The best shower valve allows you to control the water temperature and pressure as well as other important functions. The challenge is always to get such valves, especially if you are new to these things.
The trouble is the result of seemingly unlimited brands and models at your disposal to choose from.
So many factors contribute to making a particular shower valve a suitable choice for you. Do you intend to use the valve in an overhead shower or handheld shower?
Or you intend to use it on both overhead and handheld shower? Do you use soft water or hard water? How much space do you have in your bathroom? These are some of the many questions whose answers would inform your decision.
Even if you can answer these questions, the valves vary widely in style, functionality, and cost. These factors can pose additional problems and further confusion.
Top 5 Pick of Best Shower Valve Products
Picture |
Product Name |
Details |
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Delta Faucet R10000 | |
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Kohler Genuine Part | |
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Delta R11000 3/6 | |
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Moen 2510 Monticello | |
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KOHLER K-304-K-NA |
Top 10 Best Shower Valve in 2023 Reviews
We believe it’s wrong for you to suffer in this way when we are loaded with information and experience about these important bathroom fixtures.
So, we created this best shower valve reviews and buying guide after thorough research to ease your decision making. Let’s begin reviewing our top 10 picks.
Delta Faucet R10000-UNBX
Proudly made in the US, the R10000-UNBX MultiChoice shower valve is among the best you can find in the market. It is packed with many features that will make it a good choice for you. Perhaps the best of these features is it universal capabilities.
The valve will accept dual, single and even dual thermostatic cartridge. You do not have to worry about compatibility issues rising during installation. This means it can supply you in 3 or 6 different combinations.
The versatility allows you to use it with PEX, IPS and Universal connection types. In fact, you can choose from up to 30 styles and options of shower trim.
The product is designed to allow you to improve the performance of your shower without interfering with the plumbing already in place. Along with the right cartridge you’ll be provided sponges and screws (trim) you need for hassle-free installation.
Keep in mind that the sponges and screws are sold separately. The product allows for back-to-back installation.
The installation process is quite straightforward and is included in the package. However, you might need the services of a plumber for the part that requires soldering.
It may not be wise to spend on hiring the services of a plumber if you have a soldering gun and wire along with appropriate skills.
Pros
- Back to back installation ability is great
- Accepts single, dual as well as dual-thermostatic
- Hassle-free fixtures – no need for behind the wall plumbing changes
- Brass construction is elegant and durable
- High-quality, made in the USA
Cons
- The flow rate is a little bit slower
- Moderate skills required for appropriate installation
Kohler Genuine Part Gp77759 Shower Valve
Think of bathroom fixtures and accessories and Kohler Genuine Part Gp77759 will immediately come to mind. This product may not look like a regular shower valve, but it a mixer cap that is excellent for pressure balancing for 1/2 valves.
The exceptional design of the mixer along with impeccable features and specifications give the accessory awesome capabilities.
GP77759 is can be used with most shower valves as it is compatible with most Right-Temp models. Whichever valve that accepts it, the mixer cap will provide smooth rotation of shower handle. You will enjoy a wonderful showering experience and in style.
If you are keen, you’ll realize that most brands find it difficult to control temperature limit yet they allow for the highest temperature. Kohler innovation has done away with that problem.
GP77759 features temperature limit stop technology. With the technology, you can simply adjust the shower water temperature to your liking.
The same technology provides you with the capability to set the temperature at maximum. The level of flexibility is intentional and aims at providing you with a refreshing and relaxing showering experience.
Installation is easy and quick. Simply follow the simple and clear instructions provided by Kohler and you’ll be fine.
Pros
- Temperature control prevent extreme heat
- Allows for smooth rotation of the shower handle
- Compatible with most right-temp shower valves
- Easy installation
Cons
- Plastic construction may limit durability
- Water temperatures may reduce after a few minutes
Delta R11000 3/6 Setting Diverter Rough
With a body made of forged brass for performance and durability, the Delta R11000 diverter rough is one of the best parts you can buy for your shower. It a perfect diverter if you are looking to install rainfall showerhead in the ceiling and a handheld shower mounted on your bathroom wall.
