Choosing the right shower mixer to complement the rest of the bathroom can take longer than expected. This clever in wall basic set allows builders and customers to select the right fittings even after the tilers have finished.

A bathroom can say a lot about people; therefore, the shower’s appearance and practicality should be front of mind to new home builders and renovators. Fact is – they’re used on a daily basis by everyone in the household and if they’re not, they should be. It makes sense then that aesthetically appealing and well-functioning showers are of high priority to customers. For this reason, the design process can take some time and choosing the right finish sets can take longer than anticipated.

With this in mind, Hansgrohe has introduced the iBox Universal, a versatile in wall application that fits over 200 styles of Hansgrohe and Axor shower mixers. What’s more, it installs easily and enables an exposed installation to completely disappear behind the wall. In a small bathroom, customers are limited for space and avoiding a cramped shower can often be hard to achieve. The concealed installation of the iBox Universal promotes more space thanks to its flush mounting capabilities.

Once the tiling is complete, the customer can take their time to choose faucets that best suit them and their new bathroom. This process can take place after the building process which alleviates the chance of theft or damage from the building site.

The iBox Universal, from mixer and shower specialist Hansgrohe, is the result of research and development, which began in 2001. “Hansgrohe pride themselves on innovation and the iBox Universal was developed over 10 years ago to not only heighten the users’ shower experience but to also make plumbers’ lives easier,” says Hansgrohe’s Oceania Marketing & Communications Manager, Natasha Rivett.

“The iBox gets fitted into the wall long before the tiling stage and the brass block and chrome finish arrives after the tilers and builders have gone. This prevents the items from being damaged throughout the building phase and also reduces the risk of theft,” says Natasha. “Builders and customers can also take their time to choose the perfect finish set which means they won’t interrupt the bathroom installation process. This is particularly beneficial when financial pressures can force last minute changes.”

The unit’s body is completely symmetrical which means all of the connections remain the same – cold water on the right, and hot water on the opposite side. When the iBox universal is used as a shower mixer, either the upper or lower outflow can be connected.

“Plumbers are given some buffer space with installation so they can’t install the product incorrectly. If they put it in the wall too deep, Hansgrohe have developed a basic unit extension that packs it out a bit further. Similarly, if they mount it too proud in the wall there is a trouble dome available which extends the finish set out,” Natasha says. “This flexibility also allows for movement if the tile depth changes, which is a common occurrence after in wall sets have been installed.”

Several mounting options make life easier too. The iBox Universal comes with a patented, flexible adjustment ring that can be set to three depths thanks to a bayonet lock. Alternatively, there are mounting brackets located at the back of the unit which allows it to be mounted directly onto single and double brick walls.

“Plumbers who are unfamiliar with the iBox are supplied with comprehensive installation photo examples, as well as a YouTube clip that provides a step-by-step computer generated visual installation. With the popularity of smart phones these days, they can even watch the video during the installation if they get stuck at any point,” says Natasha.

Recommended for both retro-fit and new build applications, the iBox Universal is compatible with existing pipework as it comes with reducers that can convert fittings from 3/4 inch to 1/2 inch, as well as plugs if it’s not being used in a bath.

“Anyone who has stayed in a hotel room and heard the shower running in the next room will appreciate how quiet the iBox Universal is. European apartment blocks are governed by strict regulations that dictate the amount of decibels that a product can make, hence the quiet attributes of the iBox.” suggests Natasha.

“Another benefit of the iBox lay in the fact that it is completely contained and waterproof which means leakages will only leak in front of the tiles, rather than inside the wall. This alleviates expensive costs associated with the maintenance and repair of in wall leakages,” Natasha explains.

“Once an iBox Universal is installed into the wall, it is easy for a plumber to replace a mixer with a thermostat and the process should take less than an hour to complete. There is no need to rip tiles off the wall, as you would with a conventional in wall set. Plumbers simply need to take the brass block out and replace it with another,” Natasha says.
“We like to think of the iBox Universal as ‘the brains behind the beauty’… or a universal remote for bathrooms.”