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Steam Generator and Shower Installation
There’s nothing more luxurious than to come home after a long day and unwind in your very own steam shower. Not only does it add a layer of luxury to your home, it also comes with numerous health benefits if used on a regular basis. Many hesitate to consider a steam generator because of the additional cost, but when you consider the advantages, you may find it’s well worth the investment.
Over the past decade, and even more so over the past two years, steam showers have gained popularity as a much needed in-home spa treatment. And there are a lot of good reasons why. They’re easy to use, come with numerous health benefits, and can be installed into many existing shower spaces. They also add value to your home as an added comfort, and save you money on spa treatments. As a self contained unit, a steam generator is much smaller than a full sauna or steam room requiring less maintenance but providing the same benefits as the larger more costly alternatives.
What is a Steam Shower and Generator?
A steam generator is typically no bigger than a briefcase and can be installed in a vanity, under a sink, or in a closet space.The device heats water to a boil and the resulting steam is dispersed through a steam head outlet into your enclosed shower. It’s that simple! All that’s left is to relax in your very own steam bath.
This warm vaporous steam room effect is designed to work within an enclosed shower space and effectively creates a luxury spa experience in your home. Other than the benefits to your skin and sinuses, a steam generator doesn’t take very long to heat up and can deliver steam in under a minute.
How do Steam Generators Work?
The process is a fairly simple one and not that dissimilar to plugging in your kettle to heat water. To summon the steam, you simply turn the generator on, the control usually residing in your shower stall. This triggers an electric valve that will fill your generator with water which is then heated by an electric element, quickly boiling the water. A pipe then delivers the steam directly into your enclosed shower stall via a steam head or disbursement valve, filling the stall with tropical moisture.
They’re also fairly economical. Sitting in a steam shower for 20 minutes only equates to maybe 2 gallons of water making it a very energy efficient and economical way to bathe. Compared to a shower head that would disperse around 50 gallons of water during the same time period.
Steam generators also offer distinct advantages over saunas and steam rooms. The steam generator will begin working immediately upon activation. The water is heated to a safe temperature so there’s no risk of burns or other hazards. They’re gentle on your hydro bill which is why they’re incorporated into many modern homes as an eco-friendly design element.
Steam Shower Benefits
As the ultimate in-home spa treatment experience, steam showers come with a number of benefits. While we’ve already mentioned how economical they are and how they contribute to your home’s overall value and appeal for future resale, there are numerous health benefits as well.
Steam has been proven to help clear stuffy and blocked nasal passages, making a steam shower the perfect remedy if you’re struggling with congestion or sinus issues. They provide a great space to wind down after a workout or vigorous exercise. The warmth in a steam shower opens capillaries in your body, allowing your blood to flow more freely, removing any metabolic waste that may have built up while you were crushing it at the gym. This also helps to relieve and prevent muscle and joint pain. A steam shower can also help to improve your circulation, widening blood vessels. This lowers your overall blood pressure.
Steam is also great for your skin. Warming your skin with steam opens pores, allowing perspiration to run freely. This will help to keep pores clear and reduce the occurrence of blackheads, pimples, and acne.
It’s also been proven that steam is a great pre-shave treatment as the warmth combined with moisture helps shed dead skin and softens hair follicles, reducing the chance of razor burn.
Most importantly, adding a steam shower to your home means you’ll be spending more time relaxing. If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress, spending time in your new steam shower can help you wind down, relax, and let go of the mental and physical stress of the day.
People who use steam showers have reported that it not only helps them relax but also contributes to a better night’s sleep.
Installing a Steam Shower Unit
Installing a steam shower in your home isn’t something you should undertake yourself. Because of the details that need to be addressed, it’s always better to hire a professional like Lonestar Plumbing and Heating to ensure your steam generator is installed and works properly.
First we’ll identify the best place for the steam generator as it needs to be located within at least 25 feet of the shower stall. If your shower isn’t already enclosed, or even if it is, we’d need to ensure the steam is being fed into a steam-proof enclosure. This may involve a bathroom renovation to make sure the shower stall can handle the addition of a steam generator as it’s important to protect the structure of your home from water damage.
Depending on the size and scope of the project, installation can take anything from a day or two, up to a week if more extensive renovations are required. Overall, a steam shower’s cost is far outweighed by its numerous benefits.