Many of us are attracted by the bathroom conceal shower set when decorating the bathroom. This design hides the water pipes and mixing valves inside the wall, only exposing the showerhead and control panel. It not only makes the bathroom look simple and elegant but also makes daily cleaning a breeze. The concealed shower sets produced by Chinesische Wasserhahnfabriken are made of high-quality materials. They use premium brass or stainless steel and offer a wide range of surface treatments, including shiny chrome plating, luxurious brushed gold, sophisticated matte black, and distinctive gunmetal gray, which can match various styles of high-end residences, star-rated hotels, and modern bathrooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the installation.
(I) Precautions Before Installation
Before installation, the product manual is your “operation manual”. Read it carefully to understand the specifications, models, and specific installation requirements of your shower set. Also, inspect the wall thoroughly. Load-bearing walls are fine, but if it’s a hollow brick wall, reinforce it in advance, or the wall may crack during drilling. Additionally, carefully confirm whether your existing water pipeline system is compatible with this shower set. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to consult an experienced plumber instead of starting the work blindly.
(II) Erforderliche Installationswerkzeuge
“As a craftsman, if you want to do your job well, you must first sharpen your tools.” You need to prepare a complete set of installation tools, including an electric drill, wrench, spirit level, tape measure, PTFE tape, and silicone gun. When using an electric drill, choose the right-sized drill bit according to the thickness of the water pipe. When tightening screws with a wrench, don’t apply too much force to avoid slipping. Calibrate the spirit level repeatedly to ensure the installation is perfectly horizontal and vertical. Wrapping the PTFE tape requires a certain technique; generally, wrapping it 5 – 6 times clockwise will achieve a good sealing effect.
(III) Vorbereitungsschritte vor der Installation
On the installation day, the first thing to do is to turn off the main water valve. Forgetting this step may lead to a flood during installation. Then, refer to the manual and the bathroom layout, and use a tape measure and spirit level to mark the positions on the wall accurately. It’s recommended to measure several times to keep the error within 1 millimeter. After marking, use a spatula to clean the putty and dust on the wall, and sand down uneven areas to create a smooth surface for the subsequent installation.
(IV) Standard-Installationsverfahren
- Wall Grooving: Follow the marked lines and use an electric drill and cutting machine to create grooves slowly. The depth and width should be 1 – 2 centimeters larger than the size of the water pipes and mixing valves to allow for position adjustment. A lot of dust will be generated during grooving, so it’s best to wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself.
- Install Water Pipes and Mixing Valves: Gently place the water pipes and mixing valves into the grooves. Connect the interfaces according to the principle of “hot on the left, cold on the right” to avoid mistakes. When tightening with a wrench, apply force gradually in several steps and check if the pipes are twisted. After all connections are made, wrap the interfaces with more PTFE tape for reinforcement.
- Fix Wall-mounted Accessories: After the water pipes are firmly installed, install the control panel. Apply a thin layer of silicone sealant on both the wall and the back of the accessory, which can both fix and waterproof it. Then, tighten the screws and use the spirit level to check one last time to ensure the panel is straight.
- Install Showerheads: When installing the overhead showerhead and handheld showerhead, remember to wrap another layer of PTFE tape at the interface. The bracket of the overhead showerhead must be installed firmly; otherwise, it will be dangerous when it shakes during use. Leave an appropriate length for the hose of the handheld showerhead for easy daily use.
(V) Gebrauchsprüfung und Inspektion Eckpunkte
Don’t put away your tools right after installation. Turn on the main water valve for a water flow test. Observe each interface carefully; even the slightest seepage should not be ignored. Dry the area with a dry cloth and observe for a while longer. At the same time, test different water outlet modes to see if the water flow is even. When adjusting the temperature of the thermostatic mixing valve, check if the water temperature changes sensitively and stably. If any problems are found, turn off the water valve immediately and recheck the corresponding components.
(VI) Allgemeine Installationsprobleme und Lösungen
- Joint Leakage: This is the most common issue. If the PTFE tape is not wrapped properly, remove it and wrap it again. Stretch the PTFE tape slightly while wrapping for better sealing. If the screw is not tightened, use a wrench to tighten it further, but don’t overdo it to avoid damaging the interface.
- Unsmooth Water Flow: Most likely, there are debris such as broken pieces and sediment in the water pipes. You can remove the showerhead and flush the pipes by turning on the water valve, or use a thin wire to gently unclog the spray holes of the showerhead.
- Abnormal Temperature Adjustment: First, check if the installation direction of the mixing valve is correct, and then see if the water pressure of the cold and hot water is balanced. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the internal parts of the mixing valve, and you should contact the manufacturer’s after-sales service for part replacement.
(VII) Sicherheitstipps und Wartungsempfehlungen
During installation, make sure electric tools like the electric drill do not come into contact with water. It’s better to use a socket with leakage protection. During daily use, check the joints and accessories once a month for any looseness or rust. The showerhead is prone to scale buildup. You can regularly soak it in a solution mixed with white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio for half an hour, and then the scale can be easily cleaned off. With careful installation and maintenance, the bathroom conceal shower set produced by Chinese faucet factories will surely bring you a comfortable and pleasant bathing experience.
