DIY Network

Ultimate Bachelor Bath (2 of 4): Plumbing the Steam Shower From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-110

	This old 70's bathroom was an absolute disaster ...
	until DIY's Amy Matthews came to the rescue to help the homeowner transform ...
	it into a new high-tech bathroom for the ultimate bachelor.
	In this episode an amazing fiber optic showerhead is added to this high tech bachelor's bathroom.

Materials for Plumbing Steam Shower —

safety goggles
hammer drill
D'VersiBit
copper pipes
plumber's tape
screw gun
screws
gloves
level
marker
anchors
hammer

Materials for Running Supply Lines —

shower body jets
copper supply lines
nail gun
level
plastic anchor clips
hammer

Materials for Installing Steam Vent —

2 x 4 rafter
speed square
pencil
compound miter saw
screw gun
screws

Materials for Installing Waterproof Shower System —

standard, non-modified thinset
paddle mixer
gloves
5-gal. bucket
sponge
3/16" V-notch trowel
smooth finish trowel

Materials for Installing Shower Floor Pan —

1/4" x 3/8" square notch trowel
thinset, mixed thick
floor pan
flange
drain

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Plumbing the Steam Shower

1. When most people think about plumbing in a steam shower, they think it is an overwhelming project, but it is like installing any other plumbing device. It has a steam generator that has water in and water out lines, a drain, and a safety valve (figure A) just like on a hot water heater.

2. The generator needs to go within 25 feet of the shower. This one will be installed in the basement. There is a main control for the mister steam that allows you to program the time and temperature in advance and it goes right inside the shower door. There is also a remote control so that you can change the time or temperature without getting up. It has an on/off switch that you place on the inside door of the bathroom so that you can turn it on before you are ready to come in and take a shower. There is a reservoir in the steam head where you can place oils, like eucalyptus, so you can have aroma.

3. The overall shower plan includes:
   • A large window to let in light.
     
   • A bench seat that is the entire width of the shower.
     
   • The entire walls and bench will be tiled with a flamed granite styled porcelain.
     
   • Slate tile will be installed on the floor.
     
   • The steam head that mounts six inches off the floor near the door.
     
   • The main control and thermostat for the steam unit mounts to the right of the door.
     
   • There will be a handheld showerhead mounted on the left wall.
     
   • Three body jets are on the right wall, plus the electronic keypad for controlling the water shower.
     
   • And an electronic light showerhead to top it off (figure B).

4. Drill holes for the thermostat control wires and for the pipes for the steam head. Use a D'VersiBit (figure C) to get into tight spaces

   Note: A D'VersiBit flexes to accommodate tight spaces.

5. Drop down a copper stub that will tie into the steam-generating unit in the basement. Secure it in place with plumber's tape (figure D).

6. Feed the thermostat control wires from the basement up through the drilled hole.

   DIY Tip: To hang something straight, mark the center of the keyholes on a level. Place the level on the wall, make sure it's straight and then transfer the marks onto the wall.

7. Use this technique to mark holes for the steam generator. Use a hammer drill to make holes in the concrete wall. Hammer anchors into the holes, and screws into the anchors (figure E). Then hang the steam generator on the screws, checking for level.

8. Have a plumber and an electrician come in to make the final connections.

In the second segment, Amy and Larry finish the plumbing for the shower.

Next: Installing the Steam Exhaust Fan

RESOURCES :

Steam Shower Fixtures (Ondine)

Product: ESS-Steam Universal Design -- Left Plumbed
Model #: 25031BN1
Color: Brushed Nickel
Brand name: Ondine

Product: ELS 12" with Light
Model #: 25180BN1
Color: Brushed Nickel
Brand name: Ondine

Product: Riva 7 Spray Mount
Model #: B517BN1
Color: Brushed Nickel
Brand Name: Ondine

Product: 3 Riva Body Jet
Model #: 26295BN1
Color: Brushed Nickel
Brand Name: Ondine
Where available: Visit the Ondine Showers website, link below.
Interbath, Inc. (Manufacturer)
665 N. Baldwin Park Blvd.
City of Industry, CA 91746-1841
Toll-free: 800-423-9485
Website: www.ondineshowers.com

Ventilation System (Fantech)

Product: Bathroom Vent Light Kit
Model #: REG100L
Color: White

Product: Exhaust Kit for Steam Shower
Model #: DLX150L
Color: White

Product: Additional Vent-Light Fixture
Model #: VLC64
Color: White

Product: Single Port Bathroom Exhaust Kit
Model #: REG100
Color: White

Product: Electronic Pushbutton Timers
Model #: FD60EM
Color: White

Product: 8-6 Metal Increaser/Reducer
Model #: CKR86
Color: Metal

Product: Insulated Flexible Duct
Model #: FIDT6

Product: Dimmer
Model #: SCD5
Color: White

Product: 6" Wound Supply Exhaust Grill
Model #: DGD6
Color: White

Product: Galvanized Steel Roof Carp
Model #: RC8
Color: Metal

Product: Insulated Flexible Duct
Model #: FIDT4
Where available: Visit the Fantech website, link below.
Fantech, Inc.
1712 Northgate Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34234
Toll-free: 800-747-1762
Website: www.fantech.net

Steam Shower (MrSteam)
Brand name: MrSteam
Model #: MS400TC1 with BN Butler Package
Color: Brushed Nickel
Where available: Check the MrStream website for dealers, link below.
MrStream
43-20 34th St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
Toll-free: 800-767-8926
Website: www.mrstream.com

Waterproof Shower Membrane (Schluter)

Product: Kerdi Membrane
Model #: Kerdi 8.1

Product: Kerdi Shower-ST (Drainage Pan)

Product: Kerdi Drain
Model #: Kerdi 8.2
Brand name: Schluter
Where available: Visit the Schluter Systems website, link below.
Schluter Systems
194 Pleasant Ridge Rd.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-5841
Toll-free: 80-472-4588
Website: www.schluter.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.