In order to enjoy a better bathing experience, you need a good shower valve that can provide you with the ideal water temperature. Now, water temperature isn’t the only consideration. Taking note of the water flow is also important. The best shower valve will not only provide you the water with perfect temperature but would also give a satisfactory flow. Listed in this article are some top class shower valves offered by different brands and manufacturers.
Table of Contents
What is a Shower Valve?
The shower valve is plumbing equipment. It mainly controls the temperature of the water and also the flow of water in the plumbing system. It mainly mixes hot water and cold water to provide the bather the perfect temperature of water. And the diverters into them help to shift or control the water flow of the system. Shower valves are usually made of brass. This is because brass is the least reactive metal and one can expect it to last for very long.
Our Recommendations for Best Shower Valves
If you are confused on exactly which and what shower valve to buy you can have a look at the list down below. It shows 9 incredible shower valves selected by us. Hopefully, you will land at your desired one. And also take note that the descriptions contain upsides and downsides of each shower valve.
1. MOEN 2570 Rough-in Position PosiTemp Shower Valve:
The 1222 cartridge of this shower valve accommodates back-to-back installation of itself. This model is compatible with Moem M-PACT trim kits. It is featured with ½ cc connections with ¼ turn stops. This particular valve also aids in maintaining the water temperature.
This shower valve also lets you update the latest bathroom accessories without replacing the plumbing. The four-port cycle valve has a temperature limit. It controls the maximum hot water that can pass through. The shower valve is made of brass. It also contains the Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The dimension of this product is 7X7X6 inches. The temperature control of this shower valve is excellent. The control works perfectly. The installation process is very easy to perform. In some cases, it may leak through the cartridges. But most users did not experience this except few. Overall, it is a very good shower valve.
2. KOHLER K-302-K-NA two handles Shower Valve:
It is made of brass. The brass construction ensures the durability of it. The dimension of this shower valve is 11X7X3.2 inches. The ergonomic handle rotation of this valve provides on and off facility in just ¼ turns. The 8-inch center work which is behind the scene helps in keeping it at optimal performance.
It also features one-piece ceramic valves resistance to debris and hard water buildup. It requires valve trim that is not provided with it which has to be bought separately. It is lasso yoke reversible for either top or bottom supplies. It is very sturdy and heavy.
The installation of the shower valve is a very easy procedure. Some users did get upset because it leaked. But the majority was okay with it.
3. Delta Faucet R10000-UNBX Shower Valve:
It is made in the USA. This shower valve readily accepts the single, dual or dual thermostatic cartridge. The trim is sold separately with the appropriate cartridge; it does not come with the valve. It has back-to-back capability. It also has three connectivity lines which are IPS, PEX and universal.
It is made of brass. Hence, it is very sturdy and durable. Equipped with heat resistant pressure testing cap that allows air and water testing before the cartridge is installed. It also is very efficient to have as it does not need to change when changing the bathroom décor.
The squire plaster of the shower valve helps it cut 90-degree cuts. The dimension of this shower valve is 7.5X5X7.5 inches. It works really well. Fits really nice into the place. Altogether, it is a very good shower valve.
4. Pifister 0X8310A 0X8 Shower Rough Valve:
It is made to be as a 1-hole installation shower valve. It is equipped with a rough-in valve and balance cartridge. Also, it has back-to-back compatible installation feature. It also has ½ female IP intel. This shower valve is compatible with PEX and CPV fittings.
the overall construction of this valve is made with brass. Hence, it is durable and sturdy. it stays in a good state for a very long period. It is provided with a forever warranty. It comes with a plastic guard on and off guard. It includes a plug for the shower system only. The valve can balance diaphragm pressure.
The dimension of the product is 0.1X7.6X7.8 inches. The flow of water is not satisfying with this shower valve. The installation process is very easy to perform by non-professionals. Several years after using this you may experience leakages. Apart from these, the metal construction of the body is excellent. Overall the performance is good.
5. Symmons S-46-1 Body Temptrol Pressure Balancing Shower Valve:
It is equipped with an integrated volume control system. There is also an additional facility of adjustable stop screw to limit the handle turn. This shower valve is made of cast brass. And hence its durability is extreme. It is expected to last very long.
This package only contains the valve only and not the additional outside trim is shown on the picture. It has a ½ inch sweat connection. Also, it features an adjustable piston that continually balances the hot and cold water pressure according to the demands from elsewhere from the plumbing system.
It prevents the “shower shock” and gives comforting showering every time. The dimension of this shower valve is 4.1X4.5X4.1 inches. Coming to the performance, it isn’t surprisingly very effective. The divert does not work properly which extreme leakage problems. Also, the installation is not easy and effective.
