Mixer showers are capable of mixing hot and cold water, in a special valve. After being mixed in a valve it is available at the shower head. They can be used both for low and high pressure. They are available both as surface mounted fixture and flush mounted fixture. In surface mounted shower mixers the pipework is installed on the top of the existing surface. Whereas in flush mounted the pipework is hidden behind the surface whereas the valve is seen.

Mixing is proper when the water from the two source comes at the same pressure. Hot water can come from boiler or heater whereas the cold water can come from water tank. If both the supply comes from different pressures that is one coming from low pressure and one coming from high pressure then in that case a pressure balanced mixer valve can be installed.

Types

Thermostatic Mixer Shower
A thermostatic mixer shower consist of thermostat that senses a change in temperature and rectify the situation. When a failure in flow is detected then some advanced thermostatic mixers even cut the water off. Some of the thermostatic mixers also a have a temperature limiting device. This device usually stops very high temperatures which is selected by the user.

Power Shower Mixers
Power shower mixers have integral pumps which increase the rate of flow from the shower head. These showers can only be installed on low pressure, tank fed systems. For these types of mixers water supply should always be above the unit. This ensures that the pump is always primed and does not have to suck any air.

Finishes
The most common material used to manufacture bath mixers are glass. Granite, acrylic, ceramic,steel and traditional materials such as wood and metals are also used. The metal such as brass, copper, aluminum, cast iron, wrought iron etc. are available in finishes such as antique, rusted, lacquered, patina, silver-plated, polished etc.