hower fixtures and the process of changing them is often an overlooked home repair. As water pressure slowly falters, there just never seems time enough to replace them. No worries, we have you covered. Take a look at the best--and worst-- shower fixtures for your specific home.
In this article we’re going to discuss:
From every area of your shower, here are the most important devices and what they do. Follow along for some tips and tricks to make your shower shine.
The devices that work to control and regulate water flows known as shower valves can erode from repetitive use and time, and it can be difficult-- or sometimes very obvious-- to decide whether it is time to make a change.
If you hear unusual noises coming from your bathroom, don’t worry–It’s probably just your shower valve asking to be changed. Sometimes water pressure can become inconsistent and the knob may be difficult to turn. Can you ever find just the right temperature in your bath? If your answer is no, your shower valve needs an upgrade. Be aware of these issues because not only can your shower become damaged, but the rest of your bathroom and house pipes can suffer.
Multi-turn valves are usually screw-on handles. You crank the handle and a plug moves into the pathway of the valve path of the pipe causing a blockage in the flow of water and turning the flow off.
With a full range of motion, quarter-turn valves have a 90-degree turn of the handle for quick movements, not meant for precise temperatures.
Adjusted by hand, manual valves have levels or wheels to actuate temperatures for precise options.
Actuated valves allow control for higher precision options, connected to electric motors.
Activated when the flow condition is precise, automatic valves detect pressure differences and change their release valves as needed.
Shower heads are fixtures for directing the spray of water at the forefront of a shower. These can come in many shapes and sizes, changing with trends, practicality, and design.
Due to water leaks, buildup of minerals and sediment, and mold, your shower head can show visible signs of erosion. Your water pressure will most likely change with obvious notice, and a constant drip will leak out of your shower head.
Ideal for large families, this option is the most basic and reliable shower head.
This option can be used like a basic shower head with advanced options like custom pressure and spray levels and precise temperature.
The spa shower head is ideal if you are looking for an overhead shower spray option for lighter pressure and a wider head for winding down your day.
The detachable shower head is best utilized for people with limited abilities in the shower to easily sit and wash themselves manually.
Some showers have the option of multiple shower heads and mount locations. Multiple people can use these showers or can provide more pressure and water flow than one shower head.
Shower faucets allow the flow of water from a pipe or container to be controlled (like a tap). Faucets are in the category of trims, which are the decorative parts of handles, knobs, and tub fillers.
Although faucets can last 4 to 5 years, it can be more difficult to decide if you need an upgrade. When corroded or out of date, faucets can drip from the head and the handle can be difficult to turn and get stuck, causing an obstruction of water.
Similar to the standard shower head, the standard faucet is easy to maneuver and allows for hot and cold options for specific temperatures.
Shower system faucets are great options for people that like very precise temperatures, pressures, and heads. These usually include a pressure knob, a temperature knob, and two alternate shower heads (spa and detachable).
Tub-and-shower faucets have separate knobs for a shower and a bath. These options are best for families who switch between both types of bathing.
Your shower has sat corroding long enough…Follow these easy steps to change your shower faucet to a new and improved one for better shower pressure and precise temperature.
Before beginning, make sure to turn OFF the main water supply and open up a faucet at a lower level to reduce pressure. To remove the shower head, turn the connecting nut counterclockwise until loose. Unscrew the shower knob and pull off the remaining pieces of the knob until you reach the valve on the other side of the wall from the shower belt.
Open your access panel behind your shower faucet. Open the access panel and find the valve mounted to the stringer running between the studs. Using a tube cutter, cut the pipe going to the shower and hot and cold water lines below. Use a reciprocating saw to cut out the stringer and remove the old valve.
Attach female adapters to the pipe, clean the ends, and apply solderless connectors. Wrap each valve in teflon tape and screw the connectors back on. Mount the valve on the stringer and install copper pipe. Install L connectors and allow a gap on each side of the pipe. Install the valve and stringer back into the wall. Insert the cartridge firmly back into the valve and line up slots. Screw on the bonnet knot and tighten. Wrap teflon tape around the threads of the arm screw and screw on the shower head. Before screwing the handle back on, check the temperature by turning on the water supply, slipping on the handle, and turning the handle to the hottest position. Access the limit stop right inside the handle and pull to and turn clockwise or counterclockwise in need of adjustment. Attach the handle and put the access panel back on.
Choosing and changing your shower fixtures doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think. Basing your decisions off of your ideal home by following along to our tips and tricks, you’ll have the most idyllic shower in no time. Happy bathing!
