How to Install an Exposed Shower System?

An exposed shower system mounts on the finished wall surface and connects directly to existing hot and cold water outlets. It is a practical option for upgrades because it avoids opening the wall in most cases, and it is also easier to service later since key components remain accessible. The installation quality mainly depends on accurate center-to-center measurement, correct sealing, and stable wall anchoring.

COIGN provides exposed shower systems designed for project and residential use. You can view the range here: exposed shower system.

What to Confirm Before Installation

A successful installation starts with verifying the site conditions. Most exposed shower systems require two wall outlets for hot and cold water at a standard spacing, then the shower bar and riser connect above.

• Water outlet spacing: measure the center-to-center distance between the hot and cold outlets. Do not assume it is standard, especially in older buildings.
• Thread standard and outlet condition: confirm that wall outlets are clean, undamaged, and compatible with the system connectors.
• Water pressure and temperature: stable pressure reduces temperature fluctuation and improves valve performance.
• Wall structure: confirm the wall can hold anchors securely, especially for tile or stone surfaces.
• Clearance above the valve: confirm there is enough vertical space for the riser, overhead shower, and any handheld holder position.

If any of these are uncertain, correct them first, because exposed systems show alignment issues clearly after installation.

Tools and Materials You Typically Need

This list is intentionally practical. Having the right sealing materials and measuring tools reduces rework.

• Tape measure and marker
• Adjustable wrench or spanner set
• Level
• Drill with tile/stone drill bit if mounting on hard surfaces
• Wall anchors and screws suited to the wall type
• PTFE thread sealing tape or an approved thread sealant
• Silicone sealant for external wall penetrations if needed
• Cloth to protect plated surfaces during tightening

Avoid over-tightening with tools directly on finished parts. Use a cloth layer to protect the surface.

Installation Steps for an Exposed Shower System

The sequence below is the safest approach for most installations. It prioritizes leak control first, then alignment, then final tightening.

1. Shut off water and depressurize the lines

Turn off the main water supply or the bathroom isolation valves. Open the existing shower valve to release residual pressure. This reduces the risk of water damage and helps you confirm the lines are fully off before loosening any fittings.

2. Measure hot/cold center distance and mark alignment

Measure the hot and cold outlet centers. Many exposed systems use adjustable connectors to accommodate slight spacing differences, but accurate measurement still matters for a straight, professional result. Use a level to mark a horizontal reference line through the outlet centers.

If your outlets are not level, correct the alignment using the adjustable connectors where possible. Large deviations may require plumbing correction.

3. Install the eccentric connectors and decorative covers

Wrap PTFE tape on the outlet threads in the correct direction so it does not unwind during tightening. Install the eccentric connectors to the wall outlets and adjust them to the correct center-to-center spacing for the mixer body. Slide decorative covers into position after the connectors are set.

This step determines whether the mixer body sits flat against the wall and whether the system looks symmetric.

4. Mount the mixer valve body and check for leaks

Attach the mixer body to the connectors. Tighten evenly on both sides so the valve seats correctly. Do not fully torque until you confirm alignment and sealing.

Turn the water on briefly and check:

• Connector joints for seepage
• Valve inlets for droplets
• Wall outlet areas for moisture

If you see any leakage, shut off water and reseal the threads. Fixing leaks at this stage is faster than after the riser and shower components are mounted.

5. Install the riser rail and wall brackets

Position the riser rail and mark bracket holes. Use a level to keep the riser vertical. Drill carefully if working on tile, and use appropriate anchors to prevent loosening over time. Secure brackets firmly, then attach the riser to the mixer outlet according to the system design.

A stable bracket setup reduces vibration and keeps the shower head position consistent during daily use.

6. Connect the overhead shower and handheld components

Attach the top shower head to the upper outlet and tighten to the specified snugness. Connect the handheld hose to the handheld outlet and install the handset into the holder.

Make sure hose routing does not kink, and confirm the handheld holder height is usable for the household or the project requirement.

7. Flush the lines and clean the aeration/filters if applicable

Before final operation, run water through the system to flush construction debris. This prevents small particles from affecting valve function or blocking flow paths. If your system includes screens or filters, confirm they are seated correctly after flushing.

8. Final function test and temperature verification

With all parts installed:

• Test overhead and handheld switching
• Confirm smooth handle movement
• Confirm stable temperature when other taps run
• Check all joints again after a few minutes of operation

If you plan a final silicone edge seal where covers meet the wall, apply it after leak-free confirmation and allow curing according to the sealant instructions.

Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

These problems cause most call-backs in exposed shower installations.

• Incorrect center spacing setup: if eccentric connectors are not adjusted evenly, the valve body can sit under stress and develop leaks later.
• Insufficient thread sealing: too little PTFE tape or wrong wrapping direction can cause slow seepage.
• Over-tightening finished parts: excessive torque can damage threads or mar the surface.
• Weak wall anchors: if brackets are mounted into unsuitable anchors, the riser can loosen and shift over time.
• Skipping flush: debris can affect flow and cause inconsistent operation or premature wear.

Quick Checklist for a Professional Result

Use this checklist as a final verification before handing over the bathroom to the end user.

Choosing the Right Exposed Shower System for Your Project

Exposed shower systems are often specified for renovations, rental properties, hospitality bathrooms, and fast-turn project upgrades because installation is direct and service access is easy. COIGN supports global markets with established production capacity and certification coverage, which helps buyers who need stable quality and consistent supply for repeat installations.

View product options here: exposed shower system.

Conclusion

Installing an exposed shower system is straightforward when you control three fundamentals: accurate hot/cold center spacing, correct sealing at every threaded joint, and stable wall anchoring for the riser. Start with careful measurement, confirm leak-free connections before building upward, flush the system, and complete a full function test. If you are sourcing for upgrades or projects, the COIGN exposed shower system range provides a practical solution designed for reliable installation and long-term serviceability.