Have you ever wondered where to install the shower valve to get the best value from your showers? Many people find them lost at the same point where you are right now regarding the correct installation of shower valves.
The standard shower valve height is 28 inches (2 feet 4 inches) in the bathtub and 48 inches (4 feet) in the shower stall above the furnished floor. However, this is not the final size fit for all since many factors influence the correct shower valve height, including your preferences, bathroom shower type, and user height.
In this blog post, we’ll look deeply into finding the ideal height for a shower valve keeping all the factors in mind. So be sure to stay with us till the end, and we bet you won’t regret your decision.
What is A Shower Valve?
A shower valve is a device on the wall that brings control to the water temperature and flow of shower heads, tub spouts, and other shower accessories into your hands. Using this, you can set the water pressure and temperature as per your liking.
The cartridge in the shower valve connects it to the external trim that works as a supporting player to regulate the flow and temperature of the water coming out of the shower head.
Standard Shower Valve Height From Floor
A shower valve should be placed in the right position so that you keep on getting comfortable and strain-free shower experiences. The standard shower valve height is 28 inches for the bathtub and 48 inches for the shower stall from the finished floor. You can make amendments to it to a position where you feel more relaxed and comfortable controlling the shower valve.
However, it’s imperative for you to know that shower valve height is different for bathtub shower units and shower stalls. Below, we have described the ideal shower valve height for both shower units. Let’s look at them.
Shower Valve Height For Bathtub
If you’re installing a shower valve in your bathtub, you must be aware of its ideal height to avoid wasting your valuable time.
The standard height for the shower valve in the bathtub is 28 inches above the shower floor. The reason for the low height in the bathtub is because they connect to both the tub and shower and it provides you with smooth access as well.
Shower Valve Height For Shower Stalls
If you wanna enjoy a comfortable and luxurious shower experience, you should install a shower valve at its perfect height. This will help control the shower head temperature and water flow from your fingertips.
The standard height of the shower valve for a shower stall is 48 inches above the finished floor. This will enable you to control the shower valve either while standing or sitting, making the shower hassle-free.
Other Factors That Influence The Height Of Shower Valves
Apart from the standard shower valve height, many factors come into play to contradict the ideal height and position it to the user’s ideal position. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Users
User height should be taken into account when installing the shower valve in your shower. This is because if your height is taller than the average individual you might need to have a shower valve a little higher for easy access.
However, It’s always best to consider everyone’s height of your family to find the perfect installation spot for the shower valve in your bathroom, especially for the handicapped.
Here’s how you can do it.
- Measure the height of every individual in your family
- Calculate the average height of it
- Put every individual from your family in a situation to see whether they find themselves in a comfortable position accessing the shower valve installed at the average height position.
- Lastly, once you finally locate the ideal height for your shower valve install it at that position and enjoy showering.
Bathroom Shower Type
The shower valve position is different for every bathroom shower type. For instance, for bathtub shower units the shower valve is installed slightly lower than shower stalls. So, make sure what bathroom shower type you have before installing the shower valve.
Apart from these two types, there are other shower styles where shower valve height is standard including:
- Neo-Angle showers
- Corner enclosure showers
- Custom showers
- Walk-in showers
- Glass enclosure showers
Needs and Preferences
Your preferences always come first because it’s you who is going to figure out the ideal position for the shower valve. What’s your taste and what’s the position where you find yourself most comfortable accessing the shower valve?
By answering these questions you would be able to find the ideal shower valve height that will be perfectly aligned according to your needs and preferences. Make sure to take expert guidance as well so you won’t end up fixing it in the wrong position.
What Are Different Types of Shower Valves?
Talking about the types of shower valves, there are only three including mixer, pressure balance, and thermostatic shower valves.
Mixer Shower Valves
A mixer shower valve is a traditional kind of shower valve that looks like a normal faucet. It has a simple handle on it that turns in both directions to adjust the temperature and flow of water.
For instance, if you turn it in a clockwise direction the water will come from the hot water supply, similarly, if you turn it in anticlockwise the water will flow from the cold water supply.
This is the most common type of shower valve and is considered best to adjust the temperature of water. Besides, it is also used in outdoor swimming pools and spas.
Pressure Balance Shower Valves
The next type on our list is the pressure-balance shower valve. As the name suggests, this type of shower valve helps control both hot and cold water pressure independently.
It means you can adjust the temperature of the shower without affecting the other side. That’s why they are also known as dual-action and double-action shower valves.
The best part is that they can work smoothly no matter how low or high the water pressure in your bathroom. This makes them more versatile, portable, and easy to use.
Thermostatic Shower Valves
A thermostatic shower valve is the most advanced type of shower valve as it automatically senses whether hot or cold water flowing from it and sets it as per your preference.
They have a wax or other thermostatic element inside them that controls the water temperature and automatically expands to restrict the water flow when it comes down to the desired heat threshold.
This thermostatic shower valve has made showering a lot more comfortable and easier and you should try it as well.
Standard Shower Head Height
The standard height of the shower head is 72 inches above the shower floor. However, this is not fit size for all so you can install it in a position where you will find yourself most comfortable and relaxed.
Remember, this is for users less than 6 feet, if you’re taller than this you can go for a showerhead with at least 80 inches in height. Similarly, in that case, your shower valve height should go up to at least 40 inches for comfortable usage.
To make things a lot easier for you while installing the showerhead make sure it should be at least 3 to 4 inches above your head. This will help you install it at the ideal position without draining your mind into calculations.
Related: What Is Standard Rain Shower Head Distance From Wall?
FAQs Related To Shower Valve Height
Can I install the shower valve myself?
Yes, you can install a shower valve yourself but since it is a nitty-gritty process hiring a plumber is recommended to get the installation job done for you easily and correctly
What happens if the shower valve is installed too high?
If the shower valve is installed too high it would make it difficult to use for shorter individuals, children, and the handicapped. Plus, it will make adjusting the water pressure and temperature more challenging.
What tools do I need to install a shower valve at the standard height?
The tools you will need to install a shower valve at a standard height are measuring tape, an adjustable wrench, a pipe cutter, and Teflon tape.
What type of shower valve should I choose?
There are various types of shower valves available in the market including mixer valves, pressure-balancing valves, and thermostatic valves. You can choose the one according to your liking and you think will work best for you.
Can the shower valve be installed lower than the standard height?
Yes, the shower valve can be installed lower than the standard height. The primary purpose is not to install the shower valve at the standard height but at a position where you will feel comfortable using it. So, you can install it lower than the standard if it suits you best.
How do I know if my shower valve needs to be replaced?
If your shower valve has started to cause troubles like leaking, making unusual noises, or not functioning properly, its time might have come to get replaced with a new one.
Can I replace a shower valve without tearing out the wall?
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to replace a shower valve without tearing out the wall. However, the feasibility of this approach is contingent upon the unique circumstances and the type of valve requiring replacement.
