When replacing an old shower with a newer model, will the pipes and connections line up?

Smart Valves:

Inlet centres have remained the same across all generations of our Smart valves. A2 and A1 Smart Valves share the same centres however, the location of the mixed supply pipe differs and would need altering if changing from gravity to high pressure.

Digital / Smart Exposed models:

The following exposed models are interchangeable as the bottom rail bracket fixing point is in the same location (the top bracket can be situated where required so does not affect compatibility). This advice refers to full product replacement and not a simple change of control due the differences in some controller mounting plates.

• Quartz / Quartz Classic
• Quartz Blue
• Quartz Touch
• Optic Q
• Rise
• Unity Q
• Link

The following Exposed models utilise the main control's backplate as a bracket and feature variety of fixing points. Replacing with a different model will require new holes to be drilled and may leave old holes on display...

• Opto / Visage / Visage Q / Instinct / Viso / Zuri (use the same fixing points)
• Axis / Isys / iSystem / iSystem Smart (use the same fixing points)
• Ilux
• HIQU

Concealed Digital Smart models:

Due to the differences in main control mounting plates, new fixing holes would be required and may leave old holes on display. Some wall repair may be needed to ensure the new fixing holes can be drilled. Dependent on the new model, the data cable would need to be exchanged for different type. On concealed models, data cables should have been installed in a suitable conduit or trunking to allow for easy removal and replacement. Please see below for details on rail kits, wall outlets and fixed arms.

Bar valves with a single adjustable head:

All bar valves have 150mm pipe centres and can be fitted on the existing male threads coming from the wall.

Bar valves with both adjustable and fixed heads or fixed head only:

All bar valves have 150mm pipe centres and can be fitted on the existing male threads coming from the wall. If the model has changed however, a new hole will likely be required for the wall stay that supports fixed head rail. Please note: If you are changing from a single adjustable head and wish to now include a fixed head, this will not be compatible with exposed pipework.

Aquavalve - concealed models (pre 2004, excluding brass bodies):

Apart from the Classic, all inlet centres will be the same however, the outlet will need to be reduced from 22mm to 15mm. In order to access the valve body, a hole between 130mm - 150mm would be required behind the wall plate. If the model being replaced is the Classic, the inlets will need to be reduced from 164mm to 150mm and the outlet reduced from 22mm to 15mm.

Aquavalve - concealed models (post 2004, excluding brass bodies):

Valve bodies have remained the same from 2004 so no alterations will be required. In order to access the valve body, a hole between 130mm - 150mm would be required behind the wall plate.

Aquavalve - brass body models:

Brass body models have remained the same since launch... Concealed models have threaded connections and therefore, have no fixing centres. Exposed models have inlet centres of 194mm.

Aquarian models or models based on aquarian (exposed torpedo shaped showers):

All models have 150mm centres but new fixing holes will be required for the cartridge backplate if replacing an E96. Due to the location of the new fixing holes being so close to the original, wall surface repairs will be required to ensure a solid fixing of the backplate.

Aquastream (MK1 / MK2 to MK3):

Providing the supply pipes are rear fed, all models have 65mm inlet centres. If surface pipework is required, the centres will need adjusting to 65mm for both top or bottom entry. The foot print on the MK3 also differs from the MK1 / MK2 so an extra inch of clearance will be required to ensure this fits and new fixing holes will need drilling. Please note: The wall will need to be fully tiled beneath the existing shower for the installation to be completed.

Electric Showers:

Unless like for like, electric showers are not considered direct replacements. Recommendations for an alternative is based on cold water inlet connection type / location, electrical wiring location and current KW rating. Shower footprints differ along with fixing points so new holes will likely be required or may leave old fixing points on visible. The wall will need to be fully tiled beneath the existing shower for the installation to be completed.

Adjustable rail kits:

Like for like shower models aren't guaranteed to include the same rail as before. Many of our new products feature a retro-fit rail kit, designed to fit over the existing screw holes on the majority of installations. In some cases however, a longer rail may need to be purchased in order for the existing fixing holes to be utilised with the new floating rail bracket.

Concealed wall outlets:

Due to connection type, pipe size, and fixing points, alterations may be required to install a wall outlet supplied with a new product.

Fixed wall / ceiling arms:

Due to connection type and fixing points, alterations may be required to install a fixed arm supplied with a new product.