With the expansion of walk-in showers, the anticipation of motor difficulties, and the search for water savings, the shower is still gaining as many followers, if not more. As we know, alongside the kitchen, the bathroom is the trigger for a favorite during a sale. Finding comfort there is not just a luxury, it has become necessary. Also, the accessorization of this room is almost systematic: wall-hung furniture, installed sink, walk-in shower and modern shower column, everything goes there, and with them, “do it yourself” tutorials which are being developed by the dozens. Here is how to install a shower column in your bathroom. Handymen here!
Why install a new shower column?
Simple and quick to install, the shower column seduces with its functionality. Several ranges exist on the market, some integrating massage jets, a thermometer and a display screen, and sometimes even a radio function (rather a gadget, but all in all practical for those who like to sing songs in the shower). It thus makes it possible to have a complete set, with shower head, hand shower and thermostatic mixer.
Count between 300 and 700 € for the purchase of the equipment, some more sophisticated models can reach 1,000 €. Installation by a professional will be charged between €100 and €300 for labour. This is why installing it yourself is largely profitable and does not require expert know-how.
Installing a shower column: step by step
Let’s get it straight away, there is no questioning, no suggestion, no silly remark. Getting into DIY work without being a professional remains a site that is quite normal to apprehend, and probably more so when it comes to plumbing. It’s rather courageous, and rest assured, it’s quite achievable, provided you take the time to read the instructions carefully, to respect the safety instructions to the letter, and to trust yourself (Yes, you can!).
First of all, when it comes to plumbing work, you have to turn off the hot and cold water supply. Sorry to break the myth, but it’s only in the movies that the plumber works on the pipes without cutting off the water supply. Come on, you’re ready, roll up your sleeves, and get to work!
Take measures
The shower column must be fixed to the wall, just above the shower faucet. Depending on the size of the bar, it is therefore necessary to take the fixing measures. Ideally, the top of the shower column should exceed the head of the tallest user by at least 15 centimeters. It will then be necessary to identify the nearest earthenware joints, where it will be preferable to drill. If this is not possible, drilling in earthenware will require the use of a diamond bit and a concrete drill bit for the wall or partition.
It will also be necessary to ensure its perfect verticality. To do this, point to the middle of the bottom of the column and, using a spirit level, transfer this point to the top of the column and draw the vertical axis. A masking tape will help you in this action to trace your vertical straight.
Install the shower column
Once all the measurements have been taken, it will then be necessary to drill or drill a hole at each fixing mark or traced hole, corresponding to the diameter of the dowels that will be used. It is better to pre-drill each of the holes at slow speed using a smaller diameter ceramic drill bit, then change the diameter afterwards. Each hole will then be filled with silicone and the plugs will be driven in with a rubber mallet, but be careful not to hit the tile.
You can then proceed with the installation, starting by fixing the support at the top of the shower column to the wall. You can then fit the lower support on the column, and enquiller it in the upper support, then fix everything. Generally, support covers are provided for better aesthetic rendering. Now is the time to install them. Perfect, the column is fixed, but it’s not over! You still have to connect the shower column to the water (yes, it’s still more practical).
Connect the hose and the hand shower
To do this, you must first connect the hose to the shower faucet, making sure that the seal is present, this is essential so that there is no leak. Remember to connect the blue to cold water, and the red to hot water. The tightening must be sufficiently powerful, first by hand, then possibly with pliers protected by a cloth. Then connect the hose to the shower head in the same way, with a joint in the middle. And now, voila !
Test your work
Before declaring victory, it will still be necessary to check the tightness of the assembly carried out. Turn the water back on, and make sure there are no leaks at the connections, and that the flow is good. Test the possible jets offered. Also, for daily maintenance and if the shower is used only infrequently because it is dedicated to a guest bedroom, for example, manipulate the temperature adjustment knob at least once a month, from the hottest to the coldest, and this repeatedly. This will prevent limescale from settling on the joints.
We recap it all!
To summarize, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials : tape measure, pencil, spirit level, impact drill, rubber mallet, Phillips screwdriver, adjustable wrenches, ceramic drill bit, drill bit and dowels adapted to the nature of the wall, masking tape, and finally? The shower column and its mounting brackets, of course.
Ensuite, we take the time to study the installation of the shower column, to assess the height at which you want to install it, in particular according to its functionalities and the users, although ideally, it will be preferable to rely on standard fixing heights, recommended at 2.10 meters in height at the start of the surface of the receiving tank. Before starting to follow the procedure, we make a clear place around ourselves. No need to bother with children’s bath toys or tubes of shower gel and shampoo for DIY.
Finally, it is possible that during installation, everything does not go as planned: a tile that bursts, a seal that cracks, a hole in the wrong place, or other. In this case, do not panic, telephone support can help you solve the problem, or advise you to call a professional plumber. The major DIY brands offer this service, such as online platforms, or even a plumber available between two sites.