How to Choose and Install a Shower System for Your Bathroom

You already know that not all showers are made equal if you’ve ever stood under a dribbling shower that barely rinsed shampoo from your hair or flinched as your shower became unbearably hot in an instant. An efficient shower system is more than just plumbing, it’s an essential part of what makes you at ease, your daily rejuvenation, and on rare occasions, your only source of tranquility. However, far too many homeowners in Burlington, Hamilton, Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville make impulsive choices that they later come to regret.

At Rich Home, we’ve seen dozens of bathroom makeovers where the shower system was an afterthought, but the tile and vanity were flawless. Don’t be like that. This guide gives you everything you need to choose, install, and maintain a shower system that works for your home, your water, and your life.

Understanding the Different Types of Shower Systems

Before you browse showrooms or scroll online, understand what’s actually possible in your space. Not every system fits every home, and installing the wrong one can waste time, money, and water pressure.

Mixer Shower Systems

In homes in Ontario, this is the most prevalent type. Before it reaches the showerhead, a mixer uses a single valve to combine hot and cold water. If you already have separate hot and cold lines going to the bathroom in your house, it’s easy, reasonably priced, and functional.

Best for:

• Houses with water pressure that is balanced
• Simple bathroom improvements
• Do-it-yourself retrofits (if plumbing isn’t being moved)

Watch out for:

• Unexpected changes in temperature when using other fixtures
• Low-pressure homes, which are typical of older Hamilton or Oakville properties, perform poorly.

Shower Systems with Thermostatic Control

These don’t jump back when the dishwasher starts because they have an integrated thermostat that keeps the temperature constant. They are more comfortable, safer, and frequently needed in rental or multi-family bathroom construction in Mississauga and Burlington.

Best for:

• Families with kids or elderly residents
• Homes with fluctuating water pressure
• Modern, high-comfort renovations

Watch out for:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires professional installation to meet Ontario plumbing codes

Power Showers

Designed for homes with weak water flow, power showers include an integrated pump that boosts pressure. If your shower feels like a misting sprayer, this might be your solution.

Best for:

• Older homes with galvanized pipes
• Rural properties or top-floor condos with low municipal pressure
• Those who want a strong, spa-like spray without re-piping

Watch out for:

• Requires electrical connection and space for pump (not suitable for tight walls)
• Not legal to install without a licensed plumber and electrician in most GTA municipalities

Rainfall and Ceiling-Mounted Systems

These simulate natural rain by delivering a broad, soft cascade from above. They have an opulent feel, but they require a lot of water flow and a high enough ceiling.

Best for:

• Plumbing can be rerouted in new construction or complete demolitions.
• Bathrooms with ceiling clearances of eight feet or more
• Houses with high municipal pressure (45+ PSI)

Watch out for:

• Because of the depth of the joists, basement bathrooms are frequently impractical.
• These can overpower tiny areas, it is best used in conjunction with appropriate drainage and waterproofing.

Digital and Smart Shower System

Using a touchscreen or your phone, adjust the temperature, flow, and presets. Some even pick up on your habits. However, there is complexity associated with this convenience.

Ideal for:

• Luxurious home improvements in Toronto or Oakville with modern plumbing and electrical systems for people who appreciate convenience and technological integration

Watch out for:

• Requires both plumbing and electrical permits in Ontario
• Higher repair costs and potential for obsolescence
• Must be installed by licensed professionals, DIY voids warranty and violates code

Matching Your Shower System to Your Home

A stunning rainfall shower means nothing if your pipes can’t support it. Start with facts, not aesthetics. If you’re planning a full bathroom refresh in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, or Burlington, whether it’s a compact ensuite or a spacious primary bath, your shower system should be chosen as part of a cohesive renovation plan, not as an afterthought. Explore our complete approach to bathroom remodeling to see how every element, from plumbing layout to tile selection, works together for lasting comfort and compliance.

Check Your Water Pressure First

Most Ontario homes run between 40–60 PSI. Below 35? You’ll struggle with standard showerheads. Here’s how different systems perform at various pressures:

If you’re in an older Hamilton neighborhood or a pre-1980s condo in Mississauga, assume low pressure unless tested. A $12 pressure gauge from Home Hardware can save you thousands in wrong purchases.

Know Your Wall and Plumbing Layout

Are your pipes galvanized, PEX, or copper? Is your shower valve hidden in concrete or reachable from behind? What you can actually upgrade depends on these specifics.

1. Condo walls: Stick to compact thermostatic bodies because thin, shared walls frequently restrict valve depth.
2. Basement bathrooms: Options for ceiling mounting may be limited by the height of the ceiling and the direction of the joists.
3. Older homes: Low flow could be a pipe problem rather than a shower problem because galvanized pipes corrode inside.

