To replace a shower valve, you really need to be an experienced home improvement DIYer. To replace a shower valve is a far more complicated task than changing a showerhead. A good knowledge of plumbing is absolutely necessary to do this job successfully.
It's worth getting quotes from several plumbers to get an idea of the hourly rates in your area so you know how much you can expect to pay. While it's possible to do the job yourself, installing the valve is a moderately skilled job, so it's worth hiring a plumber if you don't have a lot of experience.
A typical shower valve replacement costs around $375. You could pay as little as $20 to replace the valve or you could spend as much as $750. Just how much your replacement valve installation costs depends on the type of valve you're replacing, the extent of work and the going rates for plumbers in your area.
If you hire a handyperson near you, expect to pay around $165 for a shower valve replacement. You should bring in a licensed plumber if you're upgrading to a different system, and it will cost around $225 for a shower valve replacement with this pro.
Plumbing companies charge $100 to $300 for labor alone to replace a shower valve or $225 to $575 for the valve with installation. Replacing a shower valve takes 1.5 to 3 hours on average, depending on type and accessibility.
If the cartridge wears out, your shower valve won't function properly. (Indicated by leaking or seeping water.) The rubber rings and parts around the shower valve may need to be replaced, as these shower components are susceptible to breaking, corrosion, or dry-rot.
A leaking shower valve can wreak havoc on your interior walls, sub walls, flooring, baseboard and cabinetry just like any other leaking fixture. In addition, the leak can weaken the sub wall-studs and underlayment which as we know, supports your tile.
The cover & handle, shower head and faucet head are all easily replaced. The faucet head usually has a compression with a hex head screw from the underneath or pipe threaded on to the water supply. So the answer is yes it can be replaced without replacing the valve.
Replacing your valve stem is an easy task to do, even if you aren't a mechanic. New valve stems cost about $10 dollars to repair if you do it yourself. If you bring it to the shop, it will cost about $30.
Count the Number of Shower Faucet Handles
Often, the type of shower faucet and handle(s) will indicate what kind of shower valve is behind it. Zero handles may imply a shower panel faucet with buttons to control water flow and temperature.
Not only can a shower leak get really annoying, but it can also cause significant damage that can be expensive to remedy. It's important to fix the leak as soon as you notice it, to minimize the damage. A shower valve that is leaking inside the wall is hazardous and can cause rot, mould, and structural problems.
Loss of Water Pressure
There are few things worse than having the water slow to a trickle right before it's time to rinse. As with changes in temperature, sudden changes in pressure or an overall loss of pressure can be a result of wear and tear on the shower valve.
Shower cartridge replacement costs $300 on average, with a typical range of $200 to $400. Everyone loves a hot shower after a long day. Unfortunately, it can turn from a luxury to a nightmare when your shower parts start failing.
If you don't have an access panel, you might be able to replace the faucet by cutting a hole in the shower surround (Problem 3 below), but the best solution is to install a paintable plastic panel behind the faucet.
The two main varieties of shower valves depending on their functionality are Manual Mixer Valve and Thermostatically Controlled Valve. Most shower valves – other than the basic ones – come with the diverter option. You can flick the diverter switch to turn on the taps or permit water into the shower head.
From the Manufacturer
Master Plumber 247-213 Steel Shower Valve Socket Wrench has sizes 29/32" and 31/32". Use for removing hex tub and shower valve stems.
This could be due to several reasons; your shower wall unit's seal is broken, the soldering between the water inlet pipes and the shower valve is damaged, or an internal part needs replacing (like the flow cartridge).
Exposed Bar Shower Valve
Then for the cleaning you'll just need some hot water, washing up liquid, white vinegar, an old toothbrush and a soft cloth. You'll also need to turn off the water supply to your shower, if you're unsure how to do this speak to your plumber in advance.
In most cases, the diverter valve looks like a pin located on the bathtub faucet spout, but it might appear as a third handle or lever. When the valve is activated, a rubber stopper plugs the water flow and the pressure sends the water through the showerhead.