Plumbers.. What is the most used/most popular Thermostatic Shower Bar?

FrankFalcon

Hi all

I am currently renovating an old house. The plumbing will be total renewal, first fix now, second fix later. I prefer to buy all the accessories and parts myself because UK tax regulations say that the invoices need to be in my business name. This agreement also suits my plumber and electrician. 

So, I need to buy TWO standard Thermostatic shower bar mixers. I looked online and there’s literally loads of choices from Triton, ideal, Mira & Bristol etc. The prices start at around £60 (screwfix). There’s also similar ones that cost over £200. Basically, I want to buy the one that is easiest to change/purchase if it goes faulty in a few years time. I don’t want to buy an unusual one because it’s cheap and then find out in a few years that it’s not available any more or it’s an odd fitting etc. I assume the distance between the hot and cold feeds could be standard? Any advice guys on an item that should be around in 5 years plus and is easy to get parts for or easily exchange? 

Thanks

Rodders53

Buy cheap. Buy twice.

I'm not a professional plumber but I favour surface mount aka exposed (for ease of maintenance myself) rather than built in the wall units.  I've fitted Grohe units myself - they come in a range of price points.

Some of the makes will guarantee parts availability and warrant stuff for 5 or 10 years.  Do your own due diligence.

Lorian

I just replaced a surface mount bristan fury. It was about 30 years old. Thermostat still available as a spare part but alas the part I needed was not. I used a frenzy 2 and it was just two nuts to undo, and do back up, making sure to use the two new rubber washers. 10 minute job, surface mounted as mentioned above....

Bendo

We have an Aqualisa Aquarian thermostatic (think it's discontinued now) in our en suite, great shower.

When I did the bathroom I added a shower in there and bought a Triton thermostatic one and it was absolutely rubbish compared with the Aqualisa . 

bjorn_toby_wilde

Aqualisa are a good brand. Grohe very popular so spares should be easily available. Our Grohe shower has been bulletproof and is well made

jennifernil

We have 3 Aqualisa ones in the house, one is an original from when the house was built in 1988.  The other 2 replaced the original Aqualisa ones when we redid those bathrooms, that was back in 2021  and 2023.