The shower is the part of the bathroom we use the most, and it is often the first fixture we replace during a renovation. A well-chosen shower column brings real everyday comfort: a large rain-effect shower head, a hand shower and precise temperature control. But between the types of taps and mixers, the water pressure in your home, your water heater and limescale, several points are worth checking before you buy. Here is our guide to choosing the right shower column.
Contents
The different types of shower columns
A shower column generally combines a vertical rail, an overhead shower head (often large, with a rain effect), a hand shower and a diverter to switch from one to the other. The main types are:
- Shower column with built-in mixer: it directly replaces your old wall-mounted tap. This is the most common solution for renovations.
- Shower column without mixer: it connects to an existing mixer that you keep.
- Concealed shower: the valve is hidden in the wall. Very attractive, but it requires plumbing and tiling work.
| Type | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Column with mixer | Fits on existing water supplies, all-in-one | Quick renovation without breaking tiles |
| Column without mixer | Lower price, you keep your mixer | Recent mixer in good condition |
| Concealed shower | Clean look, space-saving | New build or major renovation |
Single-lever, two-handle or thermostatic mixer?
- Two-handle mixer (two handles, hot and cold): simple and robust, but adjusting the temperature takes time and wastes water.
- Single-lever mixer: a single lever controls both flow and temperature. Thanks to its ceramic cartridge, the movement is precise and long-lasting. It offers the best comfort-to-price ratio.
- Thermostatic mixer: you choose a temperature and it maintains it even if the pressure varies. It usually has a safety stop against water that is too hot, which is very useful with children or elderly people.
Example: the Blautherm matte black shower column offered by Brico MIM combines, according to its product page, a single-lever control with a ceramic cartridge, a 300 mm square shower head, a height-adjustable telescopic tube and anti-limescale nozzles. Its price is shown on the product page (from 4 499 DH at the time of writing).
Water pressure and water heater: points to check
A large rain-effect shower head needs sufficient flow to give a pleasant shower. Before buying, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your water pressure low? This is common on upper floors or when water comes from a rooftop tank. An automatic booster pump can then improve comfort; see also our Pumps collection.
- Do you have an instantaneous gas water heater? It only ignites above a certain water flow. With low pressure, a very wide shower head or a thermostatic mixer can cause the water heater to switch off. Check your appliance's specifications.
- Is your hot water tank big enough? A rain shower uses more hot water. If you are unsure about the capacity, read our guide electric, gas or solar water heater: which one to choose or browse the Water heaters collection.
Shower head, finish and limescale
Shower head size
The larger the shower head, the more enveloping the feeling, but the more flow it requires. Square shapes give a modern style, round ones a more classic style.
The finish
Chrome remains the most common and the easiest to match. Matte black adds a very contemporary design touch. In all cases, clean with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive product to preserve the coating.
Limescale
In many regions, the water is hard and gradually clogs the holes of the shower head. Silicone anti-limescale nozzles can be cleaned with a simple wipe of the finger. Once a month, you can also soak the hand shower in white vinegar.
Brico MIM tip: before ordering, measure the ceiling height of the shower and the distance between your two water supplies, and take a photo of the wall. Send it to us on WhatsApp: we will help you check compatibility.
Installing your shower column properly
- Turn off the water at the meter or main valve, then open the tap to drain the pipes.
- Remove the old tap and clean the threads of the supply pipes.
- Fit the eccentric connectors with new seals or sealing tape: they compensate for a difference in centre distance of a few centimetres. The most common centre distance for wall-mounted mixers is 150 mm, but always check yours.
- Fix the rail by drilling the tiles with a suitable drill bit, after checking that no pipe or cable runs behind.
- Turn the water back on gradually and check that there are no leaks.
If your supply pipes are damaged, misaligned or concealed, call a qualified plumber: a small leak behind the tiles can cause major damage.
Frequently asked questions about shower columns
Can a shower column be installed over a bathtub?
Yes, most columns can be installed above a shower tray or a bathtub, provided the height and position of the water supplies are suitable.
How can you save water in the shower?
A single-lever or thermostatic mixer avoids leaving the water running while adjusting the temperature. Also turn off the water while soaping.
Does matte black scratch easily?
A good coating stands up well to use, provided you avoid abrasive sponges and harsh products.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Treat yourself to a dream shower
Discover our selection of bathroom fixtures and taps, delivered everywhere in Morocco with cash on delivery.
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