Paul McGuire, Associate Channel Manager – Installer Communications at Mira Showers, examines why bar valves shouldn’t be underestimated and how these can benefit both the installer and customers who want a power shower.
As the rise in high pressure systems becomes more widespread, it’s no surprise that consumers are opting to upgrade their showering solution either at the same time as the system conversion, or at the very least when they come to renovate their bathroom.
The world over, plumbers and installers are frequently asked by customers for “one of those power shower thingies” – all of course with no idea what they’re actually asking for.
The answer, I’d like to bet, is probably a bar valve mixer, as it’s what they’ve either used on a foreign holiday or in a Premier Inn somewhere.
The benefit of bar valves is that in addition to being familiar and easy to use for consumers, they’re also affordable, and easily installed and replaced without disruption throughout the rest of the bathroom’s life.
As a market leader in the showering industry, that’s why we’ve renewed our focus on these products to ensure that you’re getting the best we have to offer in this core product range at competitive prices.
Mira bar valves maintain the build quality and reassurance that you have come to expect, complete with a five-year guarantee, which is standard across our mixer range.
Not to say that mixer valves are unsuitable for low pressure systems; Mira bar valves still contain our patented Magni-flo technology and will give up to three times more flow than other mixers available, on systems even as low as 0.1 bar.
Upgrades
As customers continue to push installer and manufacturers alike on gaining value for money, Mira bar valves are also available in attractive ERD options for that luxury overhead deluge, which has become a firm favourite in hotels where your customer will have no doubt drawn inspiration.
To maintain the flexibility with this highly sought-after upgrade, we also have accessories available that allow the height of the deluge to be lowered in the event that the property has low ceilings – an option which saved me as an installer plenty of times.
Getting the basics right
Mira Showers understands the importance of listening to both customers and installers, to make sure we’re addressing these points. We want to ensure our bar valves are both reliable and easy to fit, using the same Mira build quality we instil throughout all our products.
When it comes to fast-fix kits, these now come as standard with all Mira bar valves, and all-brass compression fast fixings have also been introduced instead, rather than the Z-connectors that installers found unsatisfactory.
The change to something so simple will help to save the cost of any additional accessories that are needed, and also gives the installer, and the customer, peace of mind that all water connections are on the ‘wet’ side, avoiding any potential for leakage into the wall cavity.
After listening to feedback, Mira bar valves also come with the handles separate to the valve, removing the need to dismantle the valve to set the maximum temperature. No one wants the fear of having to disassemble and run the risk of potentially damaging a new product.
Whatever the reason for the shower upgrade and whatever the customer calls “those power shower thingies”, you can recommend a Mira bar valve, safe in the knowledge that it brings with it a build quality that’ll benefit both you and your customer.
For more information, visit mirashowers.co.uk
Paul McGuire started his career in the industry working for a family business installing bathrooms, heating systems, and gas appliances. He joined Mira Showers seven years ago as a Field Service Engineer. Paul has been responsible for overseeing the national training of the field service department and call centre and is now responsible for installer communications
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