As a professional builder, contractor, or architect,
you probably have many questions regarding the
use, installation, and maintenance of the mr.steam® steambaths.
Here are answers to some of the questions that
are most frequently asked. If you don't
see your question here, be sure to use the Feedback
form to tell us!
If there is more information about a specific answer within the web site, we have supplied a link to that information.
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® steambaths 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 240V 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.
Question
How steamtight does the steam room need to be?
Answer
The steam room must be completely 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.
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. The vents must form a 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 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 25 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 25 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.
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 installed 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 Tempo®,
Tempo/Plus® and Tempo/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 MS-103412. 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 electronic,
timed draining of the mr.steam® water
tank after each 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.
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