It may even break off quite soon. A few customers did found it impressive and effective as advertised. But the majority had been disappointed.
6. KOHLER K-2973-KS-NA MasterShower Thermostatic Valve:
This thermostatic valve features an innovative shuttle design that controls consistent temperature and moderate water flow. It lets the bathers control the water temperature. Do remember that the rectory calibrated is set at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It consists of ½ inch valve. The dimension of this product is 7X7X6.5 inches.
It is made of brass. The brass construction makes it very sturdy and durable. It is expected to last quite long. When this shower valve is paired with stacked valve trim it helps limit hot-water flow and high flow to avoid shower shocks. It should not be used with abrasive metals like brush or scouring pad to clean it. It may create patches to the body.
It is provided with a limited lifetime warranty. It is easy to install. It has plenty of water flow no matter how the plumbing system is. The valves control perfect water flow. Overall, this shower valve worked really well according to its users.
7. KOHLER K-303-K-NA Shower Valve:
The ergonomic handle of this shower valve only requires ¼ turns to on/off the water flow. The one-piece ceramic debris in this shower valve resists debris and hard water buildup. It is equipped with integral diverter mechanism. It is made of brass. This makes it reliable and lasts very long. Also, it is heavy duty and sturdy.
The dimension of this product is 3.5X7X8 inches overall. It is rock solid and very hardy. It works really well. The water flow is satisfactory. The ceramic washer works very well. no sign of leakages was noticed. The installation is easy too. the temperature does not change when water is running elsewhere. altogether a very nice product.
8. Danze D130000BT Shower Diverter Valve:
This shower valve consists of 4-port valve services and up to 3 shower systems. It provides 8 position valve systems to 1,2 or 3 shower systems overall. This shower valve includes mounting brackets. It has ½ inch combination IPS/Copper sweat ports. This particular shower valve is compatible with D5608 trim kits only.
It is made of brass. This automatically indicates that it is very durable and sturdy. the total dimension of this shower valve is 7.2X4.9X3.5 inches. The diverter of this valve is designed with anti-scald protection that ensures the water stays thermostatic and pressure balanced. It consists of a limited life warranty. The installation process is very easy to perform.
The water flow is satisfactory. The temperature control is excellent. the temperature does not change with running water elsewhere. This shower valve is promising and works just as advertised.
9. Moen 9000 Widespread Lavatory Rough-In Valve:
This M-impact widespread valve is compatible with any bathroom decor. It is also compatible with Moen widespread trim kits. The duralock connect system of this shower valve allows easy snap-in installation of this. This is for only for 8-16 inch wide sinks. It is featured with ½ inch IPS lift rod style.
The pop-up drain pipe and drain seat are sold separately. The water flow is great even when the plumbing system is operating in the other areas. It looks very innovative and modern. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for leaks and damages. The dimension of this shower valve is 13.6X9.2X2.8 inches.
It is made of brass and is very sturdy and durable. Lasts very long. It works really well. controls the temperature just perfect. The water flow is optimal and satisfactory. The installation is comparatively easy. Altogether this shower valve works very nice.
Best shower valves – reviews for 2022
Here is an updated list of the best shower valves in 2022. We browsed for options that offered the most popular technical features like valve-and-cartridge combinations, compatibility with RV showers, smart home automation, tub compatibility, and easy trim replacements. The following shower valves fit the bill and have been positively reviewed for the same reasons.
EZ-FLO 10551 Shower Stall Valve, 1/2″ IPS Inlet, Chrome
EZ-FLO 10551 chrome shower valve is available at a good price and comes with the following specifications:
- ½ inch IPS inlet connection
- Compatibility with 3-3/8 inch centers
- 2 metal handle design
The wall-mountable valves are made of durable, high-impact brass for leak prevention and watertight setup – so you can be sure of their good quality. This also makes them last conveniently longer. They are easy to install, do not require extra screws, and make the perfect diverter valve hardware. The product is reviewed as the best shower valve because of its complete brass construction, replaceable seats and trims, and flexibility with flat or recessed installations.
It is also a popular choice for people with mobile homes and RVs as the valve arrangement supports one shower and one sink setting.
However, some users noted that the included Teflon tape should not be used with the installation due to its poor quality. The plastic rings and handles were also not very sturdy.
