1, 2 or 3-way shower system?

proformance

Hi 

We currently have a bath with taps, handheld shower and (concealed) overhead shower (on an arm, from the wall). The taps are mixer taps, and has the little pull-up lever to switch to the handheld shower - whilst the overhead shower is controlled by it's own control. 

We are replacing the bath and have an opportunity to change the systems. 

One plumber we've spoken to has recommended a 2-way shower system, and another plumber has recommended a 3-way outlet system. 

Are there any pros and cons of one over the other, or purely an aesthetic thing? 

What would typical set ups like mine go for nowadays (bath + shower)? 

WIAWSNB

Not sure I fully understand the two types. 
And your existing bath/shower deck mixer, how does that supply the water to the showerhead, if the shower head is concealed? Photo, please?
Anyhoo, what I would personally do is to have the bath filler as just it's own mixer tap. That's it.
And then a completely separate wall-mounted (concealed or surface - your aesthetic choice) thermo shower mixer mounted on the wall above. This would have a rain head and a rail-mounted handset, so giving your every option you could want.
The main thing is, I'd keep the bath tap and the shower completely separate, both for ease of use and appearance. 

sheenas

I would assume that there are two shower heads? If that is the case then 1 tap for each shower head and another for the temperature. Two tap system would have combined thermostats.

proformance

Sorry, I realise I botched my initial explanation. Here's a photo of my existing set up! 

I have a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30Si Compact combi boiler, if that helps guide the discussion. 

WIAWSNB

Ah! That's perfect. You have the plumbing services already in that wall.

I would personally - and also strongly recommend - you replace the bath/shower deck mixer with a bath mixer only.

Then a completely separate wall-mounted thermostatic shower mixer of your choice with a diverter for rainhead and handset. Literally billions to choose from.

I'd go for a 'known' brand, tho' it doesn't have to be 'high-end' if you don't want. Mira, Aqualisa, Triton etc etc should provide good service. But go Grohe or Hansgrohe etc.

Obvs it has to be 'thermostatic'. And I'd strongly recommend one with an adjustable flow control - it's astonishing how many do not - they are just on/off.

Is your water hard or soft? If 'hard', then perhaps look more upmarket as they might/should be more resilient. Grohe, Hansgrohe, etc etc are the typical ones, I understand, but I'm sure folk on here can recommend a good selection.

A 30kW combi - same as me - should give a cracking shower. 

EssexExile

I agree with everything that W1AWSNB says about the shower except the "cracking" description. I've moved from a house with a pumped shower from a tank and the combi fed shower I have now is "adequate". But you're used to what you have so it shouldn't be a problem.

WIAWSNB

EssexExile said:

I agree with everything that W1AWSNB says about the shower except the "cracking" description. I've moved from a house with a pumped shower from a tank and the combi fed shower I have now is "adequate". But you're used to what you have so it shouldn't be a problem.

Good point.

Yes, a combi is only as good as the mains supply. We have 25lpm+ at 3+ bar, so the shower is very pleasing. I need to turn the flow down for most of its use. 

A 30kW combi can deliver 13+lpm of hot, which will require half again of cold to get it to the right temp. So ~20lpm is a good shower in my books. Not 'power' shower, but good. 

Albermarle

Then a completely separate wall-mounted thermostatic shower mixer of your choice with a diverter for rainhead and handset.

If it was me, I prefer just a traditional shower head that can be attached to the wall, or detached and hand held, rather than these rainhead/drench ones, with a separate handset.
Like this.
Aqualisa Varispray Adjustable Shower Kit | Victorian Plumbing.co.uk

proformance

WIAWSNB said:

Ah! That's perfect. You have the plumbing services already in that wall.

I would personally - and also strongly recommend - you replace the bath/shower deck mixer with a bath mixer only.

Then a completely separate wall-mounted thermostatic shower mixer of your choice with a diverter for rainhead and handset. Literally billions to choose from.

I'd go for a 'known' brand, tho' it doesn't have to be 'high-end' if you don't want. Mira, Aqualisa, Triton etc etc should provide good service. But go Grohe or Hansgrohe etc.

Obvs it has to be 'thermostatic'. And I'd strongly recommend one with an adjustable flow control - it's astonishing how many do not - they are just on/off.

Is your water hard or soft? If 'hard', then perhaps look more upmarket as they might/should be more resilient. Grohe, Hansgrohe, etc etc are the typical ones, I understand, but I'm sure folk on here can recommend a good selection.

A 30kW combi - same as me - should give a cracking shower. 

Thanks!

I agree on tap tiers BTW. I have a Hansgrohe faucet on the bathroom sink, and it is incredible! 

Regarding your recommended setup - it sounds like you're suggesting (what I've learned) is called a "2-way thermostatic valve/diverter", to control the rainfall shower + the handheld shower. And a separately controlled tap/faucet mixer.

Two questions I have:

1) Is there any reason why you have not suggested going with a "3-way" setup? I.e. one controller for all three outlets, where the faucet is either (just a) spout, or the filler itself (see attachments)
2) Whether 2-way or 3-way, is there any disadvantage to putting the controller in a different place to the outlets (shower heads) themselves? I.e. in a position that means we don't get wet when turning the water on (or changing the temp)

Thanks in advance!

plumb1_2

2 or 3 way is a personal choice, but one thing to consider is that if the valve goes faulty and has to be isolated while parts are sourced, then you’ll have no water to the bath.

WIAWSNB

Albermarle said:

Then a completely separate wall-mounted thermostatic shower mixer of your choice with a diverter for rainhead and handset.

If it was me, I prefer just a traditional shower head that can be attached to the wall, or detached and hand held, rather than these rainhead/drench ones, with a separate handset.
Like this.
Aqualisa Varispray Adjustable Shower Kit | Victorian Plumbing.co.uk

Yeah, that's chust you :-)