checking out one piece steam shower

12 years ago

I am looking for a one piece steam shower, the one with all the bells and whitles. I have heard some stories about how some of the brands are not that great and they leak. I do not have any dealers in my area for any of the brands so I am going to have to order it on line sight unseen so I need some suggestions, I a would like a 36x48 size .

Featured Answer

PRO

TMK Remodeling

12 years ago

What model did you get? Here are notes from my experience.
1. These units have electrical and plumbing requirements. You will need to coordinate the installation with both trades and a contractor to locate the unit near the shower but hidden and accessible. You will need walls open to run all of the plumbing lines and electrical conduit. A large vanity cabinet can house one or build an accessible cabinet in the room on the other side of the shower wall. You will need a dedicated circuit.
2. An 'optional' part that really should be a 'required' part is a discharge valve to empty the tank once the user is done with the steam. The tanks will rust out if they are not drained after each use. So unless you use it every day, install the discharge valve.
3. Purchase an extra control pad and locate it outside the shower so you can turn it on from inside the bathroom and turn it off from inside the shower.
4. Locate the steam head in the shower away from the seating area to prevent burns.
5. Fabricate a metal pan to sit the unit on in case any fittings fail and begin a slow drip and damage surrounding finishes.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
12 years ago
I'm not knowledgeable about brands, but make sure you can get the unit into the room before walls and doorways are in place if that's required. You wouldn't believe how often that gets overlooked.
maureenjpilot
Original Author
12 years ago
Already bought it and it comes in pieces so that should not be a problem
,,,can not wait to get it hooked up
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maureenjpilot
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for all the info. I got an Ariel D2959F8. I am having the plumber and electrician do the install, so hopefully I will be all right, but I will give them all your notes.
PRO
TMK Remodeling
12 years ago
I would be wary of installing this unit. I took a look at the install guide for the DZ959F8. It reads like it was written by a non english speaking person. Every dimension is metric. I would check your warranty carefully. I would inquire about returns and replacement parts before installing it. Have you found any good reviews for it? I searched and could not find any even on Amazon.

Here are some other observations.

This has a 6KW steam generator. I did not see anything in the install guide for the location of the generator so you will need to think about that and talk with the installers. I generally do not see plumbers installing the shower units other than the rough-in and finish plumbing. The electrician will just run the circuits to the generator, install the ground wire and wire it up. I doubt he will be involved in building the shower stall. I would verify with the plumber that he is building the shower stall and installing all of the parts, along with the plumbing.

Good luck with your project.
maureenjpilot
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh no well I already have it so I am going to have to use it and get it working somehow....my contractor looked at it before I bought it ( He just looked at the picture and not the instruction and aid it was fine ) so I guess it is on him to put it together and make it work,,,,I hope,
PRO
TMK Remodeling
12 years ago
Your contractor should be responsible for the unit install and field locating the steam generator. He should coordinate the electrical and plumbing rough in and completion. I suggest that you walk through all of that prior to work beginning so you are aware of the generator location and all plumbing and electrical runs. I would want to see the unit start up prior to acceptance and payment.

I would still follow up on warranty and replacement parts. You would be surprised how often parts are missing from these all in one products.

Please post results of the final install.
Melissa Carman
10 years ago
Did this shower install work out? We are considering an all in one unit. Are you happy with the Ariel product?