The shower valve is the part of your shower, usually located behind the wall, that controls the temperature and pressure of the water coming out of your shower head, handheld sprayer, or spout.
How do I know what valve is in my shower?
If you want to know how to identify the shower valve manufacturer, check behind the shower handle at the center of the trim plate for the manufacturer’s symbol or brand name. You will see one of the following shower faucet logos: K: the manufacturer is Kohler. M: the manufacturer is Moen.
What is a shower and tub valve?
These valves allow you to set the water temperature without having to balance the hot and cold water manually.These valves change the flow of water to different fixtures such as from the tub faucet to the shower head or from the fixed shower head to a hand-held shower head.
Are all shower valves the same?
Regardless of the shower trim kit style, the valve fixture basically does the same thing.Most shower rough-in valves have 4 ports. 2 inlets for the hot and cold water pipes, and two outlets, one for tub spout and one for showerhead.
Are all shower valves universal?
Re: Are Tub/Shower Valves Interchangeable? First, you absolutely CANNOT mix manufacturers on trim and rough-in valves. In fact, even within one manufacturer, they have many valves and the trims are not interchangeable. Shower sets are not always sold as separate trim and rough.
Can I use a tub and shower valve for shower only?
Can a tub and shower faucet be used just for a shower?Most tub and shower combination faucets can be installed in a shower without using the tub spout. If you do not wish to use the tub function, you can plug the outlet for the tub spout on the valve and not install the spout on the tub wall.
How do I replace a shower valve?
Replacing a Faulty Shower Valve
- Step 1: Block the Shower Drain.
- Step 2: Cut Off Supply of Water.
- Step 3: Remove the Handle.
- Step 4: Loosen the Trim Plate.
- Step 5: Remove the Old Valve.
- Step 6: Fixing a New Valve.
- Step 7: Attach the Water Supply.
- Step 8: Test for Leakage.
How much does it cost to replace a shower valve?
The national average materials cost to repair a shower valve is $50.80 per valve, with a range between $47.53 to $54.07. The total price for labor and materials per valve is $243.64, coming in between $221.88 to $265.40.
Do showers need shut off valves?
There usually is not a shutoff valve for just the shower. The toilet has it’s own shutoff, and sinks have their own shutoffs under the sink. But tub and showers typically do not have their own shutoffs.You’ll usually see a copper line come off the hot water heater and run off towards the kitchen and baths.
How do I know if my shower valve is bad?
Signs You Could Have a Faulty Shower Valve
- Trouble Turning the Handle. Do you have difficulty turning on your shower?
- Unexpected Temperature Changes.
- Loss of Water Pressure.
- Shower Head Leaks.
Can you replace shower handle without replacing valve?
Yes, the handle is just a pretty shiny lever with a set screw to hold it on. If you find out the brand you can usually go to the plumber supply house ( or maybe a used parts place) and get a replacement. You can also contact the manufacturer online for the bigger brands, they send replacement parts too.
Are shower valves standard size?
Shower Valve Height
A height of 28 inches, or 2 feet 4 inches, is standard for valves in bathtub shower units. For shower stalls, install the valve at the standard height of 48 inches, or 4 feet.
Can you replace a shower valve with a different brand?
The shower head and tub spout are independent of the valve system. You can use and brand and style for those.
Do shower faucets come with valves?
Tub/Shower Faucets typically contain two parts: The Trim Kit and the Valve.It can also include the tub spout if you are purchasing a Tub and Shower Combination Faucet. Delta Shower Faucet Trim Kits include the Shower Cartridge.
How do you know what shower cartridge you need?
Use a caliper or ruler and measure the cartridge. Do this by measuring from the base to the tip (from seat to splines). Pay attention to the length tier of your cartridge (Lengths range from 112). Next, identify the broach pattern with the broach chart (see page B-5).
Should I replace a tub with a walk in shower?
The conclusion? Go ahead and convert your old tub or tub/shower combo into a cool, walk-in shower, as long as one other bathroom in your house has a tub for tasks such as bathing small children or if you have room in the master for both, a walk in shower and a freestanding bathtub.
Why does my shower head keep dripping?
More often than not, a dripping showerhead is the result of worn or damaged inner seals. The rubber washers or O-rings in your shower act as a seal between your showerhead and shower hose, preventing water from leaking out.The leak can also be caused by worn or damaged washers or O-rings in the shower’s valve.
How does a shower valve stem work?
A two-handle stem shower faucet has a stem with a washer that presses against a seat to seal off water. A three-handle unit adds a stemlike diverter to direct water up to the shower or down to the tub spout. Getting the parts Often leaks can be fixed simply by replacing the washers.
How far out should a shower valve be installed?
Your goal is to center the shower valve between studs 12 inches apart. A little mark at the midpoint of the plates, in line with where you expect the faucet and shower valve to be, helps for the next stage of this project. Next, mark 6 inches on either side of the midpoint.
How long do shower valves last?
A properly installed shower valve should serve you well for a long time. Even if you live in an area with hard water that causes limescale build-up in your appliances, you can expect to have a shower valve work well for about four or five years.
How much does a plumber charge to replace a shower cartridge?
Professional plumbers charge $90 to $270 plus the cost of materials to replace a shower cartridge. Plumbing labor rates are $45 to $150 per hour, with minimum call-out fees of $50 to $200.
Plumber cost to replace a shower cartridge.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Plumber’s labor | $90 $270 |
| Total | $100 $350 |
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