If you’re converting a tub to a walk-in shower, a top request in 2025, your entire plumbing layout shifts. Read our full guide on how to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower before choosing a new system.

Shower System Features Designed For Your Bathroom Reno

Don’t get distracted by shiny finishes. Focus on what affects performance and longevity.

Valve Material: Brass vs. Plastic

Brass valves last 20+ years and resist corrosion. Plastic may crack in 5–7 years, especially with hard water (common in the GTA). Always verify internal valve material, not just the trim.

Showerhead Design and Flow Rate

In Canada, showerheads are not just about style or spray pattern, they’re becoming part of the national push for energy efficiency. As of April 1, 2022, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced its intent to add showerheads to the federal Energy Efficiency Regulations, citing their indirect but significant impact on household energy use. While showerheads don’t plug in or run on electricity, they determine how much hot water you use, and heating water accounts for a major portion of home energy consumption.

For full details on the testing method (based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Appendix S) and the regulatory timeline, you can review NRCan’s technical bulletin directly on the Natural Resources Canada website.

Finish Durability

Matte black looks sleek but shows water spots. Brushed nickel hides limescale better. Chrome is classic but requires frequent wiping in hard water areas. Choose based on maintenance tolerance, not just style.

Shower System Installation: What You Can Safely Do vs. What Needs a Pro

Changing the showerhead? Do it. Rerouting pipes or touching the valve? That’s the domain of professionals, particularly in places where plumbing modifications need permits.

Safe DIY Tasks

• Swapping showerheads or handheld sprayers
• Installing trim kits on existing valves
• Adding a slide bar for a handheld unit

Before You Begin

Make sure the water supply is turned off before starting. Verify the plumbing layout and measure the wall cavities. assemble the necessary equipment, such as a level, Teflon tape, wrenches, and pipe cutters. Verify that the shower system you have selected works with the pipes that are already in place.

DIY Installation Steps

• Step 1: Mount the shower valve securely.
• Step 2: Connect hot and cold water lines to the valve.
• Step 3: Attach the shower arm, head, and diverter.
• Step 4: Test for leaks and ensure temperature and pressure are balanced.
• Step 5: Finish with trim and sealant around the valve and wall.

Professional-Only Jobs

• Replacing or relocating the shower valve
• Installing thermostatic, digital, or power systems
• Any work requiring wall opening or tile removal
• Converting tub-to-shower plumbing

Skipping permits or DIY-ing complex plumbing can void your home insurance, and create hidden leaks that rot walls from behind. For full compliance guidance, see our breakdown of permits for bathroom fixtures.

Common Errors That Damage Showers (and How to Avoid Them)

• Ignoring the depth of the valve: If the valve is too deep or protrudes too much, trim won’t fit, measure before purchasing.
• Not doing pressure testing: Before closing walls, always test pipes for 15 minutes at maximum pressure.
• Using regular caulk rather than sealant or acoustic: Valves with gaps around them let moisture and sound in.
• Ignoring the need for waterproofing: Showers require more than just grout, a complete membrane is required behind the tile.

Maintenance: Keep Your Shower System Working for Decades

Even the best system fails without care. In hard water areas like Mississauga and Toronto, mineral buildup is the silent killer. Regular cleaning prevents limescale buildup. Inspect valve seals and cartridges periodically. Test water pressure seasonally to identify changes. Updating showerheads and trim can improve efficiency and extend lifespan. And don’t overlook proper airflow, without adequate ventilation, excess moisture lingers, encouraging mold and degrading grout, seals, and fixtures over time. For a full breakdown of Ontario’s requirements and best practices, see our guide on bathroom ventilation code requirements.

• Monthly: Soak the showerhead in vinegar to dissolve limescale
• Annually: Inspect valve cartridge for wear, replace if temperature drifts
• Every 3 years: Check seals around trim and re-caulk if cracked
• After city water work: Flush system to remove sediment that clogs filters

How Your Shower System Should Work For Your Bathroom Upgrade

Although it can be less expensive, DIY installation calls for expertise, the right equipment, and plumbing understanding. Professional installation promises warranty protection, safety, and adherence to building codes. From basic mixers to intricate digital systems, Rich Home Inc. can install any kind of shower system and guarantee an outstanding and safe result. Matching utility to the demands of your home is more important when selecting a shower system than following trends.

The ideal system provides consistency, comfort, and certainty whether you’re in a century house in Hamilton, a family home in Oakville, or a loft in downtown Toronto. You should also keep in mind that all components work together if your upgrade involves flooring, tiling, or complete waterproofing. A luxurious shower should have mold-resistant walls and a floor that drains well. Because at the end of the day, your shower shouldn’t be a compromise. It should be your sanctuary, engineered to last, designed for your life, and perfectly tuned to your home’s needs.