By Andrew Hunt
Builders sometimes feel torn when homeowners request upgrades or customizations to their new homes. On the one hand, the builder wants to keep the customer happy, but if anything goes wrong, it can lead to headaches and costly overruns, especially around installation of special appliances or new technologies. Luckily for the builder, one popular upgrade–a multi-head shower system–can be quick and painless.
To help keep the plumbing trade contractor on task, the builder should understand the basics of advanced shower-system installation. This will help ensure that the showering system meets the needs of the homeowner, and the needs of the construction schedule.
Multi-head shower systems can range from relatively simple "shower towers," which are as easy to install as conventional shower heads, to fully enclosed hydrotherapy spas, complete with foot basins, recirculation pumps, and water flow of as much as 80 gallons per minute.
By following a few simple guidelines, builders need not fear an upgrade in the bathroom:
- Framing considerations. While most floor-joist framing will be adequate to support a multi-head or spa shower system, it’s critical that the builder review the manufacturer’s installation guide and design plans before framing begins. Special attention should be given during rough-in to make sure that once the unit is installed, it will have a water-tight fit. There also must be adequate access to the pump, shower control, and drain areas for installation and maintenance.
- Hot water capacity. Running out of hot water mid-shower can quickly sour a homeowner’s mood. While some high-end shower units have temperature regulators built into them, the builder might suggest a supplemental or tankless water heater for multi-head units installed in standard shower enclosures. These will keep the homeowner in hot water--but in a good way.
- Water flow. Depending upon the system, water pressure may become an issue. Spa and massage units that aren’t for cleansing usually have a storage tank or reservoir and recirculate the water with internal pumps. Simple multi-head systems that draw directly from the home’s water source should be low-flow, and pipe sizing should be designed for maximum flow. (Check with your plumbing trade contractor or someone who has a CIPE [Certified in Plumbing Engineering] designation.)
- Moisture control. As with any bathroom fixture or feature, containing and controlling moisture is key. Be sure to use water-resistant drywall or "greenboard" as it's often called. Concrete backerboard has a solid concrete core and is reinforced with fiberglass mesh; it provides a solid underlayment for wet areas such as whirlpools, shower walls, and bathtub surrounds.
Though not as routine as traditional single-head shower system installation, multi-head systems shouldn’t give the builder (or plumbing trade-contractor) nightmares. With a little planning, coordinating, and attention to detail, upgrading the shower can delight the homeowner and add value to the home for years to come.
Andrew Hunt is a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer. Formerly of BuildIQ, he specializes in construction-related topics.
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