Monday, August 31, 2009

How to Install Steam Shower Units

There are many types of steam shower units on the market today, but they all have one thing in common - ease of installation. All of them require a level base in order for the unit to be stable and to ensure proper drainage for the water. The front of the unit, which is typically the door, is the first wall you should connect to the base. The unit comes with the self-tapping screws or bolts that you will need for this task. Once you have this wall in place, you can go ahead and assemble the other walls and attach them to the base.

Detailed instructions come with all steam shower units. Even if you are a person that doesn't like to read directions, these directions are important because different manufacturers have different routes for installing the various units. You cannot assume that because you helped your neighbor install such a unit that the one you have will involve the same process. In some models, you have to apply a layer of silicone around the edges to seal the corners, while other models have rubber seals, which are already in place.

Once you install the walls of steam shower units, then you can put the top of the unit in place. Up until this point you may have noticed that the unit was not as stable as you would like, but once you have the top in place, you will be pleased with its sturdiness. Once you apply the sealant, if it is required, you should tighten all the nuts and bolts and connect all the colored wires.

When installing steam shower units in homes where the plumbing is already in place, you won't have much difficulty connecting the water pipes. The units do come with flexible hoses and water lines, but you do need to make the connections in the wall where you are installing the unit. The drain has to be installed underneath the unit. You may have to make some modifications to the plumbing when remodeling a bathroom that you have enlarged in order to make room for the shower and the steam shower enclosure.

Steam room units must have their own dedicated electrical circuit or if this is not possible, you need to have the bathroom on its own circuit. Check the ground fault circuit interrupter to make sure that it is functioning properly. If it is not you will have problems when you start to operate the steam unit and you will have to make changes in the wiring to protect against electrical shock.

In addition to following the detailed directions for the installation of steam shower units, you so have to look at how your bathroom is ventilated. Ventilation is very important to avoid a buildup of excess moisture from a steam shower or hot tub that could cause dampness, which in turn could lead to mold, mildew and other structural damage. A vent similar to the type you use for your clothes dryer is sufficient for this purpose.

Another similarity in all steam shower units is that you should run the water in them for at least five minutes before you use them for the first time. By doing this simple chore, you can be sure that the water running through the hoses and pipes that come with the units takes out any residue of chemicals that could remain.

Sarah Martin is a native of San Diego, CA and is a freelance marketing writer specializing in home maintenance, improvement, and interior design. For the ideal hot tub or to peruse steam shower units, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

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