Shower taps

What is a shower faucet and what is it for?

A shower faucet is a plumbing fixture that mixes hot and cold water and allows you to control both its temperature and flow. Unlike bathtub taps, it doesn’t have a spout for a bathtub – water goes directly to the showerhead or shower system.

A properly chosen shower faucet ensures:

• stable water temperature,
• easy operation,
• protection against scalding,
• water savings without losing comfort.

Tip SANITINO: When choosing a complete bathroom solution, check out other faucets for a coordinated design.

Types of shower faucets: classic or thermostatic?

Classic shower faucet

The most common solution. You control the water temperature and flow manually – usually with a lever or knobs. It is affordable and suitable for most households.

Thermostatic shower faucet

Contains a thermostatic cartridge that automatically maintains the set water temperature. If someone uses water elsewhere in the home, the faucet adjusts the pressure immediately to prevent sudden temperature changes. This means you won’t get scalded when someone flushes the toilet or washes dishes.

Advantages of thermostatic faucets:

• stable temperature
• safety lock (usually 38 °C)
• comfort during daily showers
• water savings due to quicker temperature adjustment

Tip SANITINO: Thermostatic models are much safer for families with children or elderly users.

Installation: wall-mounted or concealed?

Wall-mounted shower faucets

The classic solution mounted directly on the water pipes in the wall. A wall-mounted shower faucet is ideal when replacing an old faucet. Always measure the spacing beforehand – the distance between the hot and cold pipes. Standard is 150 mm, though older buildings may have 100 mm.

Advantages of wall-mounted faucets:

• easy installation and replacement
• no need to modify tiles or walls
• easy access for maintenance and repairs
• wide selection of shapes, colors, types, and brands

Disadvantages of wall-mounted faucets:

• maintenance can be more complicated because the entire faucet is visible
• may take up more space

Concealed (built-in) shower faucets

A modern solution, mainly suitable for complete bathroom renovations, since it requires installation inside the wall. Only the controls of the concealed faucet are visible, creating a clean, modern look.

Advantages of concealed faucets:

• modern aesthetic appearance
• easy maintenance
• saves shower space
• wide selection of shapes, colors, types, and brands
• compatible with various showerheads

Disadvantages of concealed faucets:

• requires construction work and professional installation
• repairs can be complicated

Note: The installation body for concealed faucets is placed inside the wall, making it suitable mainly for full renovations. Ensure it matches the brand of your concealed faucet.

At what height should the shower faucet be installed?

Faucet height should consider the bathroom layout, water connections, and type of shower or bathtub. When replacing an old faucet, follow the existing connections.

For new builds or full renovations, plan the height during the design phase. Standard installation is around 110–120 cm from the floor or shower tray, usually about 115 cm.

Consider:

• height of household members
• type of shower system (handheld vs. overhead)
• possible installation of a thermostatic faucet

Note: Proper height ensures comfortable operation without bending or stretching. 

Faucet controls: lever, knob, or push-button?

The control type affects daily comfort more than most people realize. It’s not just about looks but how quickly and accurately you can set water temperature and flow – and how comfortable it will be over years of use.

Lever faucet

The most common and practical solution is the lever faucet. With one lever, you can easily adjust temperature and flow.

Advantages:

• fast and intuitive one-hand operation
• easy temperature adjustment
• simple maintenance
• wide variety of designs and price ranges

Ideal for family bathrooms and smaller apartments. If you want a universal, hassle-free solution, this is a safe choice.

Knob faucet

Classic design with two separate valves – one for cold, one for hot water.

Knob faucets suit retro and vintage bathrooms, industrial-style interiors, cottages, or traditional homes. Adjusting the ideal temperature is slower than with a lever faucet, but this mechanical style can enhance the overall design concept.

Push-button faucet

Modern solution where water flow and functions are controlled by buttons. Simply press to start or stop water. Often combined with concealed installation and minimalist design.

Advantages:

• precise water control
• separate function control (e.g., overhead vs. handheld shower)
• clean, technical appearance

Best for design-focused bathrooms and shower systems requiring full control over each mode.

Practical guidance

• Want simplicity and reliability? Choose a lever faucet.
• Designing a retro bathroom? Choose a knob faucet.
• Modern, minimalist bathroom with concealed installation? Try push-button or lever faucets.

Tip SANITINO: Thermostatic models often separate controls – one for temperature, one for flow – further improving comfort and safety.

Faucets by setup

• Shower faucet without showerhead – choose if you already have a separate shower set.
• Shower faucet with showerhead – convenient all-in-one solution, ensuring compatibility and design harmony.

Materials used for shower faucets

Material quality greatly affects faucet lifespan. Most quality faucets are made of brass, which is strong, corrosion-resistant, and durable under water pressure. Brass bodies are standard for reliable models today.

Surface finishes include:

• chrome – shiny, elegant, easy to maintain,
• modern coatings (e.g., PVD) for scratch resistance,
• colored finishes such as black, white, gold, or bronze.

Some models are stainless steel, highly corrosion-resistant, suitable for heavy use.

Whether brass or stainless steel, always check the quality of craftsmanship, cartridge type, and surface finish – these determine if the faucet will serve reliably for years or start leaking and wearing out early.

Color and design: more than chrome

Shower faucets are no longer just silver. Options include:

• chrome
• stainless steel
• white
• black
• gold
• bronze

Black faucets are popular for creating a bold contrast in light bathrooms, available in glossy or matte finishes, perfect for industrial-style interiors. Classic chrome and stainless steel remain timeless, while white faucets suit minimalist designs. Brass, gold, or bronze suits Victorian, Provence, or art deco styles.

Tip SANITINO: Modern models often use PVD coatings for enhanced scratch resistance and easier maintenance.

Useful technologies

Quality faucets now offer more than water control, e.g.:

• ceramic cartridges for long lifespan,
• efficient flow without losing comfort,
• anti-scald safety locks,
• anti-limescale technology for easier maintenance,
• smooth operation even after years of use.

Brands, availability, and purchase confidence

We offer high-quality shower faucets from renowned international brands like hansgrohe, GROHE, kielle, Steinberg, Laufen, Kludi, Ideal Standard, Villeroy & Boch, HANSA, Paffoni, Omnires, and more. Czech brands include RAVAK, RAV Slezák, SAPHO, and Novaservis. For design-focused options, see AXOR.

Many models are labeled “in stock,” helpful for unexpected replacements.

 

Why buy shower faucets at SANITINO?

When your old shower faucet wears out or you’re finishing a new bathroom, you don’t want compromises. We offer a wide selection of shower faucets in stock – from affordable models to advanced technical solutions.

We work only with verified manufacturers and provide original products with long lifespan. If unsure, rely on our expert team’s advice.

Whether you need a simple faucet, modern concealed model, or safe thermostatic option, you’ll find a reliable choice for today and years to come.