This is because it performs great in directing water flow to either of the spray heads or even both at the same time.
When you use two heads, the diverter works to splits pressure between them. This may be a problem if you would like to use the two functions together. However, diverting the water in one direction allows you to enjoy great showering experience.
This means you will not need to install this diverter rough if yours is a single way shower valve.
You can use this unit with either 3 or 6 function diverter rough. This versatility is great because it widens the scope of the versatility of the Delta R11000.
You can test it with either 300PSI water or 200PSI air using the test cap included in the package. You will love this accessory because of its great performance.
Pros
- Forged brass construction for durability
- The testing cap allows an integrity check
- Changes functionality and style without altering behind-wall plumbing
- Easy installation
Cons
- The dual function may reduce flow pressure
- Additional components necessary for installation
Moen 2510 Monticello PosiTemp Shower Valve
Designed to deliver generous water flow, the Moen 2510 Monticello PosiTemp Shower valve is the necessary installation to boost your shower’s performance. Moen built this unit on their easy installation M-PACT common valve system to enable you to make style changes anytime you’d like without having to replace your current plumbing.
The unit is also equipped with Moen’s innovative PosiTemp technology which allows you to maintain the water temperature despite the generous flow.
This 4-port cycle valve gives you the chance to predetermine the maximum temperature setting prior to installation. Its 1222 cartridge is designed to accommodate back-to-back installation.
Durable brass construction means the valve will serve you for a lifetime without requiring replacement. The quality construction of the shower valve meets and exceeds the ASSE performance requirements.
Even better is that Moen offers you a limited lifetime warranty on purchasing the valve. Don’t you find that amazing?
Moen 2510 Monticello PosiTemp Shower Valve accepts only the 1/2-inch IPS connection type. This may be a little limiting but the specificity also means great performance.
Nevertheless, the valve is compatible with Moen M-PACT screws and sponges. In the box, you will find easy to follow installation instructions.
Pros
- Brass construction is strong and durable
- Allows back to back installation
- Makes it easy to control water temperature and pressure
- Ability to predetermine hottest water temperature before installation
- Comes with Moen’s limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Packaging mishaps are common
- May leak after a long time of use
KOHLER K-304-K-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve
The K-304-K-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve operates behind the scenes in order to prevent scalding as well as freezing blasts. This aims to provide you with safe, comfortable shower water supply.
Among its many features, the most attractive is the high-temperature limit stop as well as an optimal comfort zone.
These ingenious features allow you to set the hottest temperature and thereafter find and maintain your preferred shower water temperature.
Furthermore, the valve is fitted with a diaphragm that quickly eliminates freeze-ups that would otherwise contaminate your shower water. The diaphragm also eliminates any debris present in the water.
The valve is very easy to install. It comes with universal NPT along with direct sweat connections. You’ll not need any additional components for installation. As with most great shower valves, the K-304-K-NA Rite-Temp pressure-balancing valve allows back-to-back installation.
This makes it suitable for high volume jobs. Even an amateur plumber can install without a problem.
The Rite-Temp pressure-balancing valve is designed to work with Refinia Valve Trim. This coupling means high-quality performance at affordable price.
It works smoothly and the temperature setting is very easy. The valve has a flow rate and consumption of 5 gallons per minute.
Pros
- Prevents freezing and scalding
- Allows you to preset a comfortable water temperature
- Diaphragm design eliminates freeze-ups and water contamination
- Makes it easy to maintain the desired temperature
- Back-to-back installation is great
Cons
- Does not give options for changing the rate of water flow
- Once installed reopening is impossible even if there is a problem
Pfister 00131XA 3-Handle Tub & Shower Rough-In Valve
Pfister has become a household name in the US because of the quality of products they make. Of their many products is the Pfister 00131XA 3-Handle Tub & Shower Rough-In Valve.
