So let us look into the necessary details of a shower valve and see how it works.
Shower Valves
A shower valve or a shower mixing valve is a mechanical part of your shower system that performs two essential functions for a safe bathing experience for the user. One, it controls the water temperature, and second, it allows the user to adjust the flow of water in the shower. It usually has one or more adjustable knobs to operate the shower valve manually.
The water that comes directly from your water geyser might be at harmful temperature and needs prior adjustment before it comes out of the outlet. According to research, exposure to high temperatures in the shower can cause full-thickness burns in as little as two seconds. However, you can prevent such scald and burn injuries with a good-quality shower valve.
Functions
First, a shower valve allows the cold and hot water to mix in standard proportions before coming out of the shower, so the bather doesn’t experience burns. Second, it has flow controls and diverters that control the overall flow rate of the shower and direct the water to specific outlets.
A shower valve may have one or more outlets, depending on the number of showers in your bathroom. E.g., A one-way shower valve works with only a single shower, while a two-way shower valve works with a showerhead and an attached handheld shower. You can divert the water flow to either of the outlets by turning a knob. Furthermore, each outlet has a corresponding control unit attached to a mechanical handle.
Replacement Details
Modern shower valves typically have a lifetime finish that allows a non-corrosive, non-toxic operation for several years. However, there are certain red flags that you need to consider to be aware of when to replace your malfunctioning shower valve.
- Always check for leakage in the shower valve, especially when you’re renovating your house or moving to a new one. If the leakage isn’t fixable, you’ll need to purchase a new shower valve
- There might be a case when you notice a change in water temperature or pressure in your shower if a tap is turned on anywhere else in the house. It could mean that your shower valve is not working correctly.
If you find your shower valve not functioning correctly or damaged beyond repair, you can always call a plumber and get it fixed or replaced. However, if you’re looking to save money, we have a simple DIY for you to replace your old shower valve with a new one. The easy steps are given as under:
- Unscrew the handle bolt to remove the cover from the shower handle.
- Then, unscrew the bolt that is holding the decorative plate. Remove the plate
- Next, you’ll have to remove a portion of the wall behind the valve by cutting the sheetrock
- Once you have enough access, remove the shower valve by cutting the inward and outward water flow pipes with a sharp tool
- Now, solder the new shower valve to the plumbing for a robust connection. (Soldering requires specific technical skills and can be risky. So we advise you to take help from an experienced plumber for this part of the job)
- Finally, replace the plate and the handle to the shower system and tightly screw the bolts
- Make sure to check and test the shower efficiency and leakage after the replacement.
Choosing Options
The best shower valve for your bathroom is the one that’s durable, effective, and, most importantly, fits your shower system. Our researchers reviewed some of the best shower valves and came up with some key features that can help you with making a good purchase. They are given below:
Material: Your shower valves need to be made out of non-toxic, non-corrosive material, to prevent the risk of some severe lung diseases. If a shower valve is rusty or cheaply made, it can contaminate the outflowing water and make the bather sick.
Shower compatibility: There are many types of shower valves, with some uniquely made for particular user needs, such as multiple shower heads, etc. So you must choose the shower valve that works with your shower system.
Minimum water pressure: Every shower valve comes with a minimum pressure rating, which typically is between 0.1bar to 0.5bar. However, some valves with diverters have a pressure rating as high as two, and if your plumbing water pressure is too low, your shower might not work correctly.
Cost
Most new shower valves for typical shower systems cost between to but some can even go up to Replacing an old valve by yourself may take you between three to four hours with a net spend of around However, if you feel inexperienced to replace it on your own, you’ll need to consider the expenses of a plumber as well, which can significantly add to the original cost. Most plumbers can fix your shower valve in under two hours, but your net cost may go up to
Furthermore, if you have a tiled bathroom, you may need a quick renovation of the tiles surrounding the shower handle. You can remove the tiles and replace them later to prevent any damage to them.
