Installing shower faucets

If you get shower faucets of both types, you need to keep in mind that you might be able to use only one at a time.

In case you can use both showerheads at once, the chances are that the water pressure will be lowered drastically. Flow rate is indicated by the volumes of water that can flow out of the showerhead every minute.

A higher flow rate usually indicates that the shower faucet can deliver a more powerful and satisfying shower. Although a high flow rate can enhance your experience in the bathroom, it also means that the shower faucet consumes more water. For instance, a 2. On the other hand, if you want to save water, you should choose one with a lower flow rate. No more worrying that the water will get scalding hot if someone flushes a toilet or uses cold water elsewhere. When it comes to shower faucet valve types, there are two main categories: thermostatic valves and pressure-balanced valves.

However, as thermostatic valves require complicated mechanics, they usually come at a higher price than pressure-balanced ones. Single-handle shower faucets are considerably easier to use, but double-handle ones can offer more precise temperature control. If durability is the first thing in your mind, you should choose shower faucets made from premium materials such as stainless steel and brass.

These materials can usually tolerate heavy impacts and rough handling much better than others. A high-quality finish can give your faucet a more polished look and durable surface, so you should opt for products with chrome, brushed nickel, or matte finishes.

If you plan to install the shower faucet yourself, you should make sure that the product is actually easy to install. For instance, shower faucets with body sprays can be quite complicated to install, which might require you to call in the help of an expert. Ease of installation aside, you also need to check if the shower faucet is actually compatible with plumbing connections at your home. If not, setting it up can be even more complicated, often requiring you to see help from an expert plumber.

Afraid that the product might not be as durable as advertised? In that case, you should go for shower faucets with a longer warranty time. Usually, a longer warranty time also indicates that the manufacturer is confident in the quality and durability of their products.

You should also pay attention to what the warranty covers. While some manufacturers offer a full warranty on all the parts, others only provide warranties on certain parts, such as shower cartridges. Fortunately, I have what you might need in order to successfully install a shower faucet on your own. A leaking shower faucet can be a result of improper installation or corrosion inside the valve.

In some cases, hard water deposits can also cause the shower faucet to clog and drip. It can be rather annoying if your shower faucet refuses to get hot or cold , no matter how much you adjust the temperature control.

Does this mean that you need to get a brand new shower faucet? No, you can easily address this issue with a few simple tools. Have a glance at this FAQ section to find out the answer to your questions. Not every shower faucet handle is universal, but you can find universal handles for your shower faucet.

This means that even if your shower faucet handle has broken, you can still find a replacement for it with little to no trouble. No, you should not mix valves, even between shower faucets from the same manufacturers. This is because different shower faucets have different configurations, making only a specific valve type suitable for them. Shower cartridges are not interchangeable.

Then, you can shop for a cartridge with the exact same part number from a plumbing supplier or an online store. A cartridge is a type of valve inside a faucet that is used to regulate water temperature as well as its flow when you turn on the faucet.

A shower faucet diverter is commonly found in a combo bathtub and shower faucet. Its job is to change the water flow from the shower to the bathtub or vice versa. Thanks to its air energy technology, the product can deliver powerful water pressure, and its durability is honestly second-to-none.

Of course, other shower faucets recommended here are also worth checking out too. So feel free to give them a try. If you need any tips or pieces of advice, feel free to leave a comment down below—I will get back to you as soon as I can. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn more " Share Tweet Pin. A high-quality shower faucet can deliver a luxurious showering experience.

Fixed shower heads can be mounted on the ceiling or the wall. Handheld showerheads have been around since the 20th century.

Some high-end shower faucets can combine fixed and handheld showerheads for a better showering experience. Single-handle shower faucets are the most popular type now available. Shop now at Amazon. Cons Might be slightly complicated to install. Cons The installation process might be slightly complex. Cons The water pressure may not be powerful enough for some people. Pros Relatively easy to install Can deliver excellent water pressure, even in areas with low water pressure The silicone nozzles make cleaning the showerhead a breeze.

Impressively long lifespan can be used at least , times. Cons Might leak a bit every now and then. Pros Can provide consistent water pressure and temperature Requires little to no maintenance Outstanding durability can be used more than , times Will not pose any difficulties to install.

Cons Might produce loud noises when in operation. Cons Might show water spots if you have hard water.

Cons Might damage from strong, heavy impact. Cons Might not be very easy to install. Pros Can provide revitalizing showering experience Comes at a very budget-friendly price Well-made construction for better durability Sleek appearance for a more luxurious-looking bathroom.

Cons The installation process might be slightly difficult. Pros Takes little time and effort to install Made from high-quality material for a longer lifespan and better sturdiness Can improve your water pressure, even in regions with low water pressure Effortless to clean and maintain.

Cons Might produce loud noises. Watch this video: Learn the correct way to install a shower faucet. Watch this video: Find out how you can fix your leaky shower. Watch this video: Fix the temperature control of your shower faucet. Are Shower Faucet Handles Universal? Are Shower Valves Universal? By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts.

Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Visit a bathroom showroom to pick out your new faucet. If you are merely replacing an existing faucet, choose the same style of faucet already in place to make installation easiest. If you know what you need, you can purchase replacement parts before you start the project. If not, then you should wait until you have removed the old parts and take them with you to the hardware store so you can match the new components exactly.

Many shower components come pre-packaged as a set so you are sure to have everything you need, including new faucet handles. There are 3 styles of shower faucets available: [1] X Research source Single-handled shower faucets have a tee connection to both hot and cold water supplies and control water temperature and water flow with just 1 handle.

Double-handled shower faucets have 1 control for hot water and 1 control for cold water. In this application, the third handle controls the strength of the water flow and determines whether the water goes to the tub or the shower. Assemble the other necessary tools and equipment. Turn off your main water supply. Locate the shut-off valve for the appropriate bathroom and turn the water off.

Most homes have shut-offs in place for individual bathrooms as well as one for the kitchen so you should not need to shut off the water supply for the whole house. If your home is on a private well, you will need to find your pressure tank. Newer tanks are usually blue in color while older tanks may be any color. Typically, the shut-off valve itself is located on the main outlet pipe near the tank. To close this valve at either source, turn it clockwise until closed. This will immediately stop water flow to the house.

Once you have shut off the water supply, open the shower faucet valves to release remaining water from the pipes and ensure that the water is indeed off.

If you're going to be cutting through the tiles or wall, it's important to drop some cloth to protect the bathtub. Part 2. Remove the handles. Use a flat-headed screwdriver to pry up the small caps on each of the handles. Under the cap will be a screw to release the handles.

If the screws are rusted, it may take a little extra effort to loosen the screws. If necessary, use penetrating oil to help break through the rust. Remove the spout. To remove the old spout, twist counterclockwise gently and pull towards you at the same time. There may be a small screw that will require removal before you can take it off.

You may find that pliers or a pipe wrench are helpful when removing old fixtures. Use what tools work best for you. Use a flat head screwdriver or a butter knife or something similar to pry the cap from the handle to reveal the retaining screw. Before removing the retaining screw, you'll need to open the valve completely by turning the handle counterclockwise. This keeps the valve from turning while removing the screw. Remove the flange.

On most two-handle and three-handle faucets, there are chrome flanges about three inches long. Firmly grasp the flange and remove it by turning it counterclockwise. There is a white nylon threaded sleeve that may not come off as you remove the flange.

If this happens, simply grasp the sleeve with your hand or a pair of pliers and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. After removing the handle, remove the plate by removing the screws or by cutting the caulking with a utility knife. Then pull the plate from the wall. Remove the valve assemblies. These should have a hex-shaped base near the wall and you can use an adjustable wrench or adjustable pliers to remove them.

Turn them counterclockwise until they come loose. Once removed, use a damp cloth or an old toothbrush to remove debris from the threads of the water inlet pipes. Mark where the new heads will go and make cuts if necessary. If you're installing a brand new faucet, you need to measure and mark the spots where you will be installing shower faucets and a shower head.

Shower faucets are typically installed at a height of 45 to 48 inches After making your measurements, drill holes using tile drill-bits of the appropriate size, depending on the size of your shower components, and remove enough of the wall to access the pipe for proper installation. After making cuts, clean the shower walls with bleach water or white vinegar water.

Do not mix bleach and vinegar, as it can release a noxious gas. Do not allow water to drip behind the wall. If it does, dry thoroughly before installing the new fixtures. Part 3. Open and check the valve assemblies before installation. Take all of the new valve assemblies and open them fully before installing them. Do this by turning the stems counterclockwise. Each valve needs to be opened when it's installed to allow it to seat fully on the pipe components.

Be sure to identify the diverter valve and set it aside to install it last. If you purchased an identical or similar kit to the version you removed, it should be quite easy.

Tape the new valves. With the new valve in one hand, hold the threaded base pointing to your other hand. Pull tightly against the threads until the tape breaks. Roll the loose end over the taped threads. Done correctly, the tape will contour to the threads.

Taping the valves allows a tighter seal to be creating, ensuring a solid faucet that won't leak. Install the new valve. Place the new valve into the pipe and turn clockwise with your fingers about three or four complete turns. Do not force an improperly seated valve. It will strip the threads and cause a serious leak. Repeat this step for all valves. Completely tighten the valves with adjustable pliers or an adjustable wrench.

Do not over-tighten or you risk damaging the valve or the water pipes. Install the sleeve. Take the threaded white nylon sleeve, slip it over each valve stem, and twist it into threaded interior of the valve base. Do not use pliers or a pipe wrench, as this will damage the threads. Wrap a cloth rag around the sleeve and grip tightly with your hand and twist it into place.

Install the flange. Take the chrome flange and twist it onto the nylon sleeve until the base of the flange is snug against the shower wall. Place the new faucet handle over the notched tip of the valve stem.