This product is of value. It will provide you with innovation and style while at the same time improving the performance of your bathroom.
The 00131XA is designed to be used with 3-hole installations. With the right tools, the installation process is not that difficult. However, you may need the services of a plumber if you are not confident of your skills.
Each package of the valve contains installation instructions which you can follow.
The installation may be easy but the choice of screws and sponges (screws) to use can be daunting. Pfister recommends the trim to use. However, their recommendations tend to be expensive.
Perhaps if you were to find your own by research, it could be cheaper. You can get advice from your plumber if you are not sure of the trim to use.
The valve is constructed of high-quality brass. This metal is rust-proof, can tolerate high temperatures and resistant to corrosion.
This means the valve will serve you for long and thus save you money in the long run.
Pros
- Strong and durable thanks to brass construction
- No chance of leaking
- Great control of pressure and temperature
- Easy and quick to install
Cons
- Pfister recommended trims are expensive
- Compression piece for the diverter
Moen 2570 Rough-In PosiTemp Pressure Balancing Cycling Shower Valve
This wonderful pressure-balancing shower valve is optimized to allow you make style updates as you desire without altering your behind-wall plumbing.
The Moen 2570 is armed with the innovative PosiTemp technology that maintains water temperature for refreshing shower experience. Despite this, the valve still delivers generous water flow.
It is a four-port, cycle valve that offers you an adjustable temperature limit stop. This also allows you to control the hottest water temperature. To add to this, the valve features Moen’s 1222 cartridge that can accommodate back-to-back installation.
This is great especially if you have high volume work to deal with. It also makes the process of installation straightforward.
Brass construction is strong and durable. It is rust-free, corrosion free and resistant to high temperatures. These qualities ensure the shower valve meets ASSE performance requirements.
Furthermore, you should be confident with your decision since this valve is backed by Moen’s attractive warranty covers gains drips, leaks as well as fish defects.
The valve is compatible with M-Pact trims made by Moen and accepts half-inch CC connections with a quarter turn stops. Be careful to use the right trims and connections for the valve to work perfectly.
Once you install the valve, you will not easily change your trim kit whenever you desire.
Pros
- Sets and maintains water temperature
- Allows you to control the hottest temperature
- Strong and durable brass construction
- Backed by Moen’s lifetime warranty.
- Flexible cartridge accommodates back-to-back installation
Cons
- Water may flow at a slower rate
- May leak from the front lip where you the cartridge goes in
Danze D112000BT Shower Valve
While most of the shower valves we have already discussed in this shower valve reviews are made of plastic or metal, the Danze D112000BT features a different construction material. It is made of high quality hardened ceramic.
The design features an upper disc and a lower disc that slide over each other. This provides the control mechanism for temperature and pressure.
The ceramic disk valve will provide you with a lifetime of smooth and easy handle control. This also eliminates the potential for any leaks and drips. Another great feature of the Danze D112000BT shower is that it requires no maintenance.
Hardened ceramic will remain unscathed in a variety of conditions. It will withstand years of washing, soaping, and rinsing.
The Danze pressure balance shower valve is suitable for installation in single showers, tub and shower combinations. It is also ideal for a shower with handheld shower combinations.
The unit also allows back to back installation. While you can install the valve on your own, I would recommend you use the services of a plumber.
This half-inch valve auto adjusts the incoming cold and hot water to offer you consistent and comfortable temperature range. Danze offers three variations of this shower valve.
These include valves with screwdriver stop, those without screwdriver stops and those with diverter and screwdriver stops. Choose what is suitable for your needs.
Pros
- Offers reliable temperature adjustment
- Ceramic discs are strong and durable
- Features back-to-back installation
- Available in 3 variations for versatility
- Offers smooth handle control
Cons
- Installation could be challenging
- Chance of leakage with improper installation
Grohe 35015000 GrohSafe Universal Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve
Made in Germany, the Grohsafe Universal Pressure Balance Rough-in valve is a high-quality shower valve worth considering. It features German perfectionism to inspire your confidence into buying the high-quality valve.
