Bath Shower Mixer Taps: Complete Guide

Quick Answer: What Is a Bath Shower Mixer Tap?

A bath shower mixer tap combines a standard bath tap with an integrated shower handset, mixing hot and cold water to a single controlled temperature and diverting flow between the bath spout and the shower head. It offers a space-saving, cost-effective way to add shower functionality to a bathroom without a separate shower installation, typically costing £40 to £250 depending on style and features.

How Bath Shower Mixer Taps Work

Water flows through the mixer, which blends the hot and cold supply to your set temperature, then a diverter valve directs the flow either out through the bath spout or up through the shower handset. Most designs allow switching between bath and shower flow with a simple pull or turn diverter control.

Types of Bath Shower Mixer Taps

Deck-Mounted Mixer Taps

Fitted directly onto the edge of the bath itself, deck-mounted mixers are the most common style, straightforward to install where the bath already has appropriate tap holes.

Wall-Mounted Mixer Taps

Fitted to the wall above the bath rather than the bath edge itself, wall-mounted mixers suit baths without pre-drilled tap holes or bathrooms wanting a cleaner look around the bath rim.

Thermostatic Bath Shower Mixers

Include a thermostatic valve that maintains a constant water temperature even if water pressure elsewhere in the house changes, such as someone flushing a toilet or running another tap, offering improved safety and comfort.

Manual Bath Shower Mixers

A more affordable option without thermostatic control, requiring manual adjustment to maintain temperature, which can fluctuate if water demand elsewhere in the property changes during use.

Bath Shower Mixer Tap Comparison

Type	Typical Cost	Key Benefit
Manual deck-mounted	£40 to £100	Affordable, straightforward installation
Thermostatic deck-mounted	£80 to £200	Consistent temperature, added safety
Wall-mounted thermostatic	£120 to £300	Clean look, suits baths without tap holes

Why Choose a Bath Shower Mixer Over a Separate Shower?

Significantly lower cost than installing a fully separate shower enclosure or wet room
No additional plumbing work needed if the bath already has suitable water supply and tap holes
Ideal for smaller bathrooms without space for a separate shower cubicle
Provides flexibility, allowing both a relaxing bath and a quick shower from the same fixture

Choosing the Right Handset and Riser Rail

Most bath shower mixer installations include a riser rail, allowing the shower handset height to be adjusted and the handset to sit in a fixed holder when not in use. Handset spray pattern options, single function through to multi-function with massage or rainfall settings, add further versatility, though more features generally increase cost.

Installing a Bath Shower Mixer Tap

Turn off the water supply before removing any existing bath taps
Fit the new mixer tap body into the existing tap holes, or mount to the wall if using a wall-mounted design
Connect the hot and cold water supplies to the mixer according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Fit the riser rail and shower handset holder at an appropriate height
Turn the water supply back on and test both the bath flow and shower diverter function, checking for leaks

While straightforward deck-mounted replacements can suit a confident DIYer, wall-mounted installations and any new pipework generally require a qualified plumber.

Bath Shower Mixer Tap Maintenance

Descale the shower handset and tap regularly in hard water areas to maintain water flow and pressure
Check and replace worn washers or cartridges if the tap develops a persistent drip
Inspect the shower hose periodically for any signs of wear, kinking, or leaks at the connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special plumbing for a bath shower mixer tap?

Most bath shower mixer taps can be fitted using your existing bath’s water supply, provided pressure is adequate, without needing new dedicated plumbing, though wall-mounted versions may need some additional pipework.

Is a thermostatic bath shower mixer worth the extra cost?

For households where water demand elsewhere, such as multiple bathrooms or appliances, could affect temperature during a shower, a thermostatic mixer offers meaningfully improved safety and comfort worth the additional cost.

Can a bath shower mixer be fitted to any bath?

Most baths with standard tap holes can accommodate a deck-mounted mixer, while baths without suitable tap holes need a wall-mounted mixer instead, so checking your bath’s configuration before purchase is important.

Why is my bath shower mixer losing pressure?

Reduced pressure often indicates limescale buildup within the shower handset or tap, which regular descaling can resolve, though persistent issues may indicate a worn cartridge needing replacement.

What is the difference between a mixer shower and an electric shower?

A mixer shower blends existing hot and cold water supplies, relying on your home’s water heating system, while an electric shower heats water on demand using its own electrical element, independent of the home’s central heating or hot water supply.

Expert Insight

Plumbers frequently recommend thermostatic bath shower mixers over manual versions for family bathrooms specifically, citing the added safety benefit of consistent temperature control as particularly valuable where children may be using the shower.

Final Thoughts

A bath shower mixer tap offers one of the most cost-effective ways to add genuine shower functionality to a bathroom without the expense and space demands of a separate shower installation. Choosing between manual and thermostatic control, and deck-mounted versus wall-mounted styles, comes down to your specific bath configuration, budget, and household needs.

Upgrading your bath tap? Check your bath’s existing tap hole configuration and water pressure before choosing a mixer, since these factors determine which specific products will suit your installation.