{"id":1682,"date":"2023-01-16T09:21:30","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T14:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lavatorylab.com\/?page_id=1682"},"modified":"2023-03-30T09:23:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T14:23:51","slug":"types-of-shower-valves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lavatorylab.com\/shower-head\/types-of-shower-valves\/","title":{"rendered":"The Different Types of Shower Valves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Controlling the temperature and flow of water to your shower head is a valve. Normally resting behind the escutcheon plate, the shower valve is a critical component of any shower system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, shower valves differ in their design, connection, and compatibility. We’ll highlight all of this to help deepen your understanding of the different types of shower valves.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Pressure Balancing Valves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pressure balancing valves are the most common valve type<\/strong>. As the name suggests, pressure balancing valves regulate both the water pressure and temperature of water flowing to the shower head to prevent sudden changes in temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Per the International Residential Code (IRC), pressure balancing valves are required to be installed on all new shower systems (source<\/a> –  P2708.4). Unlike previous valves, pressure balancing valves prevent scalding hot water from running through the shower head when other fixtures, namely a toilet, are used<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The piston within the valve is susceptible to wearing out. While the pressure balancing valve may last for several years before requiring replacement, hard water may shorten its lifespan due to mineral and sediment buildup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One notable drawback to the pressure balancing valve is that you cannot control the volume of water exiting the shower head<\/strong>. It is an on\/off design, which may not work for some folks who have children or pets who may be scared by the volume of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermostatic Valves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The thermostatic valve regulates temperature<\/strong> through a thermostat. This allows the person showering to get pinpoint accuracy when setting the temperature of the water<\/strong>. Showers that have a thermostatic valve will usually have one handle for temperature and another to control the flow of water. This valve offers the most versatility of all others currently available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twin and triple thermostatic valves provide greater control<\/strong> should you have multiple shower heads within the same shower system. These valve types allow you to control the flow of water between shower heads and the entire system. A diverter may be added to the valve extending functionality further for body sprays and other shower accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diverter Valves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To support tub and shower combinations, a diverter valve is required. A diverter valve redirects the flow of water from the bathtub faucet to the shower, typically by lifting up the tee diverter. Other diverter valves include twin and triple valve diverters to independently control the temperature and directional flow of water to either the shower head or tub spout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transfer Valves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A transfer valve redirects the flow of water from one shower head to another<\/strong>. You’ll find transfer valves on dual handheld shower heads near the connection point on the primary shower head and the shower arm. This valve does not regulate temperature or flow; it simply redirects or transfers the flow of water from one shower head to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixing Valves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Previous to the introduction of pressure balancing valves, mixing valves were the standard. These valves blend the hot and cold water together<\/strong>. Mixing valves do not contain any sort of thermostat or piston to regulate pressure from the hot and cold lines, which may result in drastic changes in temperature. These valves are found in older homes and should be replaced with a modern valve when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connection Types (CC, IPS, PEX, CPVC)<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Shower valves are available in a variety of connection types which include copper connections (CC), threads (IPS), PEX, and CPVC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n