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Need custom plumbing advice

| Posted in General Discussion on May 26, 2000 03:09am

*
We are currently remodeling a bathroom. Removed the tub and are converting space to a walk in shower. My wife saw an add from Moen for a set-up she wanted, However it is new and parts will not be released for shipping for 6-8 weeks. What she wants is a shower head and 4 body sprays mounted on one wall. She wants to be able to turn the shower head on, or the body sprays on, or both. Has anyone done an install like this and if so could you give me a lead on the hardware needed (ie the valves). Any part numbers would be helpful. I have contacted local suppliers but none have ever done a set up like this (small town). I have also contacted Moen and Kohler about this but have recieved very conflicting answers. I figured the best bet would be to go to those who know.

Thanks Ken

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  1. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 03:05am | #1

    *
    Ken-

    I'm not a plumber, nor do I play one on TV...I do have a very good frind who like to explain the perils of his work day to me.

    Both pressure, AND volume are critical to a happy shower user in this case. Just because you have decent water pressure, you could have a decent pressure drop when you you try to run that much volume out.

    Just some thoughts

  2. TomTheToolManan | May 24, 2000 03:29am | #2

    *
    Ken- Why not put in an independant valve assy. just for the side units? I am sure you could purchase a single handled assy, then pipe it to the side sprayers instead of a shower head. Plumb the standard shower unit as normal but tee off the supply lines, you may have to run 3/4" dedicated lines to accomodate this type of set up.

  3. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 03:38am | #3

    *
    When I was in HD plumbing dept., I definitely remember seeing a similar system listed. The details are vague, but it was by (I
    i THINK
    ) Jacuzzi. It was a $$$$$$$ special order setup, and as memory serves, it was the shower walls, base, plus all hardware - valves, nozzles, and an electronic keypad type control. The system was more than just body sprays. Again, details fuzzy, but I think it had steam, variable controlled temperature, and massage capability. I also seem to remember it was $2000-3000+ for the unit, which may or may not be a bit more than you wanted to spend. I further believe the system was called the Body Spa or Body Shower, etc.

    In any event, look around higher end showrooms, or go to HD/Lowes/etc. and ask to browse through the special order books. You might not find exactly what you had in mind, but you might get other ideas. They should let you take your time looking, but try to avoid doing it on a Saturday afternoon ;)

    Sean

    1. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 04:52am | #4

      *Mr. P. you're a little low on that Jacuzzi system. It goes for about $12,500. Got TV and sound as well as enough jets to launch a boat.Last year we designed a shower for a customer who just had to have his water and a lot of it. Only problem was the city water was a standard 5/8 valve at 70 psi and 3/4" feed. Mounted to the ceiling is a 12" diameter head. On the wall are two standard heads, one at regular height and one for the short person in the family, one tub spout next to the bench and one hand-held with bar. The 12 inch head has its own valve and the others share a second valve. 3/4" feed, hot and cold, to both valves. The "system" functions well enough but the customer understood from the beginning that the large head would only simulate a gentle rain and would affect the volume flow from the other units. Plus, the head must be level or the rain effect turns to a dribble off the side of the unit. But they're happy and that's what counts.I think when we were calculating for this installation the plumber or perhaps the supply house thought we should have the city double the meter size and since we were repiping from the street put in 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 line. That would have cost them, not only for the change but the basic water charge by the city jumps up too because the base fee is determine by the size of the meter.If what she wants is individual control of the shower heads then each head can be run through a separate, single on/off valve with the temperature regulated through a regular shower mixing valve.

      1. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 05:54am | #5

        *Ken -Kohler makes a unit that comes as a pre-assembled column and can be used for new construction or retrofits. The K-74 includes two oscillating/pulsating body sprays, a shower head and sheet flow (waterfall) spout. The K-75 is the same except it has a hand held shower instead of a mounted shower head. Both come in polished chrome, white or polished brass and all models list for around $3600.00.

        1. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 11:47am | #6

          *Kohler has the individual bodysprays, controls, etc also. Put 'em where you want. Pain to plumb but not impossible. Kontact Kohler. http://www.kohlerco.com

          1. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 03:12pm | #7

            *As some of may remember, I've been researching for an article about shower doors. Many of the custom installers that I spoke with hate these full body sprays. They say that the volume of water dispensed can overwhelm the best door seals. The advice I've gleaned is that you should build a high curb to your shower entrance, and not aim the jets at the door.Andy

  4. Carlos_ | May 24, 2000 03:31pm | #8

    *
    I forget the name of the company (German firm?, Grohe?), but you can buy valves which let you turn on/off individual runs in a shower assembly. I was replacing a balky shower with a pressure balanced unit and was able to add a second shower head at mid height controlled by the valve. I'm glad I didn't go for more, although I was tempted to, since even with what I thought was great water pressure the flow just dropped off too much to have run more heads. Nevertheless, I quite like it. Check a good plumbing supply for the valves.

    Carlos

  5. Guest_ | May 24, 2000 06:24pm | #9

    *
    I suspect that this will be another passing fad, same as the SubZero fridge (mostly empty), Viking range (never used), and neglected soapstone countertop. A further drop in the market and the economy will probably drive down demand for this, as well. How do ecologically responsible adults rationalize the water usage?

    1. Guest_ | May 25, 2000 02:45am | #10

      *Barry- Here in `the sticks` the water comes up from the well, goes out to the septic system then eventually filters back into the ground water. Not alot of waste going on

      1. Guest_ | May 25, 2000 03:52am | #11

        *Shouldda put in a small booster pump.-Rob

        1. Guest_ | May 25, 2000 05:48am | #12

          *Well, I guess that price tag explains why I never sold any. I don't remember the entertainment system, must be a slightly newer model. Even at $2000, way too much for me, thanks.Sean

          1. Guest_ | May 25, 2000 05:48am | #13

            *At the same temperature it came out as?

          2. Guest_ | May 26, 2000 02:25am | #14

            *With a grey water collection system for irrigation...

          3. Guest_ | May 26, 2000 03:09am | #16

            *Just the cold water, Bill

  6. Kenneth_Winningham | May 26, 2000 03:09am | #15

    *
    We are currently remodeling a bathroom. Removed the tub and are converting space to a walk in shower. My wife saw an add from Moen for a set-up she wanted, However it is new and parts will not be released for shipping for 6-8 weeks. What she wants is a shower head and 4 body sprays mounted on one wall. She wants to be able to turn the shower head on, or the body sprays on, or both. Has anyone done an install like this and if so could you give me a lead on the hardware needed (ie the valves). Any part numbers would be helpful. I have contacted local suppliers but none have ever done a set up like this (small town). I have also contacted Moen and Kohler about this but have recieved very conflicting answers. I figured the best bet would be to go to those who know.

    Thanks Ken

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