How to install a shower column
How to Install a Shower Column: The Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installing an exposed shower column is an operation that can be done yourself in most cases, provided you follow the steps in order and check for leaks at each connection. Here's how to proceed.
Necessary equipment
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench or open-end wrench | Tighten fittings and hoses |
| Spirit level | Check the vertical alignment of the column |
| Drill and appropriate wall plugs | Fix mounting brackets to the wall |
| Teflon tape | Ensure watertightness of threads |
| Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers | Install fixings and rosettes |
| Cloth | Wipe surfaces and check for leaks |
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before any intervention, close the main shut-off valve or the one dedicated to the bathroom. Briefly open a tap to release residual pressure in the pipes.
Step 2: Check existing water inlets
Check the condition of the wall fittings: clean threads, absence of limescale or corrosion. Clean them if necessary and replace worn gaskets before proceeding.
Step 3: Position and fix the column to the wall
Hold the column against the wall to mark the location of the fixing points, using a spirit level to ensure verticality. Drill, insert wall plugs suitable for your wall type (tile, plasterboard, concrete), then fix the mounting brackets supplied with the column.
Step 4: Connect the water supply
Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the hot and cold water fittings, then screw the column to the wall inlets by hand before tightening with a wrench, without over-tightening to avoid damaging the seals.
Step 5: Install the mixer and accessories
Attach the mixer to the body of the column, then connect the fixed shower head and the hand shower hose according to the markings indicated in the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6: Test for leaks
Gradually reopen the water supply and observe each connection for a few minutes. In case of a leak, slightly retighten the affected connection or recheck the Teflon tape application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install a shower column without a plumber?
For an exposed column on a standard installation, yes, with basic tools. For a recessed column, a plumber's intervention is recommended.
What if the center distance of my water inlets doesn't match the chosen model?
There are eccentric fittings that can compensate for a slight difference. Beyond a few centimeters, a modification of the piping by a plumber may be necessary.
How long does the installation take?
Allow generally 1 to 2 hours for an exposed column, depending on the support (tile, plasterboard) and the condition of the existing water inlets.