Top Shower Valve: Find the One You Really Need

Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.

ARCHIE ADAMS

Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker Guide

Best Overall: Hansgrohe iBox Review

Hansgrohe iBox

• Universal trim compatibility: The heart of your shower system, use the iBox rough-in with any hansgrohe or AXOR standard pressure balance or thermostatic shower valve trim (sold separately)
• Flexible configuration: Provides enough water to supply multiple shower outlets including showerhead, tub spout, hand shower, and body sprays (diverter required for 3 or more outlets and is sold separately)
• Style versatility: Compatible with a wide variety of shower trims such as hansgrohe S Thermostatic Trim with volume control (04230000), hansgrohe S pressure balance trim (04233000), and hansgrohe shower select 2-function thermostatic trim (15763001)
• Easy and secure installation: Housing design mounts securely to wall studs and accommodates multiple wall depths and materials to fit your space (professional installation recommended)
• Prevents in-wall leaks: Designed to penetrate and seal finished wall to prevent leaks, and to allow demo-free service access with service stop valves

$81.56

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Dual-Function Pressure Balance: Delta Faucet R10000-UNBXHF Review

Delta Faucet R10000-UNBXHF

• Complete flexibility: Delta's MultiChoice Universal Valve gives you flexibility to upgrade your shower trim without altering plumbing. It is compatible with most Delta single-function, dual-function, or dual-function thermostatic trim kits
• Recommended use: Compatible to meet the needs for the most commonly used plumbing methods and should be used in showers without tub spouts
• Universal connection options: 1/2-inch universal inlets accept 1/2-inch copper, 1/2-inch iron pipe, PEX or CPVC adapters
• Valve body only: Valve body only, required cartridge is included with your Delta shower trim of choice
• Lifetime limited warranty: You can install with confidence, knowing Delta's MultiChoice Universal Valve is backed by Delta Faucet's lifetime limited warranty

$36.93

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Durable Brass Construction: Moen 2510 Review

Moen 2510

$328.85

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Back-to-Back Installation: Pfister Review

Pfister

• Dual 1/2” I.P. or 1/2” Copper Sweat Connections
• ADA Compliant
• Integral Stops
• Back-to-Back Installation
• Includes Plug for Shower Only

$76.41

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Latest Pressure-balancing Technology: Kohler K-8304-K-NA Review

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Kohler K-8304-K-NA

• Includes valve body, pressure balance cartridge, rough-in guide and mud guard
• 1/2" Universal NPT & direct sweat inlets & outlets
• 5.0 gpm (18.9 l/min) maximum flow rate at 45 psi
• Single lever design cycles from off through cold to hot
• Provides temperature regulation and automatic anti-scald protection

$76.65

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Highly Recommend: Delta Faucet R22000 Multichoice Review

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Delta Faucet R22000 Multichoice

• Monitor pressure balance valve keeps water temperature within a safe +/-3 Degree F (+/-1.6 Degree C), helping to protect you from sudden changes in hot or cold water pressure
• Rough-in only
• One-piece forged valve body without stops
• Back-to-back installation capability
• For use with 13/14S, 17S, or 17T Delta showering models. 1/2 inch outlets and connections. Standard installation accommodates finished wall thickness up to 1 1/8 inch

$100.79

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Universal Connection: GROHE 35015001 Review

GROHE 35015001

• 1/2" universal inlets, 1/2" universal outlets
• Includes blue core cartridge
• 265° comfort range
• Handle limit stop, Check valves
• Includes plug for 3-port installation

$87.49

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Chrome Finish: EZ-FLO 10551 Review

EZ-FLO 10551

• The wall-mount shower stall valves are equipped with a 1/2 inch IPS inlet connection and fit 3-3/8 inch centers
• Features replaceable brass seats and stems to prevent leaks and provide a secure-tight connection
• Constructed of high-impact brass for a strong, long-lasting performance
• The metal shower valves feature a chrome finish to provide a sleek, modern style

$29.83

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Designed for Performance: Peerless Review

Peerless

• LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: You can install with confidence, knowing Peerless tub and shower faucet rough-in kits are backed by Delta Faucet's Lifetime Limited Warranty
• PROTECTION FROM SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES: The pressure-balanced valve cartridge (included) ensures a consistent shower temperature by balancing the pressure of both hot and cold water, so no sudden temperature changes from toilet flushing or running appliances
• CARTRIDGE INCLUDED: Box includes both the valve body and cartridge - all you need is a Peerless shower trim kit (sold separately) to complete your shower transformation
• CONNECTION TYPES: 1/2-inch female IPS inlets and outlets accept PEX or CPVC adapters
• BACK-TO-BACK CAPABILITIES: Back-to-back installation capability for multi-unit buildings

