Are you remodelling or building a shower? A shower valve is essential. It's not easy to navigate the many types of shower valves available and choose one.
One, there are many different types of shower valves, each made by different manufacturers and with different benefits.
Shower valves are a bit like the heart of a shower. They control the temperature and flow of water to the body sprays, tub spout, and showerhead. The right shower valve kit will ensure you have the shower you want and that it won't cause any plumbing problems in the future.
Different types of shower valves explained
There are three types of shower valves available: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. This section will help you choose the right shower valve for your needs.
Have you ever flushed a toilet while someone was in the shower only to be yelled at for burning them with hot water?
This is because your shower valve didn't have a pressure balancer. They may have not been around at the time, depending on your age. It is now plumbing code to have pressure balance in your home. This makes it one of the most important types of shower valves.
You experienced cold water being pulled from the shower to go to the toilet. This caused the water level to drop while hot water was maintained at the same level. The pressure balancing shower valves sense the pressure differences in hot and cold lines, and can partially close one side to maintain a constant water temperature.
These valves require more frequent maintenance because the cartridge that balances the pressure has an internal spool. This spool can become clogged up from scale and mineral deposits. This will cause the valve to stop producing consistent water temperatures until you replace it with a pressure balance cartridge. Safety is worth the small price.
The common problem with pressure balancing valves is the inability to regulate the water volume. When you turn on your shower, it will start at the lowest temperature and full pressure. You can find certain valves that provide temperature memory or volume control, but it is important to be aware of what you should look for.
You need to decide how many shower heads will you be using when choosing between the different types of shower valves. Because they have standard-sized 1/2" water inlets, pressure-balancing valves can handle one to two showerheads. You will need a different type of valve for larger showers that have more body sprays and showerheads.
Thermostatic Shower Valve
Thermostatic shower valves work in a similar way to pressure-balancing valves in that they maintain a constant water temperature regardless of whether other appliances are using water.
How do thermostatic shower valve's function? A pressure balancing valve uses a spool to regulate pressure changes. However, thermostatic shower valves use a thermostat to regulate the temperature. This allows for more precise control of the water temperature. This allows you to control the temperature to the nearest degree. However, pressure-balancing valves will require that you use your hands to adjust the water temperature.
You will never need to alter the temperature of your shower once you have determined it. The thermostatic shower valves are equipped with a dial to control the temperature and additional control for the water volume. With most pressure balancing valves, you lose your temperature "memory" once the water is turned off.
This design makes thermostatic valves one of the most suitable types of shower valves to use with larger showers that have multiple showerheads or body sprays. They typically have at least 3/4" water inlets which allow for more water flow to the various devices.
Diverter Shower Valve
Diverter shower valves are alternative valve that redirects water flow between multiple showerheads. If you only plan to use one showerhead, you can just skip the diverter shower valve.
Diverter valves can be used in addition to the main rough-in valve. These diverters will be located just above the main shower valve and have their own control. You will only need one diverter valve for pressure balancing, as you can only use two showerheads. Multiple diverters can be used to control your body sprays and showerheads with thermostatic shower valves. One diverter is required for each shower head or sprays in thermostatic valves.
Pro tip: Look out for 2-way diverter and 3-way diverter shower valves when shopping for diverter valves. A 2-way valve allows you to divert water between two showerheads, while a 3-way valve can either run water to all three shower heads at once or can be used to separate showerheads. The 3-way valve is my preference. You will typically need one diverter for thermostatic shower valves.
Are You Really Going to Use a Shower Valve?
Before you spend too much time looking at the various types of shower valves, this is a crucial question. You will need to ensure that you have the right shower valves for your project. I can think of two situations where you wouldn't normally have to.
1. The plumber plans to keep the same valve in place. Make sure the valve does not have a pressure-balancing function.
2. The plumber will install the valve. Some plumbers prefer valves and will install them without consulting you. (Obviously, the best plumbers will tell you this, but we won't assume anything. If you feel comfortable with this, confirm the brand name and valve number so that you can order the compatible trim.
Types of Shower Valve: Types of Connection
It is important to know that there are many connection options when installing shower valves.
1. CC
Copper connection (CC), means that the plumber must solder the copper pipe directly into the valve.
2. IPS
Iron Pipe Straight (IPS), connections are threaded connections that attach to the valve. The plumber will attach an adapter before soldering copper pipe into the adapter.
3. PEX
PEX tubing is a plastic tube that is more flexible than copper. It is also resistant to corrosion and easy to install (no soldering).
There are other things to consider when exploring different types of shower valves:
Numerous Valve Ports
Do you want to install a shower/tub combo or a walk-in tub? It's important to understand that there are both 3- and 4-port shower valves. A three-port valve will contain one for hot and one for cold, as well as one port that connects to the showerhead. A four-port valve will also have a port that leads to the tub spout.
Check/Service Stops
Although service stops for a shower valve can be optional, they are a must-have, especially if you live in an apartment or condo.
You can turn off the water supply to the valve and repair it yourself. This could be a problem if you live in a complex with many residents. In order to fix the valve, you will need to shut off water to the entire building. Even if you live alone, these checkpoints will allow you to fix the valve without affecting the washer's ability to run water.
They are well worth the extra expense of an upgrade. These can make the difference between having your valve repaired in one hour or several days.
These are the most common mistakes in shower valve and trim kit design
Not all trims contain valves
There are many types of trim kits for showers. Don't assume you will get a trim if you purchase a valve.
Not all trims contain accessories
These accessories are also needed for your shower remodel:
• Showerhead
• Shower Arm and Flange
• Tub Spout (If your tub/shower has one)
You may also want to purchase additional items such as a slide bar and body sprays. These are usually not included in these sets. It is usually cheaper to buy all the components in one set. This also helps avoid compatibility issues. There are fewer options when you buy a complete set.
Valve-Trim Compatibility
You can't use any shower trim with any kind of shower valve. Trim is the decorative escutcheon and handles you touch that controls the valve within the wall. The same principle applies to trims and shower valves as you would for a car.
Find the Best Shower Valve Types for Your Project
We have compiled a list of our top shower valves, diverter valves, trims and other accessories to help you make your shower a dream.
Remember to ask your plumber any questions or suggestions you might have about the best trim kit.
