Possibly because in the UK these were retrofitted into bathrooms, whereas in the US most of the housing stock is newer than the UK? People in the US don't like anything exposed. These are people who hide their refrigerators and dishwashers behind cabinet panels and put their small appliances behind an "appliance garage" so other than a sink and range, nothing "kitcheny" is visible. I can;t imagine that they would like bathroom pipes visible.

Because people in the US like easy to clean and sanitize.

Do people deliberately have these exposed systems done or are they done as the most inexpensive way to have a shower in a bathroom that only was fitted for a tub.

I ask because we had that kind of shower installed in the house I rented in college which had an old clawfoot tub and so they essentially just installed a shower head with a pipe attached to the exterior of the wall. They weren't going to spend the money to install a regular shower with piping/plumbing in the wall.

We are remodeling a log home. We purchased an exposed thermostatic shower system from Signature Hardware. we really like the look and we were thinking the assembly would be easier to install. Very tight on space and having it exposed would help for any future repairs. It got a lot of attention from our installer when we unpacked it.

Signature Hardware is not legal to be installed in the US.

http://www.starcraftcustombuilders.com/sources.faucets.Signature.Hardware.htm

WTH! Omg! OK I get it about the dangers of lead. Just a question. If it is illegal to sell faucets that are not safety approved in US then why are they getting away with selling them? Why haven't they been tested or shut down? This is a company that is being allowed to sell spigots that could poison people!!! If it is illegal then why are they getting away with it? Ive never had to consider that a spigot I bought and installed in my home would poison my family. I live i an area that has little options to purchase off the shelf. I'm left to shop online now for any home improvements. Its a scary thought not knowing where it came from, or what it could be made out of. Most everything we buy today at big box stores is made in China.

Yes I googled it. And I cane across other discussions of Signature Hardware on Houzz. Just makes me question what else I have bought that could be illegal and unsafe.. Signature hardware has showrooms located in the US.

Great link - thanks Sophie!