Installing a Steam Shower

Installing a home steam rooms or steam showers caninstalled without any modification to your plumbing. If
seem like an overwhelming task at first glance. Theyour project is new construction using PEX plumbing
average do-it-yourself can install most steamis a cheaper alternative to tradition copper piping. It is
showers with a little help from a licensed electrician oralso much easier to work with which saves time.
plumber. Although there are many steam showerThe steam room needs to have its own dedicated
units on the market today. The basic concept is thecircuit and larger units with Jacuzzi bathtubs may also
same in all of them and their installations are similar.need an additional circuit. The steam shower circuits
The first step in installing a steam bath or steammust be a GFCI (ground-fault-circuit-interrupter), this
shower is to level the base. This is either a massageensures user safety against electrical shock. It is also
bathtub or a shower stand. It is important that theimportant to check your GFCI circuit regularly to
base is steady so the shower is secure and theensure that it is functioning properly.
water drains properly. After the base is leveled theMany manufacturers directions fail to talk about
first wall is connected to the base which is typicallyventilating the overhead ceiling fan. This is important
the front of the steam shower or the doors. This isbecause the steam being vented from the shower
screwed with self tapping screws or bolted to thecreates excess moisture which can cause damage to
base. After this is secured the side walls areyour home. This ventilation fan should be vented
attached. It is important to read your installationsimilar to your clothing dryer to an outside source this
instructions because many models require you to usewill prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your
silicone to seal the corners of the steam shower.bathroom.
Some models use rubber seals as an alternative forIt is important to run the shower for at least 5
silicone sealant. After the side walls of the steamminutes before using. Switch through all the shower
shower are attached the top of the showerfunctions to make sure all the pipes have been
enclosure is attached. At this point this is when thecleaned of residual chemicals from manufacturing. I
shower becomes sturdy. Tighten all the surroundinghave heard accounts of people getting hives because
bolts and top bolts after apply the required sealant.they didn't flush the hoses of the steam shower unit
Connect all color coordinated wires to theirproperly before using it.
corresponding wires.Modular steam showers are a perfect solution for
If you're remodeling an already existing bathroom theyour bathroom remodeling project they come in
plumbing is already installed and with little modificationmany styles ranging from traditional shower
is ready for use. Almost every steam shower todayenclosures to contemporary showers. They are easy
comes with both flexible water lines and a flexibleto install and can raise the value of your home,
drain hose, as long as the water lines are on the wallmaking it a worthwhile investment that you can
where the steam shower is being installed and theenjoy for years to come.
drain is underneath the base the shower can be