First, the best shower valves not only ensure that your showers work smoothly but also control the water flow and temperature of the bath simultaneously. However, attempting to trade it in if it isn’t working properly is usually a headache in itself.
So you can get the highest quality shower valves, we have ranked the best valves from our list of favorites, taking a look at aspects such as the type, inlets, outlets, dimensions, and other features. We have also included important information on how to make the purchases so you can make an informed selection.
Other features: Posi-Temp valve maintaining water temperature; quarter-turn stops included; limited lifetime warranty
This shower valve is made of metal and brass, which make it sturdy, robust, and non-corroding. You might be interested to know that its materials contain antimicrobial properties to protect you against waterborne illnesses similar to bacterial infections. This valve also has back-to-back configuration performance. It further boasts of three types of connection with Common and PEX to give you plenty of connection choices to go well with multiple types of plumbing.
It is perfect for a tub and can let you enjoy unlimited perspectives. With it, you can improve the design or performance of your shower system without changing the plumbing in your sink wall. In addition, the versatile design of this makes it suitable with one and two thermostatic cartridges. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that you must purchase the corresponding cartridge and packing individually.
Other features: compatible with most Delta single-, dual-, or dual-function thermostatic trim kits; heat-resistant pressure test cap included; limited lifetime warranty
To ensure high quality, this heavy-duty diverter is made of brass for added strength. The solid brass provides excellent hold and excellent heat resistance. As a result, this shower valve will serve you for a very long time. The Delta Universal Tub Valve boasts spectacular efficiency in ensuring you can have a satisfying bath. Additionally, you can make use of this valve which has the Delta 6 or 3 setting bath bypass trim. As it provides daily circulation, you don’t have to worry about your water circulation fluctuating. It further solves the problem of getting a bath head with a low circulation load which can be annoying once you want to enjoy an invigorating bath.
Also, you don’t have to change anything when you install it. Moreover, when you install it, you can remodel your system at any time. Some great thing that we liked is that it comes with a non-return cap that can let you check as much as 200 psi and 300 psi air and water respectively. This can be an interesting feature that can let you know the perfect efficiency of your bath valve when you use it under totally different conditions.
Other features: Posi-Temp valve maintaining water temperature; Moen M-PACT common valve system; limited lifetime warranty
The Moen PosiTemp Pressure Balancing Valve allows you to update trim styling or replace accessory finishes without having to change valves. Once the system is in place, you can change your decor as often as you like during construction or years later. It only takes a few minutes. Posi-Temp pressure-balancing valve keeps shower water temperature constant (+/- 1 degree C). It’s integrated with the M-Pact common valve system, allowing you to change the style of the faucet later, without having to replace the plumbing
The product has an entrance diameter of 1/2 inches and an entrance thread type with copper fitting. It is designed for use in the tub and shower. The Moen PosiTemp Pressure Balancing Valve is a pressure-balancing valve. It’s made of brass material. The product is part of Moen’s lineup of pressure balancing valves which include the Pack of 2, 3, and 4 with more than a hundred dollar difference between the one pack one and the pack of 2.
Other features: forged resistant brass construction; one-piece cartridge design
The Kohler K-8304-K-NA comes with a lot of features to make sure you have satisfying showering expertise. It’s a pressure-balancing valve with what is called the Rite-Temp function. This works by simply preventing the shower valve against freezing. It also ensures that the valve is in the best temperature. It also includes a temperature interrupt function which controls the water temperature for added safety and ensuring optimum water temperature. It also ensures that your water circulation load stays the same with no fluctuations. This bath valve comes with built-in stops to immediately stop the flow of water. This is ideal for different shower-related actions.
The bath valve can be a great option if what you have is a contemporary toilet. It’s made to increase robustness and maintain unique efficiency even after a long time of use. Its rugged construction further gives you a great bathing experience every time you use your shower space. This valve comes with a cartridge and a valve. It’s unlike the Kohler K-GP77759, which doesn’t include the valve body.
Other features: brass construction; universal trim compatibility; includes 2 inlets and 2 outlets for versatility; 3-year warranty
With this Hansgrohe Ibox Universal built-in faucet system, you can save space, as the faucet disappears from the surface and allows greater freedom of movement in the shower. It is a very flexible system: the main body recessed in the wall can be completed with a wide range of faucet kits. It has a 10 bar working pressure, can operate at 80 degrees Celsius maximum temperature. The material of construction includes plastic and brass. It comes with a lot of certifications. These include the
ETA certification, the Kiwa certification, the NF certification, and more.
The unit has a 3/4-inch connection thread and is suitable for all conventional installation systems. It has a flexible recessed system, 1 main body, 9 different functional solutions. The pressure-balanced shower valve can be used in bathtubs, showers, built-in thermostatic taps, built-in bathtub taps, and built-in shower taps.
Other features: 3 ports; copper construction with chrome finish; 5-year warranty
This mixer valve is suitable for renovating high-outlet shower enclosures. You are probably wondering how it goes since it has a different design than most faucets. Well, note that this is a concealed valve that has two vertical bottom supplies in universal male thread and one vertical high outlet in a universal male thread. The shower mixing valve is certified. It has a certificate from the Canadian Uniform Plumbing Code (CUPC).
The hot and cold mixer valve has a construction made from brass and copper and is finished off with a chrome finish. It is suitable for bathroom and outdoor installations as the chrome finish gives it some weatherability. The shower mixed has a rough-in valve and a single handle that controls a bit and cold water temperature and volume.