The unit is optimized for sustainability. It helps you to ensure water enjoyment not just for you but also for your generations to come.
The GrohSafe shower Valves aims to provide you with a peaceful mind and your family with long-lasting, reliable protection of your shower from cold shocks and scalding.
The valve allows you to enjoy a wide spectrum of comfort zone so that you can progressively and accurately regulate water temperature. This performance is a function of a number of innovative technologies.
The most important of those features is Grohe’s SilkMove Technology. It provides for the smooth handling for precision and optimal comfort for a long time.
It is fitted with a diaphragm cartridge that protects your shower and provides for easy installation. The package includes a cup and a plug for 3-hole installation. A handle limit stop hands you control of the shower when there is a need.
Pros
- High-quality metal construction for durability
- Enables you to adjust the water temperature to your comfort zone
- Balanced pressure improves bathing experience
- Smooth operation and handling
- Easy to install
Cons
- Maybe a little bit pricey
- Instruction lacks hot water limit control
SR SUN RISE Square Manual Bathroom Shower Mixer Valve
The last but not least in our shower valve reviews is the SR SUNRISE square manual shower mixer valve. This awesome valve features ingenious technologies all aimed at improving your bathing experience. It is what you will need to update your 3-hole installations.
Durability is of utmost importance because it determines how long the valve will serve you. This shower valve features high-quality brass construction.
This metal is resistant to corrosion, rusting and any changes resulting from extreme water temperatures. The box, on the other hand, is made of safe and high-quality ABS plastic.
This manual shower mixer valve comes with an imported cartridge. The inside of cartridge features a pressure balancing mechanism to protect you and your loved ones from extreme hot or cold water temperatures.
This prevents scalding and freezing. Made of high-quality ceramic discs, the cartridge will open and close infinite times without breaking.
It is a dual function shower valve which improves versatility. The only drawback is that the unit does not feature any controls to help adjust water temperature.
Thus you will have to go through the pains of gambling with cold and hot water to find a comfort zone. It may sound difficult but getting the right water temperature is so easy.
Pros
- Compatible with 3-hole installations
- Durable brass construction with ABS box
- Ceramic disc cartridge prevents freezing and scalding
- Dual-function shower mixer valve
Cons
- Separately sold thread adopters increase the initial cost of the valve
- Temperature control is not very easy
How to Choose the Best Shower Valve
Buying the right shower valve is not so difficult if you have the right information. While we are confident with our top 10 choices, we also understand that we have a wide scope of customers who might have different tastes and preferences. So, we have decided to include a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
So, what should you consider before making an important choice? Many factors play a part either individually or in combination to make a particular brand or model of shower valve better than others. Consider them carefully if you want to make the right decision.
The Type of Shower Valve
In terms of purpose, you have two types of shower valves to choose between. These are manual shower valves and thermostatic shower valves.
The manual type functions to control water flow rate and temperatures in the same manner as a tap on a sink. You will have to try things out to find the temperature range in your comfort zone.
The thermostatic models function to maintain the temperature of the water without necessarily controlling its flow rate. This means water temperatures will remain within range even if someone was to open tap elsewhere and thus reducing the flow rate to the shower.
Thus thermostatic models aim at preventing the potential for a scalding or freezing blast.
Design and Construction Material
The best quality shower valves feature durable, rust-proof, corrosion proof and leak-proof material. Generally, a valve can be made from either or combination of three materials: plastic, metal or ceramic. Plastic is perhaps the commonest material because it is cheap to produce and resistant to rust and corrosion.
A good quality plastic shower is made of hardened ABS plastic which is strong and safer.
When it comes to metallic shower valves, the commonest metal used is brass. Brass looks great, is durable, resistant to corrosion and rust and generally leak proof. Brass will also not tarnish.
