Installing a shower-only valve can be an easy and efficient way of giving your bathroom the perfect spa look while saving yourself from an expensive plumbing job.
This article will discuss whether it is possible to use a shower tub valve for this purpose and provide advice on how you can achieve the best results for your project.
Yes, a shower tub valve can be used for showering only. Shower-only valves have one handle that directly controls water flow and temperature, as opposed to two handles that control the separate functions of hot and cold water.
This type of valve is typically equipped with an anti-scald feature that prevents sudden changes in water temperature while allowing users to adjust the limit stop setting on the faucet handle up to 120°F (49°C).
Introduction to Shower Tub Valves
Shower tub valves, also known as mixing valves, are an essential component of any bathtub and shower combination. They control the water pressure and mix hot and cold water to reach the desired temperature before it reaches the user. Without them, you would be unable to adjust the temperature while taking a shower or a bath.
When shopping for a new shower tub valve, there are many factors to consider, such as installation type (wall-mounted or deck-mounted), handle type (knob only or lever), and trim style that best suits your bathroom decor. It is important to select one rated for both high-pressure showers and low-pressure baths to get good flow rates from both fixtures.
Finally, when installing your new valve, ensure a certified plumber has tested it before use to ensure its safe operation. This will ensure that all connections have been properly made so that no leaks occur during the use of either fixture — both safety and water conservation concerns must be taken into account when using any plumbing device in your home.
Benefits of Using a Shower-Only Valve
Using a shower-only valve for a shower instead of a shower tub valve can provide many benefits. Here are some of the advantages that come with using a dedicated shower-only valve:
- Easier Installation: A single-handle design makes installation easier and faster than dealing with two separate valves when using a shower tub combination.
- More Reliable Performance: Since it’s designed specifically for showers, there is less chance of an unexpected malfunction or leak due to improper fitting or mismatched parts.
- Safer Temperature Control: The single-handle design allows you to more accurately control the temperature while taking your shower, making it safer for children and those with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.
- Wide Range Of Styles And Finishes To Choose From: With so many styles and finishes available, you can customize your bathroom look by choosing one that matches your existing decor or create something entirely new!
Installation Guide for a Shower-Only Valve
A shower-only valve is essential for a bathroom to remodel project, as it allows you to customize your shower with the desired spray settings and water pressure.
To ensure a successful installation process, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1
Shut off the main water supply.
Step 2
Install the valve using the plumber’s putty or another sealant.
Step 3
Connect hot and cold water lines to corresponding valves on the shower-only valve unit.
Step 4
Test for leaks by turning each valve on individually and observing any signs of moisture or dripping from around the fittings or connections between pipes and fittings where appropriate seals have been applied correctly previously in step 2 above.
Step 5
Install trim plate over the top of the installed valve once all tests have been completed successfully, with no discernible leaks present at faucet areas during the testing phase in step 4 above.
Step 6
Ensure that temperature control has not exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended parameters before use by adjusting the knob on the side of the handle per instructions provided within the user manual included with the device purchase before installation in step 1 above.
Potential Issues with Running a Shower-Only Valve
Running a shower-only valve has its share of potential issues. One problem is that these valves are not designed to provide adequate pressure for the shower head, which can lead to an unsatisfactory experience and potentially poor performance from the showerhead or water flow.
Additionally, they may be prone to clogging due to mineral deposits in hard water areas and low pressure when running multiple fixtures at once.
Also, there are safety risks associated with using a shower-only valve. These valves do not meet national plumbing code standards because they lack necessary backflow prevention components such as air gaps and check valves that help ensure safe potable water supply from the source.
Without these components installed correctly, it could result in contaminated drinking water being supplied through taps connected downstream of this system leading to health concerns for users.
Finally, improper installation can cause leaks around the valve, which could damage surrounding walls or floors, resulting in costly repairs and replacements over time. This makes it important to hire a qualified plumber with experience working with showers-only valves to minimize any potential issues before use.
Can You Use A Shower Tub Valve For Shower Only Summary
A shower tub valve is a plumbing device that regulates a shower’s water temperature and flow rate. While it can be used for baths and showers, many homeowners prefer using different valves for each application.
So, can you use a shower tub valve for just the shower? The answer is yes – but there are some important considerations to keep in mind before doing so.
First, most modern showers require hot and cold water pipes running from your home’s main line into the wall behind the fixture. If these pipes aren’t in place already, they will need to be installed before using a single-valve system like this one.
You should also ensure that your single-valve system has an anti-scald feature or tempering valve, which helps prevent sudden changes in water temperature if only one knob is used at once.
It’s also important to note that while it may be possible to use a traditional two-knob bathtub/shower combination faucet with separate knobs for hot and cold water on either side of the spout as just a showerhead, plumbers typically recommend against this option due to potential issues with mixing temperatures within the unit itself.
A better solution would likely involve switching out all components within the existing unit or replacing it entirely with something designed specifically for showers only – such as pressure-balanced valves which offer improved safety features like maintaining consistent temperatures regardless of fluctuations from other fixtures in the house (like when someone runs another tap).