BUYING GUIDE

The Ultimate Guide to Owning & Maintaining Your Shower

BUYING GUIDE

The Ultimate Guide to Owning & Maintaining Your Shower

A shower is a functional piece that enhances the spa-like experience in your bathroom. Our showers are expertly crafted with thermostatic valves, superior quality and long-lasting durability, making them a lifetime investment. However, proper installation and aftercare are essential to ensure your shower performs flawlessly and stays in pristine condition for years to come. 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to maintain your shower's immaculate condition. From installation tips and aftercare to solving common issues and explaining how to replace a shower cartridge, so your shower will perform impeccably for years to come.

Installing Your Shower Correctly

Before installation

Before completing your purchase, we recommend reviewing the PDF specification downloads available on each product page. These documents provide the essential technical information required for accurate planning and installation. Please note the recess depth varies between models. For example, the Luxe Thermostatic Shower with Handheld Shower requires a recess depth of 64mm to 83mm. Whereas the Urban Thermostatic Shower with Handheld Shower requires 70mm to 85mm. 

We also recommend taking careful measurements and marking the installation location before purchasing, to confirm your chosen shower is suitable for your space — Measure twice for accuracy, and install once. 

Once your shower has arrived, carefully check that it fits within the space previously marked for installation, with all required plumbing connections and wall access points correctly accounted for, particularly for concealed valves. 

Before installation, ensure all pipework is thoroughly flushed to remove any debris and check the current water pressure.

Fitting the shower

As Lusso does not offer an installation service, you will need to appoint a fully qualified fitting professional to install your shower.

Firstly, secure the valve firmly using the supplied fixings, ensuring the hot and cold water feeds are connected to the correct inlets.

Before closing the wall, carefully complete and inspect all plumbing connections, then test thoroughly for any signs of leaks. Only proceed with tiling or applying wall coverings once the installation has been fully tested. 

Ensure backplates and controls are fitted with care to protect their immaculate appearance. Diverters and control levers should be positioned in the correct orientation, and avoid operating any controls prematurely where the individual installation instructions advise against this. 


Water pressure and system compatibility

Our showers are WRAS approved, meaning they comply with the highest standards of safety, performance, and water conservation in the United Kingdom. Our collection of showers is designed to complement a range of common UK plumbing systems including combination boilers, gravity-fed systems and pumped systems.

The maximum operating pressure of our showers is 5 bar. If your water supply exceeds this pressure, a pressure-reducing valve must be fitted to ensure the shower operates safely. 


Protecting your guarantee during installation

Lusso showers are covered by our 15-year brassware guarantee, reflecting the superior quality, impeccable craftsmanship and discerning durability. However, to ensure your shower continues to perform beautifully and your guarantee remains protected, we recommend appointing a fully qualified fitting professional to install your shower.

Correct installation is essential, including thoroughly flushing all pipework before connecting the shower to remove any debris, as this could affect its internal components and void your guarantee coverage. Incorrect installation and failure to flush the system properly will affect your guarantee. Always follow the product installation instructions and technical specifications found on each product page on the Lusso website.

How to Clean and Care for Your Shower

Everyday shower cleaning

Caring for your shower regularly and correctly will help preserve its beauty and performance for years to come. A simple, consistent cleaning routine maintains its beautiful appearance while preventing everyday soap residue, watermarks and limescale. 

For gentle and effective cleaning, use warm water with a mild, soapy solution and a soft microfibre cloth. Carefully wipe down the surfaces, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or residue. Where needed, gently dry your shower fittings after use. This will help reduce water marks and limescale. Regular, light cleaning can also prevent deposits from accumulating and keep your shower effortlessly immaculate. 


Cleaning products to avoid

Our brassware and fittings feature plated finishes designed to bring a luxurious touch to your shower. To preserve the beauty of your shower and ensure it looks flawless, it should always be treated with care. 

Avoid abrasive cleaners, strong chemicals and scouring pads, as these can dull, scratch and damage the finish. Bleach, acidic household cleaners, vinegar and lemon should also be avoided on plated surfaces, as their aggressive properties can damage the finish and affect its appearance over time. 

For the best results, we recommend using a gentle soap solution and a soft microfibre cloth. 

Preventing and Removing Limescale

Limescale is a mineral deposit that appears when water evaporates. It can gradually build up on shower heads, controls and exposed fittings. It is typically more noticeable in hard water areas, where water contains higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium. 

Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to prevent heavy limescale build-up and avoid the need for aggressive cleaning that may compromise your shower's finish. Gently dry shower heads, controls and exposed fittings after each use to remove water droplets and reduce mineral deposits. 

If you live in a hard water area, more frequent light cleaning is required. For small or difficult areas, use mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush to gently loosen deposits, taking care not to scratch the surface.

Caring for Different Shower Materials and Finishes

Our showers are expertly crafted with premium materials including solid stainless steel, superior brass, and our signature stone. To maintain the flawless appearance and finish of your Lusso shower, it’s important to clean and care correctly depending on the type of material you have chosen.


Brassware and plated finishes

Gentle, consistent cleaning will help preserve the finish of your brass shower and maintain its refined appearance. Use a soft microfibre cloth with mild, soapy water to carefully clean your shower, taking care not to scratch plated surfaces. Each of our brassware finishes follows the same aftercare. 

Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. Rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning and dry where needed to prevent water marks and limescale build-up. 

Caring for your shower regularly will protect its long-term beauty and performance, while ensuring it seamlessly blends with your luxurious bathroom design.

Explore the Lusso brassware cleaning and care guide for further information. 


Stone and resin shower surfaces

Cleaning and caring for stone shower surfaces requires different products and methods. Understanding how to clean stone is key to maintaining its smooth, lustrous finish. It requires simple maintenance and everyday care to preserve its beauty. 

Always use pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners, and follow the care instructions supplied with your product. Avoid acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, which can damage or dull the surface. Soft microfibre cloths and non-abrasive tools are ideal for gently removing dirt and residue without scratching. 

Explore our stone cleaning guide for further information about the everyday care of your stone shower surfaces. 

Maintaining Your Shower Valve

A thermostatic valve regulates both water flow and temperature, helping to maintain a consistent and comfortable showering experience. Like any shower component, it may occasionally require maintenance, particularly in hard water areas, to ensure it performs flawlessly. 


Signs your shower valve may need attention

Occasional maintenance can help keep your thermostatic valve performing at its best. Signs that your valve may require attention include:

  • Reduced water pressure or flow
  • Fluctuating water temperature
  • Difficulty controlling the temperature
  • Stiff or resistant controls
  • Uneven or inconsistent performance

These symptoms do not necessarily mean the valve needs replacing. In many cases, debris or limescale within the cartridge may be affecting its performance.

Follow these steps on how to maintain your shower valve and keep it performing effortlessly. First, isolate the water supply. Carefully remove the controls and backplate as instructed for your model, then remove the cartridge. Clean away any mineral deposits as directed, rinse thoroughly and reinstall the cartridge. Restore the water supply and test the shower to ensure it’s operating correctly.

Maintaining Your Shower Cartridge

How to replace a shower cartridge

Replacing a shower cartridge requires care and precision. We have explained the process below; however, the exact steps and components can vary between shower models. Always consult the installation instructions supplied with your specific Lusso shower and appoint a qualified, professional plumber where required. 

  1. Identify the correct replacement cartridge and ensure it’s compatible with your Lusso shower model.
  2. Isolate the water supply before beginning any work.
  3. Carefully remove shower controls.
  4. Safely access and remove the cartridge.
  5. Check the valve for any signs of damage before installing the replacement.
  6. Position the new cartridge and secure it.
  7. Carefully reassemble the shower. 
  8. Turn the water supply back on and test the shower for correct temperature, flow and any signs of leakage. 

Shower Care Dos and Don’ts

Do

  • Clean regularly with warm, mild soapy water to prevent residue and limescale build-up. 
  • Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently clean surfaces.
  • Rinse and dry surfaces after cleaning to minimise water marks and limescale.
  • Use specific limescale cleaning products to prevent limescale, particularly in hard water areas.
  • Follow the care guidance provided for the particular material or finish.
  • Ensure installation and plumbing is completed by a fully qualified professional. 
  • Handle brassware carefully during installation to protect its finish. 


Don’t

  • Use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch surfaces. 
  • Apply acidic cleaners to plated finishes.
  • Use bleach, lemon or other harsh household chemicals.
  • Allow heavy limescale to accumulate.
  • Force stiff shower controls. We recommend investigating the cause instead.
  • Ignore persistent leaks or temperature problems.
  • Carry out plumbing work beyond your level of experience. You should consult a qualified professional. 


Protecting Your Shower for Years to Come

Owning your Lusso shower requires simple maintenance and care to ensure your shower beautifully performs and maintains its flawless condition for years to come. It’s important to clean every day, particularly in hard water areas, where there is a high risk of limescale building up. 

If the performance of your shower is inadequate, it may require cleaning, professional servicing, or the valve or cartridge may need replacing. It’s important to attend to this immediately to ensure your shower preserves its performance and beauty for years to come.

LUSSO Shower Care & Maintenance FAQs

How often should you clean your shower?

We recommend cleaning your shower every day, as this will help preserve its beauty and performance for years to come. A simple, consistent cleaning routine maintains its pristine appearance while preventing everyday soap residue, watermarks and limescale from dulling its appearance.

How do you remove limescale from a shower?

Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to prevent heavy limescale build-up and avoid the need for aggressive cleaning that may compromise your shower's finish. Gently dry shower heads, controls and exposed fittings after each use to remove water droplets and reduce mineral deposits.
If you live in a hard water area, more frequent light cleaning is required. For small or difficult areas, use mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush to gently loosen deposits, taking care not to scratch the surface.

How do you know when a shower cartridge needs replacing?

Signs that your cartridge may need attention include persistent fluctuations in water temperature, difficulty achieving sufficiently hot or cold water, stiff or difficult-to-operate controls, and reduced or inconsistent water flow.

Can you replace a shower cartridge yourself?

Replacing a shower cartridge requires care and precision. Appoint a qualified, professional plumber where required and always consult the installation instructions supplied with your specific Lusso shower, as the steps can differ between each model.

Why is my shower losing water pressure?

If your shower is losing water pressure, this means your valve requires attention. It doesn’t necessarily mean the valve needs replacing; debris or limescale within the cartridge could also be affecting its performance. Occasional maintenance can help keep your thermostatic valve performing at its best.

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Published by Georgia Wilcock