How to remove shower valve?

​​Types of Shower Valve

Pressure balancing shower valve

It regulates the temperature of water outflow and are found throughout your home. Pressure balancing valves keep a consistent ratio of hot and cold water in your shower and adjust as required to accommodate for pressure fluctuations.

Thermostatic valves 

They are used to regulate the temperature of water to a specified level. Simply turn on the tap and wait for the water to reach your chosen temperature with a thermostatic valve; these valves remove the need for continual temperature changes.

Transfer valves

Shower water flow is controlled by diverter and transfer valves. The component that allows you to turn off the water flow from the tub spout is this valve.

Before You Begin

Because most brands have different stems and splines, figure out what size and kind of shower valve cartridge you’ll need. Users may usually discover the proper component by identifying the shower valve brand and visiting the manufacturer’s website to locate the suitable cartridge. If you can’t identify the brand, you’ll have to remove the shower valve cartridge and take it to a home improvement store to obtain a replacement. To avoid water damage, the shower’s water must be turned off at this period.

When Do You Need to Replace a Shower Valve?

To begin, if you have a leaking shower, you should replace the shower valve as soon as feasible. Over time, a leaking valve wastes a lot of water in your home, which raises your utility expenses. There’s also the possibility of a hidden valve leak behind your shower’s wall, which may result in significant water damage and mold development.

You may improve the performance of your shower by replacing a shower valve. A new pressure balancing valve overcomes the problem of water temperatures fluctuating in the shower when the toilet flushes or other taps throughout the house are used.

Homeowners gain convenience and safety by replacing their shower valves. Upgrade to a thermostatic shower valve with preset water temps. The use of a thermostatic valve removes the need for finicky temperature changes! They also guarantee that water temperatures do not rise too high, which is especially essential in households with young children or older family members, who are more susceptible to burns and scalds from hot water.

How do I replace a shower valve?

• Unscrew the shower handle to remove it. The screw that keeps the handle together may be covered by a cap on the handle. To loosen and remove the handle once it has been unscrewed, tap or jiggle it.
  
• Remove the handle and screws but leave them together so you know which parts fit together for reassembling the shower valve when it’s been replaced. 
• Remove the escutcheon, commonly known as the trim plate. This is the metal panel that covers the valve valve hole in your tiling or shower wall. Remove the plate from the wall by unscrewing it and lifting it away. 
• Remove any caulking that is holding the trim plate in place using a utility knife. Set aside the trim plate and its screws. 
• Clean the handle and trim plate as desired. Now that they’ve been removed, it’s time to clean them to remove lime scale, soap scum, and other debris. While you’re doing the procedures to repair a shower valve, soak them in white vinegar or lime remover. 
• Turn off your shower’s water supply. As you replace a shower valve, look for the shower shut off valves and close them to prevent leaks. Shower shut offs are usually found on the sides of the valve, one for hot water and one for cold water, and both must be closed. If you can’t find the shower shutoff valves, turn off the water to the entire house at the main shutoff valve for the duration of the job. 
• To access and repair a shower valve, you may need to make a larger hole in your shower wall. It’s possible that the hole behind the trim plate isn’t big enough to accomplish the job. A 12-inch by 12-inch hole is usually required to correctly replace a shower valve. If the hole behind the trim plate is too tiny, expand it, but only to the extent that you can cover it with the trim plate. 
• Remove the valve clip from the valve. Pull the clip that keeps the valve in place out of the top of the valve with pliers. Set away the clip. If your shower valve is held in place by a retainer nut, remove it with a wrench and set it aside. 
• Remove the valve from the system.

Get Plumbing Help

As you can see, replacing a shower valve necessitates a certain amount of plumbing expertise. This isn’t a job for everyone; if you’re not up for it, you might end up with leaks and damage to your property.

When you hire the experts at Everest drain and plumbing to repair a complex shower valve, you can be assured that the job will be done correctly. Our skilled plumbers can fix leaking shower valves and update your home’s shower system for greater functionality. Call us today to schedule plumbing repairs!