An exposed copper pipe shower is when the shower’s valve is mounted on the tiles and is in sight. On the other hand, concealed showers have pipework and valves mounted inside the wall and are not exposed to the naked eye. Both types have pros and cons and should be selected after exploration.
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Discussing both sides of the concealed and exposed pipework or shower system is a healthy debate. One of the standout advantages of the exposed pipe system is its low cost. Because of the cost-effectiveness of the exposed pipe system, this system is widely used in domestic buildings.
Selection of the Pipe Shower System
The selection of a shower depends on your choice and certain constraints that drive the overall selection procedure. The following factors play an essential role in the selection of your shower:
- Finishing the product
- Design of the shower
- Style of the showerhead
- Type of the shower valve
- Price
Significance of the Important Factors
Each person sets their priority list according to their preferences and constraints. For example, person A is concerned about the showers’ price, and person B is not concerned about the price factor.
The shower valve is an essential component that will affect the installation procedure. In contrast, the style and finish are more open to interpretation and are determined by the designer’s preferences. Similarly, all factors mentioned above are equally important in selecting a shower.
Comparison of Concealed and Exposed Pipe Systems
This section will discuss the different aspects of concealed and exposed pipe systems.
Concealed Pipe System
The concealed valve system is rising in popularity in the modern community, especially the ones having compact bathrooms. Due to the valve and pipework being hidden underneath the tiles, concealed showers are a perfect choice for the minimalist aesthetics of your bathroom.
Advantage
If you have a compact modern bathroom and want to optimize the use of your limited space, the concealed valve system is best for you. The exposed units usually occupy more space than the concealed ones. With limited space, you can knock out the valve while washing, reducing the pressure of the water or suddenly changing the temperature. A concealed shower allows you to maximize the space.
Bottleneck
While using concealed units, the pipework remains underneath the tiles; the existing decor may likely get damaged. Moreover, the installation cost is also higher than the exposed unit system. We recommend you choose this type of shower when planning to upgrade your shower tiles simultaneously.
Exposed Pipe System
There is a wide range of designs on offer in the exposed copper pipe shower system. In other words, your exposed copper pipe shower ideas can coherently fit in with your existing bathroom aesthetic. It does not matter whether you have a modern or classical bathroom; you can find an exposed shower that matches your needs.
Aesthetics of an Exposed Copper Pipe Outdoor Shower
To bring about an aesthetic improvement in the look of your bathtub, install a shower system with exposed pipes and a spout. Even though showers have to do their primary job to spray the water, this exposed pipe system will dramatically enhance the aesthetics of your bathtub and shower.
The classical look of the exposed showers is available in the market, including a hand shower similar to that of a telephone handset. More exposed copper pipe shower head designs are also available, but it depends on your choice.
Advantage
The most significant advantage of the exposed shower system is the ease of the installation process. The ease comes in the process because these showers and the pipework can add to your tiles. On the contrary, the concealed showers, as mentioned earlier, can damage the structure during their installation. Moreover, the installation of the exposed showers is less expensive. Therefore, if you are comfortable with your existing bathroom and only want to add a shower, exposed showers are the best choice.
Limitation
Exposed showers are not preferable for compact bathrooms. Usually, the exposed showers occupy more space, and their pipe work remains exposed and pronto any accidental physical action that may damage the valves. Moreover, due to lack of space, you can unintentionally change the temperature of the water, which is dangerous.
Closing Remarks
Exposed and concealed, both types of showers have certain advantages, and the choice is more confined to the practical constraints that differ in every case. However, we share our findings to add some value to the ongoing discussion:
- If you have a limited installation budget, you should opt for the exposed shower system. While if you do not have such limitations, you can select either of the two depending on other factors.
- If you have a compact bathroom, you should select the concealed shower type to maximize the space. On the contrary, the exposed shower system occupies more space.
- If you are planning to upgrade your tiling system in the bathroom, you can choose a concealed and exposed shower system. However, the concealed shower system is unsuitable if you only want to add a shower without altering the structure.
- Aesthetics are a matter of personal choice, but an exposed shower system has more robustness and adaptability to fit into your plumbing system seamlessly.
Conclusion
Exposed copper pipe showers are common in most residential buildings. These showers are adaptable and easy to install. Moreover, the installation cost is also less than the case of concealed shower system. However, the concealed shower system is suitable for compact bathrooms and has other advantages. One should do the due research before selecting a suitable shower.