Outdoor Shower Plumbing Fixtures: Tips for Installation and Care
An outdoor shower is a convenient amenity for any house, particularly in Alabama, where year-round warm weather encourages outdoor living. It's a refreshing way to get the beach sand off after a day at the beach, wash off after a gardening session, or take a breather under the sun on a sweltering summer afternoon.
However, while it sounds great to have one, outdoor showers require special maintenance to ensure the longevity of their plumbing fixtures. Weather changes and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect your outdoor shower’s performance and may even cause permanent damage if you’re not careful. In this post, we’ll explore how to select the right fixtures and maintain them, ensuring your outdoor shower becomes a permanent and functional part of your Alabama home.
How to Choose Outdoor Shower Plumbing Fixtures
When selecting plumbing fixtures for your outdoor shower, consider durability, water flow rate, and aesthetics to ensure long-lasting performance. Consider the following:
1. Showerhead
The outdoor shower head is the centrepiece of your outdoor shower, so you’ll want to choose carefully. The options below differ in style, spray pattern, and functionality to meet your specific tastes and requirements.
Rain Showerheads: Want to feel like you’re standing in a gentle summer storm? Go for the big, rain-style ones. They cover your whole body and feel luxurious. It’s like showering in the rain, but with plumbing.
Handheld Showerheads: If you want to blast the mud off your feet—or your kid, or your dog—nothing beats the handheld. Super versatile. An ideal solution for a quick rinse off.
Fixed Showerheads: Classic. Reliable. If you prefer a simple and sturdy solution, fixed showerheads offer a reliable option. Mount it high and let it do its thing.
Low-Flow Showerheads: Want to save water? These are like the eco-friendly Prius of the shower world. They still get you clean, just with less guilt about your water bill (or the planet).
2. Faucet and Controls
When installing a faucet, you will need one that is weatherproof and built to withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
Single-control faucets: These feature a single control for both hot and cold water, making them easier to use and install.
Dual-Control Faucets: This faucet features two individual controls for hot and cold water, providing you with greater control over the temperature.
Frost-free Faucets: A frost-free faucet is specifically designed to prevent water from freezing inside the pipe when temperatures drop, thereby preventing pipe bursts and water damage.
3. Hose Bibs and Valves
Hose bibs allow one to control the water supply to the showerhead. They must be provided with easy access to achieve on/off functionality easily. Some outdoor showers also feature a mixing valve that combines cold and hot water to achieve optimal temperatures.
Hose bibs control water flow to the showerhead and offer easy, manual on/off valves. Install hose bibs where users can easily locate them and have quick shutoff capability.
Mixing valves blend hot and cold water to provide a comfortable, equal shower temperature.
Correct valve installation promotes safe, efficient operation and enhances the functionality of your outdoor shower system.
4. Shower Drainage
Outdoor showers should be equipped with proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation around the shower. Some of the systems that can be utilized for this include:
Normal Drainage: The standard shower drain is suitable for most installations, provided it is appropriately graded to allow water to flow away from the area.
French Drains: A French drain system diverts excess water from poorly drained soil to a lower elevation, avoiding pooling, erosion, and water damage around landscaped areas or outdoor showers.
Installation Planning
Planning for an outdoor shower enclosure is a crucial step in the overall installation process. If you work with a professional shower contractor, you won't have to worry about the intricate details that go into shower installation. However, it is a good practice to know what to expect. Here are a few things you may need to discuss with your contractor.
1. Shower Location
The first step is to decide where your outdoor shower will be located. You must consider the following:
Privacy: Select a secluded area where you can shower. Choose a location with walls, bushes, or fences.
Water Supply Proximity: To make the installation as convenient as possible, position your shower close to a readily available water supply, such as a water pipe or hose bib.
Slope and Drainage: The floor must slope away from the shower to allow water to flow correctly. An ideal slope for a drainage system is a slight one (1/8 inch per foot).
Accessibility: Allow for future accessibility for maintenance and servicing.
2. Installing the Water Supply
If installing a new water supply, you must run plumbing from your home’s main or another source. Here’s a basic breakdown of how to do it:
Trench to water supply pipe: Dig a trench for the water supply pipe. It should be under where it will freeze during winter (a minimum of 12-18 inches).
Shut-off valve installation: You can add a shut-off valve to the outdoor shower outlet. This will shut down the water supply when not in use, making maintenance easier.
Attach to water supply: Attach your supply line to an accessible home water line, well, city water, or hose bib.
Install heavy pipe: The outer walls must be constructed of heavy material such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), CPVC, or copper, which would be less exposed to the harsh outdoors.
3. Installing Showerhead and Fixtures
You now have your plumbing lines installed. Installation of fixtures comes next:
Fixtures installation - shower controls: Mount the faucet and temperature handles on the wall or pillar of the outdoor shower.
Fixture installation showerhead: Position the showerhead at a suitable height and secure it firmly.
Leaks testing: Open the water supply and check for leaks or water supply issues following completion of all installations.
Drain cleaning: Clean waste to avoid clogging. Clear the drain and, if necessary, brush off any remaining dirt or leaves.
4. Check Regularly for Maintenance
Outdoor shower enclosures may become less useful in the winter months and could get damaged by strong gusts. Follow these tips to be sure your outside shower is well insulated against freezing temperatures to avoid pipe bursts and other potential hazards:
Drain out the system: Shut off the supply to the outside shower and drain any leftover moisture from lines and accessories.
Insulate shower fixtures: Use shower insulated wraps or coverings to insulate shower fixtures and prevent freezing.
Use freeze-proof fixtures: Install frost-resistant outside taps and freeze-proof plumbing.
Check for leaks: Inspect pipes and plumbing fixtures regularly for any indication of water leakage.
Inspect the showerhead and faucet: Check the pipes and plumbing fixtures for signs of water leakage every six months.
Inspect the water flow: If you experience poor water flow or uneven pressure, the pipes or showerhead may need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Common Outdoor Shower Issues
Even with regular maintenance, you may occasionally face common issues with your outdoor shower. Follow these steps to troubleshoot them:
1. Low Water Pressure
In case of low water pressure for your outdoor shower, inspect the following:
Clogged showerhead: Remove it and soak it in vinegar to dissolve any mineral buildup.
Partially closed valve: Ensure the water supply valve is fully opened to maximize the water flow.
Plumbing issues: If your water supply line or pipes are experiencing low pressure, there may be an issue.
2. Leaky Faucets
Leaking faucets are another common issue for outdoor showers:
Check washers: Old, worn-out washers can also cause leaks through the faucet handles. Replace these to avoid leaking.
Check valve components: Your leak may also be caused by a faulty valve or O-ring. Removing and replacing the defective component with new ones should solve the leak.
3. Drainage Problems
If you notice water pooling where you're taking your shower, inspect your drain system:
Check for clog: Ensure the drainpipe is clear of clogs or rubbish blocking water from draining.
Regrade the ground: If the ground grade is incorrect, you may need to regrade the ground to allow water to drain away from the shower.
The Wrap-up
Through the correct selection of outdoor shower plumbing fixtures, accurate fitting, and timely maintenance, an outdoor shower can bring functionality and elegance to your property. With the proper care and upkeep, your outdoor shower will be a great, convenient spot that enhances your lifestyle and outdoor living experience. Additionally, it can also improve your property’s value; homebuyers often appreciate outdoor showers. So, there is a good reason to add one!
Thinking of adding an outdoor shower? It's a complex job that requires meticulous planning and skilled plumbing work. Let our professionals do the installation—quick, seamless, and hassle-free. Call us today to get started and discuss outdoor shower ideas with one of our experts to find the best solution for your home.
