Showers are quite simple from a user standpoint: you get in, you turn on the water, you enjoy the solitude while you scrub yourself clean.

But a number of parts need to work in harmony to deliver that experience. It’s important to understand all these elements if you’re planning to build or renovate a bathroom, to know exactly what you’re going to need.

In this guide we’ll break down the anatomy of a shower, including how water is delivered, contained and drained, to give you a clear-eyed view of what your project will entail.

Water delivery

If you don’t have water, you don’t have a shower. Delivering that water is the responsibility of the following parts:

• Shower taps/mixer: The fixtures that allow you to control the pressure and temperature of the water.
• Thermostatic valve: An in-wall valve that blends the hot and cold water to a specific temperature and balances out changes in water pressure.
• Shower diverter: The valve, knob or lever that redirects water flow between different outlets, such as from the shower head to a handheld wand or bath spout (built into twin sets).
• Shower arm: The pipe that connects the in-wall water supply to the shower head.
• Shower head: Where the water comes out – available in a wide range of styles and configurations, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted and handheld.

There are also the in-wall components – the concealed plumbing hidden behind your shower tiles – though these elements are rarely touched, and only ever by certified plumbers.

Water containment

With the water ready to be delivered, your next step is to contain it and direct it toward your drain. The following parts do just that:

• Tiles and grout: Large format tiles can minimise grout and the cleaning and occasional maintenance it requires. There are also seamless alternatives like wall panels, stone slabs and microcement.
• Shower screens/glass panels: Tasked with keeping water spray contained, you can choose from framed/semi-frameless/frameless panels with hinged or sliding glass doors. Or, if you’re OK with a bit of water escaping, opt for a doorless walk-in screen.
• Screen fittings: The channels, clamps, braces, hinges and handles that hold the screens in place and make the doors functional.
• Seals: Magnetic door seals and bottom sweep seals ensure water doesn’t leak out of the shower.

Drainage

You’ve successfully contained the water. Now you need to get rid of it. That’s the job of the following elements:

• Shower drains/wastes: The fixture that channels water into the wastewater pipe. The two main types are round or square point drains installed in the middle of the floor, or linear strip drains placed along the rear wall of the shower.
• Shower floors/bases: One-piece alternatives to tile and drain floors, these bases are made from pre-formed acrylic or composite stone and come with an integrated drain.
• P-traps and waste connectors: The underfloor plumbing that moves wastewater out while preventing smells and sewer gases from coming in.

Accessories

By bringing together all the parts above, you’ve now got a working shower. Your last job is to add any accessories that might enhance the look and functionality of the space, such as:

• Shower rails: Bars that allow you to quickly and easily slide the shower head to your preferred height.
• Hand rails and shower seats: Sturdy grip bars offer stability, while wall-mounted foldable seats/movable stools provide accessibility to the elderly and those with limited mobility.
• Storage/soap holders: Corner baskets, wire caddies and wall-mounted soap dishes keep personal care products organised and off the floor.

Where possible, choose shower accessories with the same finish as your other bathroom accessories like your tapware, towel rails and toilet roll holder, as this will tie the look of the space together.

Design your own shower with Bathroom Space

Whether you’re building a new home or undertaking a renovation, creating a beautiful, durable, functional and welcoming shower should sit high on your priority list. And you’ll find all the high-quality parts and accessories you need at Bathroom Space.

Shop our comprehensive shower range today, or if you’re looking for inspiration, check out our list of Australia’s 5 best showers and our guide to planning a bathroom renovation. 

Need help? Our team is here to support you through the whole process, with expert, zero-pressure advice. Just reach out.