Shower Mixers
Explore mixer showers at JJ Building Materials for new bathrooms, shower upgrades and replacement projects. The collection includes thermostatic bar mixer showers, complete shower mixer sets and two-outlet systems with fixed shower heads and handsets. You can also find complementary hand-held shower kits, outlet elbows and parking brackets for completing or updating an existing installation.
Available in contemporary round and square designs, as well as more traditional styles, these shower mixers offer options for a wide range of bathroom schemes. Choose from chrome, matt black, brushed brass, brushed bronze and brushed pewter finishes, with products from established bathroom brands including Nuie and Hudson Reed.
Choosing a Thermostatic Mixer Shower
A mixer shower connects to the property's hot and cold water supplies, blending them to produce the required showering temperature. A thermostatic mixer shower adds automatic temperature control, adjusting the mixture when supply conditions change. This can provide a steadier and more comfortable shower than a basic manual mixing valve.
Features vary between products. Selected thermostatic shower mixers are designed to maintain the chosen temperature within a stated tolerance or shut down the flow if one water supply fails. Always check the individual product specification rather than assuming every valve provides the same level of temperature regulation or safety protection.
Which Shower Mixer Configuration Do You Need?
- Thermostatic bar mixer showers: The exposed bar-shaped valve is mounted on the finished wall, keeping the controls accessible and creating a clean, practical installation.
- Complete shower mixer sets: A coordinated package may include the thermostatic valve, rigid riser, fixed overhead shower head and separate handset. Check the listed components because contents differ between models.
- Two-outlet shower systems: These supply two showering outlets, typically an overhead head and a hand shower. Check how the diverter operates and whether the outlets can be used separately or together.
- Single-outlet arrangements: A simpler option for installations requiring one handset or fixed shower head rather than a combined system.
- Hand-held shower kits: Useful for targeted rinsing, cleaning the enclosure or completing a compatible valve installation. Confirm the connection size, hose length and required outlet before ordering.
- Round or square designs: Rounded valves and heads suit softer or traditional bathroom styling, while square controls and heads create a sharper contemporary appearance.
Check Water Pressure and Plumbing Compatibility
Water pressure is one of the most important considerations when buying a shower mixer. Performance depends on the valve's specified operating range, the available hot and cold flow rates and the property's water-heating system. Some models are intended primarily for high-pressure, pumped or unvented installations, while others may support a wider range of systems.
If the property has a combi boiler, unvented cylinder, gravity-fed supply or shower pump, check the product's minimum and maximum pressure requirements before purchase. Hot and cold supplies should also be reasonably balanced. A qualified bathroom installer or plumber can confirm whether the selected mixer is suitable for the existing system.
For a replacement bar mixer shower, compare the pipe centres, inlet connections, top or bottom outlet position and available wall space with the existing installation. For a new bathroom, plan the valve position, shower head height and pipework before tiling or closing the wall.
Materials, Finishes and Bathroom Style
Construction varies across valves, shower heads and accessories. Mixer valves commonly use brass components for strength and durability, while handsets and heads may combine brass, stainless steel and ABS components to balance weight, finish and performance. Product-specific material information should be checked where a particular construction is required.
Chrome is a versatile choice that coordinates easily with most bathroom fittings. Matt black shower mixers create a stronger modern contrast, while brushed brass, brushed bronze and brushed pewter introduce warmer or more distinctive tones. Where several bathroom products will be installed together, selecting components from the same manufacturer and finish range usually provides the closest colour match.
Complete Your Shower Installation
For complete units and alternative shower types, browse the wider shower collection. Different spray patterns, shapes and replacement outlets are available in our shower heads range, while hoses, brackets, elbows and other installation components can be found under shower parts and accessories.
When planning a complete showering area, coordinate the mixer with appropriately sized shower enclosures and panels and compatible shower trays. Checking dimensions and connection requirements together helps prevent avoidable fitting problems later in the project.
Shower Mixer FAQs
What is the difference between a mixer shower and an electric shower?
A mixer shower blends water supplied by the property's hot and cold plumbing. An electric shower heats cold mains water inside the unit. The most suitable option depends on the water-heating system, available pressure, electrical provision and required flow rate.
What does thermostatic mean on a shower mixer?
A thermostatic valve responds to changes in the incoming hot and cold supplies to help maintain the selected temperature. Exact temperature-control and shut-off features differ, so consult the individual product specification.
Should I choose a single or two-outlet shower mixer?
Choose a single outlet if you only need one handset or fixed head. A two-outlet shower mixer is better suited to customers who want both an overhead shower and a separate hand shower. Confirm whether the chosen valve operates the outlets individually or simultaneously.
Can a mixer shower work with a combi boiler?
Many mixer showers can be used with combi boilers, but compatibility must be checked against the manufacturer's pressure and flow requirements. A shower pump must not be assumed suitable for a combi-boiler installation; obtain professional advice before altering the plumbing system.
Does every product include the valve, shower head and handset?
No. Some products are complete shower mixer sets, while others are individual hand-held kits, outlet fittings or brackets. Review the product title, images, included components and technical details before ordering.
Should a thermostatic shower mixer be professionally installed?
Professional installation is recommended. The installer should confirm water-system compatibility, supply pressures, pipe centres, connection sizes and commissioning requirements in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
