Hansgrohe Ecostat 1001 CL Thermostatic Exposed Shower Mixer

In-Depth Look

A thermostatic shower mixer improves shower comfort and safety. The Hansgrohe Ecostat 1001 CL has a thermostatic cartridge that keeps the set temperature steady when supply pressure changes elsewhere in the system.

Thermostatic Control

When someone runs a tap or flushes a toilet elsewhere in the house, water pressure changes in the supply pipes. A manual mixer responds immediately with a temperature shift, potentially scalding on a cold pressure drop, or cold shock when hot water demand increases. The Ecostat’s thermostatic cartridge compensates automatically, maintaining the set temperature. This is both a comfort feature and a safety feature, particularly in homes with children or elderly users where sudden temperature changes carry higher risk.

SafetyStop

The 40°C SafetyStop is a mechanical stop that prevents the temperature control from being turned above 40°C without deliberately pressing and holding the override button. The limit is factory-set at 40°C but can be adjusted by the installer for installations where a higher maximum is appropriate: for example, in properties with elderly occupants who prefer a warmer shower.

Exposed Installation

The exposed bar design means all pipework remains visible and accessible, making installation and servicing straightforward. No wall building-in is required, and the valve can be removed and serviced without opening up the wall. This is an advantage in rented properties and refurbishments where minimising disruption is important. Hansgrohe lists a minimum operating pressure of 1 bar, so check the supply pressure on low-pressure gravity systems, where a pump may be needed.

Separate Controls

The two-handle design separates temperature control from flow control. Once the temperature is set, subsequent showers require only the flow handle to be opened, maintaining the same temperature without readjustment. This is more practical than single-lever mixers where temperature must be re-dialled each use.

Verdict

The Hansgrohe Ecostat 1001 CL is an exposed thermostatic bar valve with steady temperature control, a 40°C SafetyStop and separate temperature and flow controls. Check the supply pressure and the warranty terms before specifying it.

How It Compares

The Hansgrohe Ecostat 1001 CL (article 13211000) is an exposed thermostatic shower mixer. The fittings are G1/2 s-shaped connections with a centre distance of 150mm, plus or minus 12mm. A Safety stop sits at 40C, and the temperature limit can be adjusted. The EcoStop button limits the flow to 10 litres a minute, and the maximum flow is about 16 litres a minute at 3 bar. The minimum operating pressure is 1 bar and the maximum is 10 bar. It has a ceramic 180 degree cartridge, and a dirt filter, non-return valve and silencer are included. Thermal disinfection is possible.

Our page on the Grohe Grohtherm 1000 covers another thermostatic shower mixer if you want to compare details.

Pressure balance is the practical point with thermostatic valves. The hot and cold supplies should be at broadly similar pressures for the thermostat to work as intended, and the installation instructions explain the requirements. Because the valve includes a dirt filter, non-return valve and silencer, it already has some protection built in, but a clean supply helps any cartridge last. Water and plumbing work should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be done by a competent plumber where required.

Common Questions

What does the 40C safety stop do, and can it be changed? The Safety stop stops the temperature being turned past 40C without a deliberate extra action, which helps reduce the risk of scalding. The temperature limit is adjustable, so it can be set to suit the household. Follow the installation instructions when making the adjustment.

What water pressure does a thermostatic shower need? This valve lists a minimum operating pressure of 1 bar, so check your own system first. If the pressure is low, a shower pump may help. Our Salamander CT50 Xtra shower pump page covers one option. Check your supplies before you buy.

Can I replace an old bar valve myself? The new valve needs to suit the centre distance of the old pipework, which is 150mm here, plus or minus 12mm with the fittings. Isolate the water supply first. A competent plumber is advisable, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What does the thermostat do when the hot supply drops? A thermostatic valve adjusts the mix to hold the set temperature. If it cannot hold the temperature because the hot supply drops, it reduces or stops the flow. Check the installation instructions for how this valve behaves if a supply is lost.