$39.00

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Longstanding Flexibility: Moen 2521 Review

Moen 2521

• MULTI-FUNCTION: Built-in transfer valve directs water flow to 2 showering devices
• CAPABILITY: Two functions run independent of one another
• CONNECTION SIZE: Valve includes 1/2" IPS/CC connections on the inlets and outlets
• PRESSURE BALANCING: Posi-Temp valve helps maintain water pressure and temperature even when other water sources in the house are in use
• LONGSTANDING FLEXIBILITY: Built on the Moen M-PACT common valve system, allowing you to update the faucet style in the future without replacing any plumbing

$186.90

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Shower valves are fixtures that control your water temperature and flow and prevent any random changes in temperatures and pressure. This accessory manages the pressure on you coming out of the shower heads and also regulates its temperature. The mixer valve will save you from getting exposed to irregular water temperature harming your skin. Having a shower control valve is a standard measure to protect yourself from any irregularities making your shower safe and enjoyable!

Material

The shower valves from the best shower valve brands should be either made of metal, bronze, or brass. The best material for the equipment should not corrode, or rust. Brass will be the best material for you, the equipment. The one which you’ll purchase should be tried, tested and certified. It should be certified as leakproof The ones made of ABS plastics are also good and dependable. Ultimately brass or metal ones will be the best.

Controls

The controls on this are directly proportional to its cost. The more controls it has, the more costly it’s going to be. The controls are usually from 1 to 3 and more controls make the valve more versatile to ensure a perfect shower. One control on it will control the hot water, whereas two controls will control hot water plus water pressure. And three controls will control hot water, water pressure and water flow.

Types of Shower Valves

Manual

This type of shower valve has a single handle, and it controls the flow and temperature simultaneously. This type of shower mixing valve will allow you to change the temperature to your desired liking each time. But, the temperature of the water cannot be controlled while showering thus making it undesirable.

Thermostatic

The thermostatic shower valve is advanced and has equipment that closes the flow when a particular temperature is achieved, which has to be set in the beginning. The usefulness of this advancement is that you can fix a comfort zone for the temperature and prevent any risk of scalding if it suddenly gets extremely hot during the shower. The temperature is fixed.

Pressure Balancing

This pressure balancing shower valve keeps the pressure level the same even when the pressure alters often. It looks the same, but they have a movable diaphragm which adjusts the pressure of cold and hot water whenever required. This makes the temperature be at a normal level.

Compatibility

The shower diverter valve will have to be compatible with your plumbing system. Mainly the size of the connecting pipes matters for compatibility. A particular one will have a connection of half inches. Several good brands make this shower accessory compatible with most of the plumbing system.

Handle

A shower valve kit will often come with a stainless steel handle which lets the user use the accessory based on their likings for a perfect shower. If you have the shower kit, it will have the handle, and you will not have to purchase the handle separately. It comes with the shower kit.

Ease of Installation

You don’t need to be skillful to install this shower accessory. This is plug-and-play equipment, and if you know how to connect two pipes together, then it’s going to be easier for you. Always look for the instruction manual before proceeding to install.

To purchase the best shower faucets, you need to know the best brands. The Delta brand is good, as it’ll be compatible with most of the plumbing systems. The valve will be of brass with high durability. This brand is going to make your showers enjoyable and uninterrupted. Kohler, on the other hand, provides good thermostatic ones for controlling the pressure during the shower. This brand’s shower valve ensures proper flow and regular temperature. You can read shower valve reviews to know more about the brands and make an informed decision.

How to Change Shower Valve?

It’s very easy and doesn’t require much skill. Firstly, with needle-nose pliers remove the clip of it, and then it takes out. Insert the new one into the plumbing system and put back the clip. It should not take a long time.

How Long Should a Shower Valve Last?

If it’s made of brass, it should last 20 years unless damaged externally. Other ones should last at least 5 years. Make sure you purchase the one which is made of ABS plastic or brass or good quality ceramic. Otherwise, it might get damaged easily, ruining your shower.

Now that you’re sure why you need this equipment, it’s time for the best shower valve 2021. It’s a major accessory for regulating flow and temperature of the water. The Delta Faucet R10000-UNBX is a reliable one for your plumbing system. You can compare it will different brands to know which one fits your needs and requirements. Happy shopping!