Sarah Evans, Head of Product Marketing at Hansgrohe UK, looks at the solutions that ensure a wet room can be specified in a wide range of properties
Installing a wet room has remained an ideal choice for those wanting to add impact to their homes and create spa-like experiences at home. Wet rooms are also a popular choice for those wanting to create space in the bathroom, especially when this is limited. What’s more, as multi-generational living continues to grow in popularity, level access showering offers an attractive solution for those needing to cater for a variety of ages too.
Prepping the floor effectively
Planning is vital when designing or starting a wet room project, to avoid creating the need for avoidable repairs or having to take floorboards up unnecessarily.
Wet rooms remove the need for a shower tray, so preparation of the floor level is the first consideration. Opting for a tanking system that can be adapted to cover the area under the tiles means a wet room can be specified for a wide range of showering spaces and properties, even those where joists may previously have limited the installation possibilities.
The latest UK Floor Formers range from hansgrohe, for instance, have been designed with the timber flooring that so often appears in UK domestic properties, in mind. This includes a range of sloping boards, plus side extension panels, which enable simple and effective preparation of the entire floor area ahead of tiling.
Removing excess water
Effective drainage is also a must for a level access space and will be a key question that customers will have when embarking on a wet room project. The latest drainage systems can provide solutions that combine both function and style in one simple step. Some, such as hansgrohe’s RainDrain have the added benefit of being able to fit seamlessly into the design and follow the finish across all fixtures, whether Chrome, Matt Black, or Polished Gold Optic.
The linear design of hansgrohe’s RainDrain means it can be dropped into the floor for a flush finish and tiled around for a sleek overall look. As well as adding interest, it ensures excess water is removed as swiftly as possible, with a drainage rate of 60 litres of water per minute.
Installation considerations
When working with timber flooring, it’s important to first identify the direction and location of the joists before installing the drain system. Stud detectors can also prove useful here to look for the voids without having to take up floorboards unnecessarily.
RainDrain can be used in conjunction with a specially-designed, concealed base set – the uBox Universal – which will fit neatly between joists. With an adjustable height, it can be used for most wet room installations. It also stands to reason that, as space under floorboards is tight at the best of times, keeping the space clear of debris will help get the job done more quickly too.
When fitting pipes into the drainage system, such as the uBox universal, be prepared for existing pipe discrepancies. For longevity and security for the homeowner, using solvent weld fittings when connecting waste pipes is recommended for a secure fitting. The uBox comes with an adapter to ensure it can be tailored to fit to the relevant UK pipework and, for additional peace of mind, is supplied with a factory pre-installed seal liner that is incorporated into the composite seal to prevent water damage.
The chosen linear drain finish set can then be selected to match the shower unit, taps and accessories. In the case of RainDrain Rock, the finish set can also be tiled to blend seamlessly into the floor for a truly coordinated finish.
There may be occasions where the installation height is low and uBox proves too deep. Again, options exist to overcome this situation with the addition of a simple floor drain. For example, using a product such as RainDrain CompactClean from hansgrohe, allows the drain to be dropped into the floor and connected to existing pipework without the need for the uBox.
Safety and Performance
Safety and practicality must also be a priority when it comes to specifying bathroom products that will work for multiple generations alike.
A thermostatic shower control is a must to avoid fluxes in temperature, providing protection against unexpected hot or cold-water spikes. Yet, it is possible to go beyond this and build a space that not only looks great but incorporates elements that will offer benefits for all concerned.
To ensure the experience lives up to the aesthetic, suggesting customers opt for a shower that allows them to adapt the spray patterns is a simple recommendation that can make a dramatic difference when catering for multiple age groups.
Products that give the choice to alter the intensity of the water and even the droplet formation can help provide a gentle flow of water for those with more delicate skin.
PowderRain is incorporated into many hansgrohe products. Its micro spray technology is much finer than conventional shower jets and is designed to envelop the body in a gentle cocoon of water. As it includes six-outlets per nozzle, it transforms the spray into thousands of micro droplets, imitating misty rainfall. For those looking for a more energising showering option, the intuitive Select button can be pushed to easily turn the shower spray into a more powerful Rain experience, or a massaging jet of spray to help relieve tension or stress.
For more information, visit the dedicated hansgrohe website for installers: https://pro.hansgrohe.co.uk/.
