Showers & Taps
Enhancing Your Daily Routine: A Guide to Showers and Taps from Solitaire Plumbing and Heating
Whether you’re starting your day with an invigorating shower or washing up after a meal, your showers and taps play a vital role in your daily routine across Essex, Kent, and London. At Solitaire Plumbing and Heating, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient fixtures. This guide will offer you practical insights into different types of showers and taps, along with tips for maintaining them and recognising potential issues.
Understanding Your Shower Options
You have several shower types to choose from, each offering a different experience and set of benefits.
- Mixer Showers: These showers blend hot and cold water supplies to achieve your desired temperature. You'll often find them with a single lever or two separate controls. Mixer showers can be manual, where you adjust the temperature yourself, or thermostatic, which maintain a consistent temperature, preventing sudden fluctuations.
- Electric Showers: Electric showers heat water on demand as it passes through the unit. You don't need to rely on a stored supply of hot water. The power rating of the shower (measured in kilowatts) determines the water flow rate and temperature.
- Power Showers: Power showers boost the water pressure using an internal pump. They are often used in homes with low water pressure to provide a more forceful shower experience. They typically require both hot and cold water supplies.
Maintaining Your Shower for Optimal Performance
Regular maintenance will help you enjoy a consistent and enjoyable shower experience.
- Clean Shower Heads Regularly: Limescale and mineral deposits can build up on your shower head, reducing water flow and spray quality. You can often remove these deposits by soaking the shower head in vinegar or using a limescale remover.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the shower head, hose, and connections for any leaks. Even small drips can waste water and potentially damage your bathroom. Tighten any loose connections and replace worn washers or seals.
- Consider a Shower Filter: If you live in an area with hard water, a shower filter can help reduce limescale build-up and improve water quality, which can be beneficial for your skin and hair.
Choosing the Right Taps for Your Needs
Taps come in various styles and functionalities to suit different sinks and preferences.
- Mixer Taps: Common in kitchens and bathrooms, mixer taps combine hot and cold water into a single spout. They often feature a single lever or two separate handles for controlling temperature and flow.
- Pillar Taps: These are individual hot and cold water taps, typically found on older basins. You control the temperature by adjusting each tap separately.
- Monobloc Taps: These single-spout taps mount onto a basin with a single tap hole. They usually feature a lever or twin handles to control both temperature and flow.
Maintaining Your Taps for Longevity
Proper care of your taps will ensure they function smoothly and last longer.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down your taps regularly with a soft cloth to prevent the build-up of soap scum and watermarks. Use a mild detergent if necessary, and avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect around the base of the tap and the spout for any signs of leaks. Dripping taps often indicate a worn washer or valve that needs replacing.
- Address Stiff Handles: If your tap handles become stiff or difficult to turn, it could indicate a build-up of limescale or corrosion. Lubricating the internal components or replacing worn parts might be necessary.
Why Choose Solitaire Plumbing and Heating?
24/7 Emergency Service
Providing round-the-clock support when you need it most.
Qualified and Experienced Plumbers
Ensuring high-quality workmanship and reliable solutions.
Transparent Pricing
Offering upfront and honest pricing with no hidden fees.
Local Expertise
As an Essex-based company, they understand the specific challenges posed by the local climate.
Customer Satisfaction
Prioritising customer satisfaction and providing excellent service.
Peace of mind
Knowing that your plumbing is in the hands of experts.
Recognising Potential Problems with Showers and Taps
Be aware of the signs that your showers or taps might need attention:
- Low Water Pressure: This could be due to limescale build-up, a problem with your water supply, or an issue with the shower pump (if you have one).
- Leaks: As mentioned earlier, any leaks should be addressed promptly to prevent water waste and damage.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: Inconsistent temperature in your shower, especially with a mixer shower, could indicate a problem with the thermostatic valve or pressure imbalances.
- Dripping Taps: Persistent dripping wastes water and can increase your water bills.
- No Hot or Cold Water: This could point to an issue with your hot water system or a blockage in the supply pipes to the tap.
Solitaire Plumbing and Heating: Your Local Shower and Tap Experts
For all your shower and tap needs in Essex, Kent, and London, Solitaire Plumbing and Heating offers a comprehensive range of services. Our experienced plumbers can advise you on the best fixtures for your home, install new showers and taps efficiently, and diagnose and repair any existing problems.
You can rely on us for a professional and reliable service to ensure your showers and taps function perfectly. Contact Solitaire Plumbing and Heating today for expert assistance in enhancing your daily routine. We’re here to ensure your water flows smoothly.