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Need to know...
Our experT says…
A SHoWERHEAD WiTH RuBBER nozzLES iS DESignED FoR EASy CLEAning – uSEFuL iF you LivE in A HARD-WATER AREA, WHERE LiMESCALE CAn BuiLD up quiCKLy
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Tara King, content Style editor
new fittings ■ Simple fix Replacing just your showerhead is a quick and easy way to transform your bathroom. Fixed-ceiling options are better suited to small spaces, as the water flows straight down. A wallmounted design is preferable if your ceilings are low. Don’t forget to include the price of the mounting arm – it’s an essential, but usually sold separately. ■ preSSure point Many older homes still run on gravity-fuelled systems with low water pressure, which can rule out certain fittings. Discuss your options with your plumber – can you switch to a mains pressure system or add a pump? Also check your water tank’s capacity compared with the shower’s flow rates.
■ think eco Water-saving shower fittings reduce consumption without limiting pressure. Some restrict water flow by injecting air into the stream, or pulsing the flow, which is undetectable but still saves water. ■ Go diGital Modern technology lets you operate your shower remotely. A control panel in the bathroom communicates with the power unit in the loft or airing cupboard. This adjusts temperature and flow, so no need for a valve to be plumbed into the bathroom wall. ■ luxe it up Luxurious effects turn a shower into a fabulous boutique hotel experience. Hydrotherapy showers feature nozzles that jet water from many directions to give a massage-like feel. There’s also the option of added extras, such as changeable lighting (powered by the water flow, so there’s no wasted energy), steam settings and built-in speakers. Haus Minimalist exposed shower in Matt Black, £3,936.98, Fired Earth
Black Beauty For a modern twist on country style, swap chrome for an on-trend matt-black finish. Crafted from the highest quality brass, Fired Earth’s Haus range has a distinctive industrial feel; subtle detailing on the exposed fitting complements period features, yet stands out beautifully against a muted tiled backdrop. CounTRy HoMES & inTERioRS
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