Moen S3102 Smart Shower 2-Outlet Digital Thermostatic Shower Valve with 1/2″ Connections , Black
Moen S3102 is the best smart shower valve with a 2-outlet design. It has the following specifications:
- Wi-Fi-enabled
- Accommodates ½” CC inlet and outlet connections
- 30-feet waterproof data cable for controller connection
- Installs flexibly within 6 feet of the GFCI outlet
- Compatible with TS3302BL and TS3302TB models
- RV-friendly
The valve is a great choice for smart home automation. It offers precise temperature controls and allows you to save presets for repeated use. You can select between independent or shared applications with the 2 outlets – for example, the valve can be connected to 1 showerhead and 1 hand shower. It enables both standard shower and custom spa settings.
You can operate the valve and your shower from 3 different sources: the in-shower digital controller, Moen Smart Water App, and voice commands. The app itself offers a host of remote settings and notifications so that you can start your shower from anywhere and be alerted when it is ready. In this way, you can easily personalize your shower experience with the digital shower valve and its versatile interactions. The use of a digital controller eliminates handle installations and matches the tech-savvy appeal of a smart home.
Moen’s smart shower valve is very expensive – after all, it is a smart valve and needs to be configured accordingly. This also means that you require professional installation to get the best connection, functionality, and convenience. The digital control panel is a must-have to operate this valve, so you need the right shower space layout to install everything safely and successfully. All smart gadgets are prone to connectivity issues, and if the Wi-Fi/electricity gets disrupted for any reason, the lack of traditional handles can lock you out of your shower!
Moen 2520 Posi-Temp Pressure Balancing Shower Rough-In Valve, 1/2-Inch CC Connection
Moen 2520 Posi-Temp shower valve is another good option from the brand. It is also one of the less expensive shower valves and has the following specifications:
- ½ inch CC connections (CC copper, CPVC, crimp ring PEX, cold expansion PEX, IPS threaded)
- 4-port cycle valve
- 1222 cartridge
- ASSE-approved
- 1 temperature control handle
- Compatible with shower and tub installations
This pressure-balancing rough-in valve is made of brass and can be combined with a transfer valve for a custom spa configuration using a showerhead, a hand shower, or a double body spray. The pressure balancing feature is important for keeping the flow smooth and consistent without any “shower shocks”. You can set the maximum temperature limit before installation as a safety aspect to limit the highest and safest water setting. The valve with its cartridge supports back-to-back installation, and its M-PACT technology lets you update the shower trim without replacing the valve – which is very conducive to future renovation projects. Posi-Temp technology is responsible for water temperature control and water flow efficiency.
The downsides to this shower valve include insufficient instructions and a lack of volume control. The valve handle tends to stick out a lot, so you want to get the assembly distance right to suit your available space. Some customers also complained about missing parts in their packages.
Delta Faucet R22000 MultiChoice Universal Valve 3-Setting 6-Setting Custom Shower Integrated Diverter Rough, Custom Shower Valve Kit, Delta Shower Trim Kit, Brass Construction, R22000
Delta Faucet R22000 MultiChoice shower valve is one of the best shower valves with these specifications:
- 3 and 6-setting integrated diverter
- ½ inch inlet/outlet connections: universal, 0.5-inch NPT male, and 0.5-inch copper sweat
- Compatible with 13/14S, 17S, and 17T Delta shower models
- Standard installation for 1-1/8 inch finished wall
- 1-piece valve without stops
- Works with handheld and rain showerheads
Featuring durable brass construction, the valve includes a mounting bracket for level installation. Its Plasterguard easily snaps in place. The pressure test caps are heat-resistant and designed to ensure a smooth cartridge fit as well as quick access for flushing. This also enables back-to-back installations. You can choose compatible trim kits from the brand to match your bathroom fixtures – and you can always replace the trim anytime without needing to change the valve itself. The main benefit of such a MultiChoice Universal valve system is that it works behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on the main shower functionality and update the visible trim whenever you like. You can choose between independent or shared shower units depending on your preferences. The valve helps to keep the water temperature in check so that it stays within the safe range and prevents sudden highs or lows.
The comments revealed that this valve is not suitable for tub installations. There were also complaints regarding the 3-way diverter advertisement as some users noted that the valve was actually a 2-way setup, so you can only use it or share it between 2 showers.
American Standard RU107E Flash Shower Rough-in Valve with PEX Inlet Elbows and Universal Outlets for Crimp Ring System
American Standard RU107E Flash rough-in shower valve is another cost-effective option with the following specifications:
- PEX crimp elbow
- Universal outlets for crimp ring (male thread/female sweat, PEX Crimp, PEX Cold expansion, CPVC, Stub-outs)
- 90-degree adaptor integration
- 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″ rough-in range from the finished wall
- 180-degree rotation for ceiling connections
- Stainless steel ring with flats
The brass valve’s integrated elbows make it easy to install the hardware. It can be rotated either way to connect to the floor/ceiling supply lines, which adds flexibility to the way you configure your shower space. The design features a straight back to enable flush mounting with the wall. The flats support quick cartridge installation and servicing stages, and the overall setup of the valve helps with accurate installations through and through. For example, the clear rough-in depth indicator makes a clever guide while installing the valve – there are also markings for standard and thin wall configurations. The self-aligning screws and self-centering hole guides both add to the valve ergonomics for easy, precise, leak-free, and back-to-back installation. These features make the American Standard shower valve ideal for refurbishment projects.
