The History of Showers

The modern shower is the result of changing bathing habits, plumbing infrastructure and inventions that made controlled water delivery more practical in homes.

Water poured from above

The idea of water falling over the body is much older than the modern shower. Natural waterfalls and poured water offered ways to rinse, while many historical bathing traditions centred on washing in pools, tubs or public facilities.

Early mechanical showers

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, inventors and designers experimented with mechanical shower devices. Early systems were often manually operated and were not equivalent to the reliable, plumbed showers found in modern homes.

Piped water changes the experience

As indoor plumbing, water heating and pressure systems improved, showers became more practical. The spread of bathrooms in homes helped turn showering into an everyday option rather than a specialised or public bathing experience.

The modern shower system

Today a shower may include a valve, controls, a fixed head, a handset, an enclosure or wet-room arrangement. Thermostatic controls can help regulate temperature, while concealed systems place much of the pipework and valve body behind the finished wall.

Rain showers, handsets and wellness

Large overhead heads, adjustable handsets, body sprays and steam features offer different experiences, but they also bring practical considerations such as water flow, pressure, drainage, cleaning and installation requirements.

Before choosing a shower

Consider water pressure and hot-water capacity, the type of valve, access for future servicing, drainage, waterproofing and how the shower will be used. Product specifications and advice from a qualified installer should guide the final choice.