Other features: high-impact brass construction with chrome finish; replaceable brass seats and stems; fit on 3-3/8 inch centers
The EZ-FLO Shower Valve is a pressure-balancing shower valve with an 1/2-inch IPS inlet and one outlet. The shower valve has a 3.75 x 5.75 x 2.5-inch dimension. It has high-impact construction which includes the use of brass with a chrome finish. The stems and brass seats are replaceable and compatible with 3⅜-inch centers
The flexibility and ease of maintenance of the valve is suitable for residential applications anywhere in the world. The valve is constructed from highly resistant brass and it offers longer-lasting performance, thanks to the metal parts and the chrome finish which other a modern and sleek style. However, the handle is made of plastic.
Other features: brass construction; durable ceramic disc cartridge; limited lifetime warranty
The PULSE ShowerSpas mixing valve contains a disc which slides in opposition to manage the temperature and water circulation. It is built of high-quality ceramic that has been hardened for maximum strength and minimal maintenance as it only needs to be wiped with a piece of dry cloth. The valve-cartridge also comes with an ½ inch NPT brass nipple. We also like that these valve options reverse the flow changes on the inlet aspect to simplify installation. Generally, this valve will ensure that your circulating load remains constant due to its strain stability capabilities.
If you have a tub, hand bath, or single bath, its design makes it the right choice. Another interesting performance value mentioned is its back-to-back configuration feature. With this function, you can optionally configure your valve easily in seconds.
A shower valve is an accessory that, when selected properly, will help control your water flow without any form of leakages. However, as there are a lot of knockoffs on the market, this purchase guide should help you decipher between a good and bad shower valve.
The first obvious sign that you need a new shower valve is when the current one is old, corroded, or is leaking and needs replacement. Leakages or drips are the most common reasons why people see the need to replace their shower valves. If left this way, you will be wasting water and cause new growth of mildew and mold.
Different shower valves can be found on the market. And this could make it difficult to select the best model. Some of the features that you should consider while looking for a good shower valve include:
First of all, it is essential to determine what type of bath valve you need, as different types can be found. Some of these include, in general, the:
However, you should know that showers valves operate with totally different management parameters. For example, pressure-balancing types have one mode. Meanwhile, others can operate up to 3 modes to let you to change the voltage or temperature of the water.
Shower valves usually come with 1, 2, or even 3 outlets. Meanwhile, with models which have a shower valve with one outlet, you can operate an overhead shower. Meanwhile, a valve with two outlets can make it possible to add a side rail. And with a valve with three outlets, you can have an overhead shower, body jets, and a shower with a slide rail.
Before selecting your bath valve, make sure it uses high-quality materials. The product must also have a stable development to last you for an extended time. The most used materials are welded metal, copper, and brass. Models with cheap plastics should be avoided. Whatever your selection, make sure the valve is protected from corrosion and heat. A chrome polish can offer aesthetics and function against corrosion.
Not all shower valves are universally designed so you have to ensure you’re choosing a valve compatible with your plumbing outlet. You can’t mix manufacturers when it comes to rough-in and trim valves. Hence, the trims cannot be interchanged. While the best shower valve to choose is that with a universal trim, many brands don’t ensure this. Some can only be used to replace their type of valve. However, some models are compatible with a single and double thermostatic cartridge.
Trim is used to referring to the visible and decorative part of the shower or combo faucet set. It can include your tub spout, showerhead, handle and control. Some bath valves include handles, trims, and various accessories. In case you opt to choose valves that have a chord, check if the chord is easy to use.
Warranty coverage is important as these items can be expensive. Some models in packs come in several hundreds of dollars, but there is no way to assure users of the product quality except by offering warranty coverage. The warranty coverage for this type of product can span 1 to 10 years. A lot of models come with a lifetime warranty, however. Four of the eight products recommended in this review come with a limited lifetime warranty. Such example is the Moen 2590 Shower Valve with Stops, the DELTA R10000-UNBX, the Moen 2520 Rough-In Valve, and the PULSE ShowerSpas Mixing Valve.
Before you start the installation, ensure that all the valve openings are covered to avoid debris from getting inside while you’re working on the supply lines. Consider the wall type you have and the suitable shower valve. Decide the shower position as well as the pipe inlet direction. Run the pipe into the shower area when you’ve decided the position. Water pipes with cold and hot water must be fixed in the panel or wall to avoid movements after installation and to support your valve.
The installation is easier as explained. In other words, all you need to do is remove the existing shower valve that requires replacement. Then, disassemble the new valve. Prepare the valve for installation by applying a flux solder paste around the pipe sleeves located on your shower valve. Also, apply it to the cold and hot water lines before proceeding. Next, you need to position the valve and solder the connection with a propane burner. Next, you can install. the valve cartridge and complete the installation.
All of the products on our list offer spectacular efficiency and is sturdy to provide you with a great bathing experience. Whether or not you want a shower valve that can help you maintain your water pressure or regulate the temperature, you will find a product that is right for you.
Rated 9.9 out of 10, the Moen 2590 Shower Valve, our Editor’s Choice, comes with Stops. This shower valve is made of metal and brass, which make it sturdy, robust, and non-corroding. It has antimicrobial properties to protect you against waterborne illnesses similar to bacterial infections. We, therefore, think this is the overall best shower valve on the market this 2021.
Rated 9.8/10, the DELTA R10000-UNBX Shower Valve is our Best Value Pick. To ensure high quality, this heavy-duty diverter is made of brass for added strength. The solid brass provides excellent hold and excellent heat resistance.
With a 9.6 rating, our choice of the model with the best warranty coverage is The Moen PosiTemp Pressure Balancing Valve. It allows you to update your trim styling or replace accessory finishes without having to change valves.