An even better material is ceramic. According to plumbers, ceramic discs are perhaps the best material because it combines great performance with durability.
However, it is not easy to tell whether the particular unit you buy will leak or not. It is always good to check if the brand of interest meets leak-proof certifications. You can also go through customer reviews to see what they say about the product.
The Number of Controls
Generally, plumbers categorize shower valves depending on the number of controls it has. The number ranges from 1 to 3. As a rule the larger the number the better the valve will perform.
Thus a 3- control valves will offer you better control and maintenance of water pressure and temperature. The secret for better performance is a greater degree of fine controls. For this reason, such valves are more expensive.
A single control shower valve will have one mechanism for controlling the amount of hot water, amount of cold water and water pressure. A two control shower valve, on the other hand, will have one control dealing with cold and hot water and the other control dealing with water pressure.
Conversely, a valve with 3 controls will have first control for temperature, the second control for pressure and the third control for change of water outlet in use.
The Number of Outlets the Valve Has
This factor determines the performance of a shower valve. The best thermostatic shower valves and even some manual varieties feature three outlets instead of one. A single outlet valve is extremely limiting in what you can do.
I would recommend you buy a 3 outlet valve. In this case, you will one outlet for the overhead showerhead, the other for the handheld showerhead and the third outlet for probably the body jet.
This design will offer you a good versatility to enjoy a wonderful showering experience. However, choose and shop according to your own preferences.
Brand and Price
It is hard to speak about the brand without marrying it with the prices of their products. Generally, a reputable brand has achieved its status because of the high quality of products they produce.
The odds of ending up with a high-quality shower valve are high if you buy one made by the popular brands. Such shower valves could be a little bit costlier.
For instance, Pfister, Grohe, and Moen are among the most reputable brands. They have great customer service and their products are always backed with good warranty policy.
However, this does not rule out the chances of finding a great product from less known companies. It is important you do your research first. Also, ensure you shop according to your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qn1: What is a shower valve?
Ans: A shower valve is a device that is installed in the plumbing of showers to perform two functions: control temperature and control flow in your shower.
It works by mixing cold and hot waters in differing portions. The device uses a single control to perform these functions.
Qn2: Which is the best shower valve for me?
Ans: The choice is ultimately yours. I would recommend you use our reviews and buying guide to arrive at an informed choice.
Ultimately, you need to choose a model that matches your preexisting plumbing as well as other associated bathroom accessories. The better options are thermostatic shower valves.
Qn3: Why do I need a shower valve?
Ans: Shower valves perform a noble function of balancing pressure and regulating water temperature. Other models can redirect, direct or transfer water from one outlet to another.
You may need it as a replacement for your preexisting shower faucet. A good quality valve will provide you with more refreshing and relaxing showering experience.
Qn4: What are the installation requirements for a new shower valve?
Ans: In most cases, reputable brands will include an instruction manual that contains the necessary requirement for installation. You need to know the specifications of your shower faucet before you buy one.
You also need to define your needs before the purchase. To be safe, seek the services of a plumber so that you do not run into trouble of buying incompatible components.
Qn5: Can I install a shower valve on my own?
Ans: Yes, you can as long as you know what you are doing. Most manufacturers will include installation instructions to guide you through the process. The problem is that some instructions may not be adequate to fill you with enough confidence.
Some models may require soldering during installation. This is why it is important to seek the services of a professional if you lack any skills on plumbing.
Final Verdict
It is my hope that you now have the confidence to step out and shop for the best shower valve. I cannot underscore the importance of getting the right model for your needs.
It would be embarrassing and time wasting to buy a shower valve only to return it because it does not suit your needs.
You need to be extremely careful with your choice because it will determine the quality of shower you’ll experience.
However, you can be sure of our choices because they have been tested and proved to deliver the best performance. You can check them out right away. For sure, you will not miss what to buy and even recommend to others.