, the new proposal would serve to roll back the previous regulations, allowing manufacturers to make high-flow shower heads — a move that has already come under intense scrutiny.

Debate Surrounding the Shower Head Proposal

luxury bathroom

While the Department of Energy is still pursuing this proposal, it is expected that there will be court challenges that delay this regulatory change, or could keep it from happening entirely.

Andrew deLaski, Executive Director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), wrote, “The existing shower head standard has spurred manufacturers to make devices that are more satisfying while using less water. That reduces our water bills, and it also reduces our energy use. Utilities require enormous amounts of energy to deliver water. Even more importantly, because shower heads deliver hot water, reducing the water flow through them cuts home water heating needs — which account for about a fifth of the average household’s energy use.”

The significant conservation efforts that have resulted from current regulations cannot be denied. It is estimated that the average bath uses 35 to 50 gallons of water. On the other hand, a 10-minute shower would use 25 gallons of water — and many low flow shower heads enable homeowners to use even less.

Even a slight increase in a shower head’s water flow — say, to 4 gallons per minute — would greatly reduce the water saving advantage of showering. While a difference of 10 to 25 gallons may not seem like a big deal on a day to day basis, that can add up quickly over the course of a month or year. Bathing doesn’t just use water — it also requires gas or electricity to heat the water. 

Using less water for showering could help households save hundreds of dollars on utility expenses each year. A less efficient shower head might be more comfortable for some, but it could also be more costly in the long run. In addition to the potential impact on homeowners, many are concerned about how such changes could harm conservation efforts, particularly in drought-stricken areas like California.

Of course, complaints about the efficacy of low-flow shower heads aren’t entirely unfounded, either. Some assert that these shower heads don’t provide enough water pressure to take a quick, cleansing shower. This is especially true in states like California, which have stricter water flow requirements than the national standard. Stories of people skirting such regulations have gone on for years.

Such complaints exist for a reason — for many people, a shower is how they de-stress at the end of a long workday. A shower with weak flow hardly delivers the experience they need. 

Shower Heads That Deliver Great Pressure at a Low Flow

Despite complaints and debate over low flow shower heads, the fact remains that in the United States, flow restrictions remain in place for the time being. The good news is that even though there are low flow showers that don’t deliver adequate water pressure, there are many that do. Innovations in shower design — especially improvement in aeration — have drastically improved the functionality of these shower heads.

One of the best brands at achieving this balance is Isenberg. Isenberg shower heads like the Isenberg HS1001WCP Universal Fixtures 8 Inch Solid Brass Showerhead / Rainhead With 12 Inch Wall Mount Shower Arm, Chrome and the Isenberg RHW.6SCP Universal Fixtures 6 Inch Rain Head with 7 Inch Arm, Chrome deliver an eco-friendly flow of 1.8 gallons per minute. Solid brass construction ensures that the shower heads are built to last, while rubber nozzles make cleaning easy.

These ceiling mounted shower heads use rain-style flows to help users achieve the exact pressure they desire. Isenberg “rain head” designs range in size from 6 to 20 inches, and several modern finishes are available to help you complete the look of your bathroom. Some Isenberg shower heads, such as the Isenberg MSS.20SCP Cascade 20 Inch Stainless Steel Flush Mount Rainhead With Cascade Waterfall and Mist Flow, Chrome also feature waterfall cascade and mist flows for a one-of-a-kind luxury experience. Mounting shower arms are also available for compatible rain heads.

Grohe also offers ultra-modern rain flow shower heads, though they manufacture shower heads with a more traditional look as well. Popular rain head models include the Grohe 26570000 Rainshower Mono 310 Cube Shower Head 1 Spray, Starlight Chrome and the Grohe 26457000 Euphoria 260 Shower Head 3 Sprays, 2.5 GPM, Starlight Chrome, which use the Grohe DreamSpray pattern to provide a wide, comfortable spray. The built-in anti-lime system also prevents mineral buildup, minimizing future maintenance needs for your shower head.

A great example of an affordable, yet comfortable shower head is the Grohe 26045001 New Tempesta Rustic 100 Shower Head 4 Sprays – 1.75 GPM, Starlight Chrome. This shower head allows users to easily choose from one of four spray patterns simply by rotating the spray face. This includes the lighter “rain setting,” Rain O2, which offers an air-infused spray, as well as pulsating massage and jet settings. These varied settings help users choose the option that is most comfortable for them, all while maintaining a 1.75 gallon per minute flow.

In addition to offering luxurious style and a variety of spray settings that help you make the most of low flow rates, Isenberg and Grohe shower heads are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Warranty coverage for mechanical parts and finishes provide confidence that your upgraded shower head will look and perform great for many years to come.

Planning For Your Next Shower Head Upgrade

At this writing, it is uncertain whether the proposal from the Department of Energy will come to fruition. Even if the proposal is finalized, many manufacturers may be reluctant to produce higher-flow shower heads due to concerns about future regulatory changes or the environmental impact of such installations.

Regardless of what the future holds for the industry as a whole, you can count on great deals and great products when you buy your shower heads from Kitchen & Bath Authority. Our wide selection of shower heads will help you get the desired look and functionality for your bathroom. Choose from a range of finishes, widths, settings, and spray patterns to get the right fit for your shower space.

In addition to our discounted prices, we offer free shipping and financing to help make your next home remodeling project even more affordable. Discount codes and other special offers are also available for many products. If you sign up for our membership program, you’ll enjoy even more discounts.

The future can be uncertain, but your need for an enjoyable, refreshing shower won’t go away. Place your order for one of our high-quality shower heads today so you can get even more out of your bathroom experience!