Table of Contents
What does a shower valve do?
A shower valve is found behind the handle of a shower faucet. It controls the temperature of the water and turns the shower on and off. Through a temperature mixing valve, the hot and cold lines are mixed together to create the desired temperature.
Where is a shower valve located?
This supply valve is usually near the bottom left side of the toilet tank. For showers/tubs, look around the tub or shower for an access panel. It may be on the other side of the wall from the tub or shower.
How much does it cost to replace a shower valve?
Shower valve replacement costs $225 to $575 on average, depending on the mixing valve or diverter valve brand and type.Shower valve replacement cost. National average cost $400 Minimum cost $145 Maximum cost $900 Average cost range $225 to $575.
Do I need to replace my shower valve?
The first issue to look for is if there are any leaks in the valve when you turn on the water. If there are drips, that’s a good indication that you should think about replacing the valve. Because, not only are you wasting water, but water that leaks behind the wall can cause rot as well as mold and mildew growth.
What happens when a shower valve goes bad?
There are a few ways to tell if your shower cartridge has gone bad: Dripping or running water when you turn your shower off (most common) Difficulty turning the shower handle, which worsens over time. Shower handle gets stuck or “slips” and doesn’t turn on the water.
How do I know what type of shower valve I have?
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.
How do I know what shower valve I need?
Assess the faucet and determine how many handles it has. If it has two handles, it is a double-handle faucet, which means that the hot and cold water pipes each connect to separate handles. If it has one handle, it is a single-handle faucet. If the faucet has three handles, it is a rare three-handle model.
How many different types of shower valves are there?
In a nutshell, there are three different types of shower valves on the market: pressure balancing shower valve, thermostatic shower valve and diverter shower valve.
How do you replace a shower water 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 long should a shower cartridge last?
Today, they’re an important part of every home. They have a seemingly minimal effect on style, they can substantially affect a kitchen area or bathroom’s total style. Kitchen and bathroom faucets can last 15 to 20 years.
How do you replace a single handle shower valve?
How to Replace Single Handle Shower Faucet Turn off the water to the shower. Remove handle and escutcheon plate to expose shower valve. Loosen locking nut with pliers and pull old cartridge from center of valve. Put new rubber seat with spring onto end of pencil and push into the valve.
What is the difference between a shower valve and cartridge?
Conventional shower stem valves consist of a metal body concealed behind the shower stall’s wall. Cartridge shower faucet assemblies might consist of one or two handles. A single-handle cartridge faucet opens and closes water flow with an up and down motion, and regulates temperature with a left or right motion.
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.
How often do shower valves need to be replaced?
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.
What causes shower valve to leak?
More often than not, a dripping showerhead is the result of worn or damaged inner seals. Over time, these wear down, and when they do, water starts to leak out. The leak can also be caused by worn or damaged washers or O-rings in the shower’s valve.
Why does a shower valve fail?
There are several reasons why the cartridge may have failed; the number one cause is an in-balance in water pressure between the mains cold pressure and the heated hot water(and this is very common). This constant in-balance between the two will cause damage to the cartridge which is housed within the valve.
What causes shower cartridge to leak?
If the cartridge becomes worn or cracked, water can seep through—even when the handle is in the “off” position. This can cause water to drip or trickle from the shower head. Here, too, replacing the worn cartridge requires turning off the water supply to the shower.
