Buy a new shower valve
Are you ready to remodel your bathroom? It’s likely that your plumbing fixtures should be considered. Clients
often ask for new fixtures to upgrade their bathrooms. However, many times they already have plumbing
accessories purchased from their local hardware store.
We see homeowners frustrated when they try to install their fixtures themselves. Unfortunately, many retailers
and manufacturers don’t explain the details of each item and the requirements for its installation. So that you can
make an informed decision when purchasing a shower valve for your bathroom, we want to clarify the situation.
What is Shower Trim?
The shower trim is the visible parts of your shower valve. These are cosmetic pieces such as your handle or
escutcheon. Most of our clients want to replace their shower trim when updating their bathrooms. They have an
80’s chrome finish and a clear teardrop handle, but they want to be in the 21st century.
What is a Shower Valve?
Although it may seem absurd, this is a fact. Your shower valve is not the handle or pieces you see outside your
shower wall. It is the valve body inside your wall. You are purchasing the internal valve body of a new shower
faucet. It is not visible from the outside, which connects to the handle.
Shower Trim Is NOT Interchangeable
Even though most people only want to replace the trim on their shower valves’ heads, it is important to remember
something before you spend your hard-earned money. Trim can’t be interchangeable. Shower trim is not interchangeable,
regardless of brand. Shower trim is similar to car wheels. Different bolt patterns and sizes can mean
you need to stick with tires and wheels that fit your car. Shower valves work in the same manner. The trim options
for shower valves will depend on the cartridge inside. My clients are the ones who end up frustrated. They buy new
trim that matches their bathroom faucet but doesn’t fit their existing shower valve.
Is Brand Important?
Shower valves are my favorite. Here is why: Part availability. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right parts
for shower valves that are not manufactured by the same company. Off-brand shower valves may be discontinued
quickly. If your shower valve leaks, parts may not be available. This could lead to the need for a new shower valve.
Too many shower valve manufacturers have discontinued a model, or gone out of business. If their rights are not
sold to another manufacturer for the repair parts, clients will be forced to replace the valves in their wall instead
of making repairs. We recommend that you stick with a trusted name-brand manufacturer. This provides more
assurance that any future problems can be addressed quickly or are easily solved. Plus, there is usually a warranty
on the parts!
Selecting a Finish
These days, there are many stunning finishes available on the market. When choosing your stunning finishes, you
should also consider the water conditions and maintenance requirements. If you are comfortable with this, you can
go ahead and do it! Keep these instructions handy in case someone hires you to clean and maintain your fixtures.
Failure to follow these specific instructions can cause damage to the finish, and could even invalidate your warranty.
Hard water is a sign that you should not purchase products with dark or chrome finishes. Hard water spots are like
unwanted relatives. They can be annoying and difficult to remove. We can install a system to virtually eliminate
hard-to-clean spots and extend the lifespan of your chrome.
How many handles?
The number of handles you choose for your shower valve will depend on your preference. You can keep the number
of handles that you have if you want to make a bathroom remodel without replacing the surround. If you are
replacing the shower valve from the front, you will want to use a remodel retrofit style shower valve. This type of
shower valve features an extra-large scutcheon that covers the hole. A remodel kit is not required if you cannot find
a suitable shower valve to replace the hole in the wall.
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The choice of handles for replacing your shower valve in a remodel is entirely up to you. Single-handle shower
valves have a pressure balancing cart inside them. This helps prevent accidental scalding and cold shots from
someone running water in your shower.
