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Concealed Valves

The concealed shower valve is probably our most popular type of shower control. Rather than an ugly white plastic box, with a concealed valve you see only the control plate, which tends to be a chrome-plated rectangle with several handles for operating your shower heads, riser rails, bodyjets, bath overflow fillers and so on. More often than not they are thermostatically controlled, which means they safely ensure an even temperature even if other taps are turned on in the house.

Also known as recessed shower valves, they can control either a single outlet with a handle for temperature, and a handle for water flow (often referred to as 'twin' valves); as well as multi-outlet shower valves that can control several different outlets all from the same place.

You'll want to make sure you choose the right valve for your bathroom. You'll see valves with 3 handles, sometimes referred to as a triple valve. It's important to check the number of outlets (shown in the item specification) to make sure you know what you're getting. Triple valves usually control 2 outlets, with the 'triple' part referring to the number of handles rather than the number of outlets they control. To confuse you further, triple valves with a diverter can control 3, and sometimes even 4 different things. If you're at all stuck, just ask - we're always more than happy to advise and make suggestions.

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This indicates how many water outlets you can pair with your shower valves. Choosing valves with more outlets will give you flexibility over the number of products you can add to your shower. 

Each outlet from your shower valve will divert water to the section of your shower that needs it, so each extra outlet allows you to add another product. For example: with 1 outlet you could have just a fixed shower head. 2 outlets will allow you to have a fixed shower head and shower handset. 3 will allow both of these with the addition of a body jet.

Your water pressure depends on your home's water system. It’s important to consider water pressure when buying a new tap or shower. Buying a product with a minimum water pressure that’s too high for your home will result in poor performance.

- With a combi boiler you can usually expect between 1 and 2 bar

- With a gravity system (cold water tank in attic) you may have as little as 0.1 or 0.2 bar upstairs, and perhaps 0.5 bar downstairs

- With a high pressure unvented system (hot water cylinder, no cold water tank) you will generally have between 1 and 3 bar

You can install an item with a low minimum pressure rating on a high pressure system, but avoid installing an item with a high minimum rating on a low pressure system! Read our guide to water pressure to learn more.

Guarantee

Please note that these guarantees are provided by the manufacturer, and will be subject to individual exclusions, exceptions, and terms and conditions, for example avoiding abrasive bleach-based cleaning products.

If you need further info about a specific manufacturer's guarantee, please contact our team.

Tap spouts are available in a variety of different styles which have an effect on both the look and function of your tap. Different spout types will have different heights and projections, so it’s important to choose one which will complement your basin or bath.