Steambath Tips for Contractors
Question
How do I know that I have selected the right-sized steambath generator?
Answer
The steambath generator must be correctly sized for the steambath room. Pay particular attention to room volume and construction. To assist in determining unit selection, please refer to mr.steam® steambath Size and Selection. Marble, glass walls, ceilings and exterior walls require a generator larger than one based only on the room's cubic foot (L x H x W) volume. The resulting room size will be automatically calculated after room details are provided. The physical size of the mr.steam® steam generator, clearance for plumbing servicing and its distance from the steam room must all be considered before final installation.
Question
Who should install and service the steam generator?
Answer
mr.steam® steam generators are connected to standard household line voltage and contain live electrical components. All installation and service should be performed by qualified licensed electricians and plumbers only. Installation or service by unqualified persons is not recommended and may void the warranty and cause personal injury. Installation should comply with all applicable national and local code.
Question
How steam-tight does the steam room need to be?
Answer
The steam room must be enclosed with a fully gasketed door to contain the steam. Most shower door manufacturers offer fully gasketed doors for steam shower use. All cracks and joints must be filled with a silicone sealer. The steam room must have watertight walls, ceilings and floors. Ceramic tile is the most commonly used material for steam rooms. It should be well grouted and properly sealed. Avoid the use of untreated and exposed materials which are susceptible to decay or corrosion. Materials such as marble, glassblock, fiberglass, acrylic and other heat-resistant, non-porous materials are also widely used.
Question
What kind of ceiling should I provide?
Answer
The normal ceiling height is 7 - 8 feet. It is recommended that the ceiling height not exceed 8 feet. The ceiling should be sloped to prevent condensation from dripping on the occupants. The ceiling can be sloped from the center to minimize height reduction. Steamroom construction information is available from the Tile Council of America, Inc. at (864) 646-8453 or www.tileusa.com.
Question
What type of flooring should I provide?
Answer
The flooring should be skid-resistant or provided with anit-skid strips or equal to prevent slipping for safety. The steam room should contain at least one drain for condensate runoff and cleaning.
Question
Are there any considerations I need to give to the type of doors, windows, and vents?
Answer
Vents inside the steam room are not recommended for use during steam bathing. If installed, they must be positive closing vents a form of vapor-tight seal. Ducts must be waterproof. If a skylight or window are used, double-panes must be used, and skylights must be closed off and sealed at the ceiling height. The shower door must be watertight.
Question
What about seating inside the steamroom?
Answer
The steam room should have at least one built-in seating area bench for the bather's comfort. It should be sloped slightly to provide for condensate runoff. The ceiling should be sloped to direct condensation away from the bather. An alternative to a built-in seating area is to install a mr. steam® wall-mounted seat that can be tilted up when not in use.
Question
Where should I install the steam bath unit?
Answer
Select a location as near as possible to the steam room — within 60 feet maximum. Typical locations include a: closet, vanity cabinet or insulated and heated attic or basement. Consult with mr.steam® if the steam generator will be located at a distance of more than 60 feet.
Question
Are there any places where I should NOT install the steam bath unit?
Answer
Do NOT install the steambath generator inside the steam room, outdoors, in an unheated attic, basement or anywhere else water could freeze, or near combustible or corrosive materials or chemicals. Do NOT install the generator wherever environmental conditions may affect the safety and/or performance of the unit.
Question
When installing the mr.steam® generator, are there any tips you can give me to help the installation and make the unit perform optimally?
Answer
Install the steambath generator on a solid and level surface in an upright position. Install an anti-water hammer device if required. Provide access to both ends of steambath generator for servicing. Steam piping from the generator to the steamroom must be properly installed and insulated to prevent peaks or valleys. Pitch piping towards the generator or towards the steamhead so condensation does not collect. Plumbing connections include a water line to the steam unit, a steamline from the unit to the steamroom, and a drain line.
Question
Are there any parts of the equipment that become hot during operation?
Answer
The steamhead, steam line, safety valve and drain valve become hot during operation. Use caution at all times. Provide appropriate protection.
Question
Where should I locate the controls?
Answer
mr.steam® steambath in-shower eTempo®, eTempo/Plus® and eTempo/Remote® controls are suitable for installation and operation in a wet location. This means that mr.steam® controls can be located inside the steam room or on the outside of the steam room. Locating the controls within the steamroom provides ultimate convenience to the steam bather. See the Control Installation and Operation Instructions for specific details. When controls are located outside the steamroom, a remote sensor (P/N MSTS) is required for steamroom temperature control.
Question
Are there any plumbing tips you can give me?
Answer
All plumbing should be performed by a qualified plumber and in accordance with applicable National and local building and plumbing codes. Use unions on all pipe connections and only brass piping or copper tubing. Do not use black, galvanized or PVC pipe.
Question
What recommendations can you give me regarding water connection and temperature?
Answer
Connect the steam generator to either the hot or cold water line. The hot water line is preferred. Hot water should not exceed 160 degrees F. Softened water is also preferred. Flush the inlet water line thoroughly before making a connection to the unit. A strainer is recommended on the incoming water line. For best performance, water pressure should be 15 to 20 psig. Provide an anti-water hammer device if required.
Question
Where should the steam head be located?
Answer
Locate the steam head 6 to 12 inches from floor, except if you have a tub/shower enclosure, in which case the steam head should be 6 inches above the tub top ledge. When used in a shower enclosure with acrylic or other non-heat resistant walls and/or floors, install the steam head 20-30 inches from floor and use an acrylic shield P/N 103937. Locate the steam head on an opposite wall from the seating area and away from traffic patterns. To preserve the steam head finish, do not use a wrench or other tools to tighten. Hand tightening is sufficient when Teflon or an equal pipe thread sealing compound is used.
Question
What type of wiring do I need to provide?
Answer
Check the electric power voltage in the home and specify a unit that matches that voltage. (Most homes have 240V, 1PH service). Use a minimum of 90 deg. C/300V copper conductors only, sized in accordance with local and national electrical codes. Connect the equipment grounding wire to the ground terminal provided. Install a separate circuit breaker between the supply and unit. On single phase units, use two-wire supply source with ground. Neutral (white) wire is not required.
Question
Why should the Autoflush® accessory be specified?
Answer
The Autoflush® system features an automatic and electronic, timed draining of the mr.steam® water tank after a steambathing session. This provides Clean Steam... Every Time® by introducing fresh water prior to using your mr.steam steambath®.
Question
What safety features are built into the mr.steam® steam generator?
Answer
The most prominent features include a back-up 75 minute maximum safety cycle, UL-recognized limit control electronic liquid level pc board, prewired power and 24v low voltage circuits, energy-limited low voltage transformed and "plug-and-play" cabled in-shower controls.
Question
Where can I obtain a copu of the mr.steam® Installation; Operation and Maintenance manual?
Answer
Just click here for a copy.
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