The major drawback is the lack of volume control and a cartridge with this valve.
Kohler K-8304-K-NA Universal Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kit , Gray , 6.25 5.25 5.50
Kohler K-8304-K-NA Rite-Temp universal kit includes one of the best shower valves with a cartridge at the given, reasonable price. Here are the main specifications:
- Works with all Kohler Rite-Temp trim kits
- 1/2″ universal NPT and direct sweat inlets and outlets
- Universal NPT, PEX expansion, female NPT, sweat-only connections
- 5.0 GPM maximum flow rate at 45 PSI
- One-piece cartridge
The pressure-balancing brass shower valve has large internal ports that serve to reduce pressure loss and boost the flow rate. Its material is resistant to dezincification which allows the construction to be more durable. The integrated check valves prevent backflows. It is easy to install this compact valve with the mounting brackets and rough-in guides for finished and thin walls as well as back-to-back configurations. You can set the highest water temperature limit before installing the valve to keep the shower safe for everyone and avoid accidents – so temperature control and scald prevention are the top safety features. Volume control is also enabled, which checks the final important box for best features in a shower valve. The cartridge is equipped with a double seal, so this offers watertight benefits. You can always use the test caps for testing the pressure before you mount the cartridge. You will receive the valve body, a cartridge, a rough-in guide, and a mud guard in the package.
That said, this shower valve does not have the best installation instructions in terms of clarity and measurement guides. The given dimensions do not consider stud differences, so this can interfere with specific shower layouts. Some users also received incomplete kits with missing parts here and there.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Shower Valve
There is some information to remember before you will buy your shower valve. It will help you buy the best shower valve for your bathroom.
Leakages
It is not common but few shower valves start to leak after a certain period of time. Mostly when the warranty period is over. Do clarify that the shower valve you want to buy does not leak. Leakages would lead to water wasting and extra expenses.
Material
In case of shower valves material is a very crucial thing to take notice of. As most people don’t intend to change shower valves quite often, it is important that it lasts very long. Also, durability and sturdiness are important to take notice of. Make sure the material non-reactive. Non-reactive materials do not corrode or form defects.
Temperature control
Make sure the shower valve you are buying is a good temperature controller. And it does save you from shower shocks.
Flow
Also, the flow of water is important to take notice of. Buy the shower valve that provides adequate water flow.
Types of Shower Valves
You will find different kinds of shower valves all over the market. Take for example if the shower valve has 2-way diverters it will provide water flow in 2 outlets. This consequence goes on like this, 3-way diverter-3 outlets, 4-way diverter- 4 outlets, etc.
You will also find a different kind of shower valves as well. some of which are twin shower valve-one way, twin shower valve- two way, triple shower valve- two ways, triples shower valve- a three-way, etc.
Now, concealed shower valve is another category of itself that stays concealed or hideous inside of the wall. Especially the pipe connecting to it. Thermostatic shower valve has anti-scalding features that shut off water flow if the temperature of the water is too hot to handle. It prevents shower shocks in contrast. Thermostatic shower valves do this automatically. Manual shower valves have to be adjusted by the bather.
How to Install Shower Valve
Most shower valves are very easy to install. At first, remove the valve you intend to replace. If your new valve is the same size as the old one, then it is okay. If not and your new valve is bigger you can cut it accordingly. You can clean the pipes if you want. If they are already cleaned then you can skip that.
Remove the plastic cartridge before soldering it. Remember to remove any other plastic thing that may not tolerate the water heat. Now before you remove the cartridge remember the track it came out so that you can place it again. Now place the shower valve into the place. Make sure the cap positions in the right direction.
Not place the shower valve into its position. First place the shower riser and then the other two ends. Now when everything is at the place it is time to solder. During soldering keep water or extinguisher near you for unwanted accidents.
Make sure the solder flows all around the joint. After that allow the solder to cool down. When you are confident that the solder has cooled down, place back the plastic cartridge.
Conclusion
Shower valves should be ensured with good durability for its performance. Leakages are not something you would want after using it for several months. Make sure you own the best shower valve to avoid inconvenience.
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