Hansgrohe introduced its iBox Universal back in 2001. Its design was the make a universal rough-in box for shower installations. Now, with the intro of its new iBox Universal Plus, Hansgrohe has created a truly universal rough-in that now accommodates any of a host of trim pieces – Hansgrohe or Axor, Thermostatic or Pressure Balance. That means there’s just one rough to stock, one rough to order, one rough to install, and one rough to service.
Features and Installation Options
The system literally replaces up to 13 existing rough-in boxes, so in effect, the iBox Universal Plus brings increased efficiency to your business, whether you are an architect or a plumber, a wholesaler or a remodeler. The iBox Universal Plus appears to be a reliable go-to rough-in solution for any shower installation – at least if you already use compatible brands. In fact, I hope the industry wakes up and smells the coffee, streamlining similar products like this to work with other brands as well.
Tightening costs due to a stretched-thin economy almost demand time and cost-saving solutions like this. The iBox Universal Plus works exceptionally well in unifying all members of the distribution channel, from manufacturers to end-users.
Check out the many supported configurations and uses:
Hansgrohe Universal iBox Features
- Water-Tight Seals
All Around Rubber seals on the iBox housing and carrier plate create a water-tight installation. Any potential leaks drain into the shower compartment, not into the wall. - Multiple Mounting Options
Multiple mounting points and depth options allow the iBox to be installed with any commonly used mounting system. - Built-In Service Stops
Allows easy servicing of the valve and other components. - Reduced Noise Transfer
The brass function block rests on rubber seals, so pipe vibrations transferred to the wall will be reduced. The trim carrier plate attaches to the iBox housing, not the function block, minimizing noise transfer to the finished wall. - Simplified Pipe Flushing
The rough can easily be flushed prior to installing the function block. Hot and cold water remain isolated while passing through the flushing insert. - Trim Includes Function Block
The valuable function block is supplied with the trim, not the iBox, allowing ordering to take place later in the building phase. This reduces the expense of warehousing, theft and damage due to dirt or frost during the building phase. - 180° Rotational Symmetry
Even if the rough is installed upside down, the trim can still be mounted to the iBox, avoiding costly repairs. - Extension Set
Even if the iBox has been mounted too deeply into the wall, the problem is easily solved with an extension set. The extension set (sold separately) ensures a watertight seal, keeping the walls free from dampness. - Shallow Extension Set
Limited installation depths are not a problem, thanks to the shallow extension set. Simply installing the set between the tiles and trim allows for installation in walls as shallow as 2-1/4″.
Final Thoughts
I think this is a really cool step in the right direction, and I wish that the use of universal rough-in connections could simplify more plumbing installations. Come on, manufacturers, unite and bring our tradesmen some solutions that make their lives simpler!
