Indeed, the choice between concealed and exposed piping in bathroom designs can significantly affect the installation and functionality of shower mixers. Here's a breakdown of the potential issues and considerations for each setup:
1. Concealed Piping
Aesthetic Appeal:
Concealed piping is typically preferred for modern and sleek bathroom designs because it creates a clean, minimalist look.
Installation:
The piping is hidden behind the walls, meaning the mixer is mounted directly to the wall or integrated into the tiles. This setup can be more complicated and may require professional installation.
Issues:
-
Accessibility: If there's a problem with the piping or mixer, it can be harder to access for repairs.
-
Flexibility: Adjustments to the position of the mixer are not as easily done after installation since the piping is hidden in the walls.
2. Exposed Piping
Aesthetic Appeal:
Exposed piping can offer an industrial or vintage look, depending on the design and materials used.
Installation:
The pipes are visible and run along the surface of the wall. This can make installation easier, as the pipes are accessible and easier to modify or fix.
Issues:
-
Alignment of the Mixer: One common problem with exposed piping is the misalignment of the shower mixer to the top of the bar or the showerhead. Since the pipes are visible and sometimes less adjustable, improper alignment can create aesthetic or functional issues.
-
Visibility: Some homeowners might not prefer the exposed look, especially if the pipes are not finished or painted to match the bathroom design.
Alignment Problems
For homes with exposed piping, the alignment issue often arises due to:
-
Incorrect pipe length or placement: The pipe might be too long or short, resulting in an awkward position for the mixer or showerhead.
-
Inflexible connections: In some cases, the connections to the mixer may not allow for sufficient adjustment to ensure proper positioning.
Solutions
-
Adjustable Extensions: Installing an adjustable extension or a flexible hose can help to reposition the mixer or showerhead and solve alignment issues.
-
Custom Pipe Bending: For exposed piping, the pipes can sometimes be rebent or cut to the right length for better alignment with the mixer and showerhead.
-
Height-adjustable Shower Bar: Consider using a shower bar that offers height adjustments to ensure the mixer aligns with the bar properly, especially for exposed piping.
Ensuring that your piping (whether concealed or exposed) is properly measured and planned during the design phase can help avoid these alignment issues, ensuring both functional and aesthetic satisfaction in the final bathroom setup.
