A shower head system works by channeling both cold and hot water through a series of pipes to a mixing valve, which then delivers the blended water to the shower head.
The Journey of Water to Your Shower
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Water Source: Your home is supplied with both cold and hot water.
- Cold Water Line: Cold water travels directly to the cold water pipe.
- Hot Water Line: Hot water first goes to the water heater to be heated before entering the hot water pipe.
- Shower Valve (Mixing Valve): This is where the magic happens. The cold and hot water pipes meet at the shower valve. The valve allows you to control the ratio of hot and cold water to achieve your desired temperature, as mentioned by Quality Bath.
- Delivery to Shower Head or Tub Spout: After the water is mixed, it travels through another pipe to either the shower head (for showering) or the tub spout (for filling the bathtub). Quality Bath confirms this final step.
Shower Valve Types
According to the reference, the type of shower valve and hardware needed depends on your shower configuration. Examples of valve types could include:
- Mixing Valve: A standard valve that controls both temperature and water flow with a single handle.
- Diverter Valve: This valve redirects water between the shower head and tub spout.
- Pressure-Balancing Valve: This type of valve maintains a consistent water temperature even if there are changes in water pressure.
- Thermostatic Valve: Provides precise temperature control and maintains the selected temperature regardless of fluctuations in water pressure.
In summary, the shower head system relies on a network of pipes, a water heater, and a shower valve to deliver temperature-controlled water to your shower head or tub spout.
