Shower and bathtub shutoff valves are usually hidden behind an access panel. That panel can be in the bathroom, the room behind the bathroom or the ceiling of the room below. If you don't have an access panel, it could be hidden behind the wall.
Some shower or bathtub shutoff valves may also be underneath the sink, but if they're not and you have a basement in your home, then check in the basement directly below the bathroom.
Many showers and tubs at least in the US have no cut offs, so if you get a bad leak, you have to cut the water off at the Main. If you have to replace the faucet, you have to usually cut out the wall, maybe even tile to get the faucet replaced- then have a big hole to repair.
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.
Loss of Water Pressure
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. Pressure problems can also be the result of a clog or wear and tear on internal components of the valve.
Dripping or leaking shower heads are common signs of plumbing issues. Your showerhead might drip after you turn off the water, or perhaps it has a constant leak at all times. A leak often means that your shower valve is losing its seal, and it cannot stop the water anymore.
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.
Replacing a shower valve takes 1.5 to 3 hours on average, depending on type and accessibility. Replacing a shower cartridge takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Get free estimates online from local plumbers. Professional plumber hourly rates are $45 to $150 if additional repairs are needed.
When water still comes out after you've closed your faucet, it's usually a sign of an issue with the cartridge. The cartridge is a device that stops the water and controls the amount of cold and/or hot water that comes out of the faucet. Over time, the cartridge wears out and needs to be replaced.
In a nutshell, there are three different types of shower valves on the market: pressure balancing shower valve, thermostatic shower valve and diverter shower valve.
Not all shower trim sets come with valves. Because they work in tandem, both the shower faucets (the shower trim) and the shower valve must be made by the same manufacturer and be the right pairing to ensure a proper fit to work correctly.
After a lot of use or inactivity O-rings get worn out, loose, dried out or brittle and can allow the faucet or shower valve to fail. Cartridges are generally a simple fix. When you use a sink faucet the internal mechanism forces a washer up into the valve seat and creates a constant source of pressure.
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.
There are advantages to a new shower head. When you change fixtures, plan on changing the valve as well. Changing a valve is an advanced plumbing project. Having a professional install the valve will prevent water damage and repair costs.
A properly installed shower valve should serve you well for a long time. Even if you live in an area with hard water that causes limescale build-up in your appliances, you can expect to have a shower valve work well for about four or five years.
You'll want to examine the gasket for any wear and tear. This could be the cause of the leak and can be fixed by replacing it with plumber's putty, to help form a waterproof seal. The shower stem is where the hose comes out of the valve. You may have to take off a cover.
Most homeowners pay around $310 to have a plumber replace the stem and internal parts only. Replacing the entire shower valve however, cost an average of $540 installed. This cost includes the new valve, removal of the old broken shower vale, as well as all parts and supplies, labor, and disposal of the old parts.
Pressure balancing valves are the most common types of shower valves. They are also called mechanical or anti-scald valves. A pressure balancing valve is designed to rebalance the water pressure. This is to keep the shower from becoming excessively hot.
The retainer clip is a small piece of metal that is inserted through the top of the shower valve to secure the shower valve cartridge and prevent it from becoming loose or sliding out of position.
The Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve gives you the flexibility to upgrade the style and functionality of your shower without altering the plumbing behind the wall. By installing the universal shower valve first, you have the freedom to decide (or change your mind on) what type of shower you want later.