Thermostatic shower tap: comfortable, safe and more economical showering

Everyone knows it: you turn on the shower, wait for the water to get warm and then turn the handles a few more times before the temperature is right. All that time hot water flows away. A thermostatic shower tap puts an end to that. You choose a temperature and the tap holds it, even when someone else in the house opens a tap.

How does a thermostatic tap work?

Inside the tap is a thermostatic element that automatically mixes hot and cold water. If the pressure or temperature of the incoming water changes, the element adjusts the mix. As a result, the temperature at the outlet stays stable. Many thermostatic taps have a safety stop on the temperature handle, so you do not get water that is too hot by accident. You can deliberately press the stop if you want a warmer shower.

Why is that more sustainable?

Sustainable renovation is not only about insulation and solar panels. There is also something to gain in the bathroom.

• Less searching for the right temperature: the water is at the set temperature as soon as it is warm, so you let less hot water run away.
• A fixed, pleasant temperature: people who do not keep adjusting often take shorter showers.
• Less energy for hot water: less wasted hot water means your boiler, water heater or heat pump has less to do.

Which version suits your bathroom?

• Exposed tap: the best-known type, with a tap on the wall and a hose to the hand shower. For example the Zen thermostatic shower tap or the Virgo thermostatic bath/shower tap. Combine it with a Luvio hand shower or a Luvio shower head and a metal shower hose.
• Shower column: a thermostatic tap with fixed rail, overhead shower and hand shower in one, such as the City round shower column with thermostatic tap, the City rectangular shower column with thermostatic tap, the Brasco shower column with thermostatic tap or the black Larga shower column with thermostatic tap. Often the easiest step to a rain shower; read more in our blog about the rain shower.
• Concealed: the technology is hidden in the wall and you only see the control plate, as with the Zen concealed set with thermostatic tap. Sleek, but it requires chasing and pipework.

💡 Choose a tap with the same centre distance as your current exposed tap. The new tap then often fits the existing connections and no tile has to come off the wall.

Installation: yourself or the installer?

Swapping an exposed tap with the same connection size is technically straightforward, but you are working on the water supply. A concealed tap or a new position for the tap means pipework in the wall and waterproof finishing under the tiles.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. Always leave a concealed tap, moving pipes and any job where you are unsure about the connection to a certified installer. That certainly applies if an electric water heater or a heat pump is involved.

Working safely

Helping the installer, for example by removing the old tap? Wear work gloves with nitrile coating against sharp edges and limescale, and safety goggles when loosening couplings that may still be under pressure. Shut off the water first and catch residual water with a bucket and a cloth.

Planning further?

If you are renewing the whole bathroom, also read our guide to planning a bathroom renovation and our blog on the bathroom trends of 2026.

Does a thermostatic tap really save water?

Mainly it prevents you from letting hot water run away while searching for the temperature. How much that saves depends on your showering habits and your installation.

Does a thermostatic tap work with every boiler?

Usually yes, but performance depends on the pressure and temperature of your installation. If in doubt, ask an installer to take a look.

Read also: How to connect a new shower tap: step-by-step DIY guide

Read also: Descaling a shower head for an even spray

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

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