It’s impossible to enjoy a great shower without the right fixtures. The most important part is the proper water regulation with the right temperature. It is the shower valve that controls the water pressure constantly to deliver it at the right temperature you wished for.

We might not see the valves, but it is the processor that ensures the proper working of the shower system. It helps control the pressure, temperature, and volume of the water. The best shower valve ensures the right water regulation, and thermostatic control to avoid any temperature fluctuations that can harm you a lot.

The market is full of promising products that offer durability, safety, and so on. But the scenario can be different right after installing a random faulty one. Also, there are different types available and you don’t know the better one for your needs.

So, it will be better to know the process and types a little to choose the best shower valve for your showering system. We did thorough research to share with you the top product reviews and basic buying guide of the shower valves. Let’s start at…

Top 5 Shower Valves Choices (Thermostatic): Our Pick

Image

Brand & Model﻿ Features Price﻿

Delta Faucet R10000-UNBX Dual Function



Easy Installing

Metal Body



Handle Controls Price﻿



Kohler K-2973-KS-NA Temp Balancing



Reduce Burns

Thermostatic

Easy to Install Price﻿

Moen 8371HD PosiTemp Tech

Commercial Use

Easy To Install

Moen Certified Price Grohe 19457001 Great Product

Brass Material



Handle Included

Wall Mounted Price KOHLER K-304-K-NA Mounting tabs

Large ports

Metal Body



Easy To Install

Price



The 10 Best Shower Valve Reviews of 2020



To help you buy the best one, we have compiled a list of the top-rated shower valves of the present time. These reviews will help you decide which types fulfill your requirements and is best for you.

1) Delta Faucet R10000-UNBX Universal Tub and Shower Valve

This product from Delta is the best shower faucet valve. It is easy to install and is compatible with most plumbing systems. It can accept many cartridges such as single or dual. This valve can also accept the dual thermostatic cartridge. This makes installation a less tiresome work.

The valve is made of brass. This makes the valve very durable. You won’t have to get new valves or having plumbing issues now and then since the valve is made from durable material. It is built to last.

It also includes a pressure test cap. This cap is heat resistant. If you wish to test for air or water before you have installed the cartridge, you can do so safely.

2) Delta R10000-UNBXHF Multichoice Thermostatic Shower Valve

The Delta R10000-UNBXHF multi-choice valve also features a universal fitting. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about the kind of plumbing you have at home.

This one is compatible with your plumbing system regardless of how the plumbing of your shower is. This allows ease for installation and guarantees your choice for the best shower valve.

If you are using the valve for shower purposes exclusively, this is the product for you. Installing this model allows you to upgrade your system whenever you want. Also, it doesn’t require any alteration in the plumbing once the valve has been installed. It will last a lifetime, and you don’t have to replace the valve even if you wish to upgrade your shower system.

3) Kohler K-2973-KS-NA MasterShower Thermostatic Shower Valve

For a modern bathroom, it is very important to have a thermostatic valve with your shower. It eliminates the danger of letting water with a very high-temperature flow through the shower-head. This helps reduce water burns you may get while showering.

The Kohler K-2973 is one of the best thermostatic shower valves you will find in the market. It features temperature control to a very precise value.

It means that you will have water with a normal temperature from the shower. So, you can avoid the hassle of having to balance water temperature every day with this one.

This valve also ensures a regular flow of water. The flow rate is consistent and also plentiful. A low flow rate from the shower-head can be very annoying and doesn’t help refresh you properly. So, get this thermostat valve to solve all such problems.

4) KOHLER K-304-KS-NA Rite-Temp Pressure Balancing Valve

This KOHLER pressure-balancing valve has many amazing features that will allow you to have the most comfortable showering experience. It includes a Rite-Temp feature. This enables the valve to avoid both boiling and freezing.

When installing, you can choose the water temperature according to your comfort level. After this, the valve will only allow the flow of water with that temperature. This keeps you safe from the water that is too hot.

Water debris can cause water pressure to fluctuate. It can also damage the valve. Since this one includes a diaphragm, this hazard can easily be avoided. This makes it the best pressure balancing shower valve for hard water.

5) Moen 8371HD PosiTemp Pressure Balancing Valve

Moen 8371HD pressure balancing shower valve specifically designed for commercial bathrooms. It is made of brass. The quality of this model is promising. Moreover, this one made to last long. Brass valves can be trusted with your shower-system due to their reliability.

This valve allows having the best thermostatic shower system. It is designed with the PosiTemp technology. This allows the flow of constant temperature water. It also includes a pressure control. This avoids water fluctuations and high-temperature water from damaging both your showering system and your skin.

The pressure balance shower valve also includes integral stops. In case you have some maintenance work, you can instantly stop the water flow using these integral stops. Thus, it makes maintenance work safer and easier to do.

6) Grohe 19457001 Concetto Pressure Balance Valve

Grohe presents a pressure balance valve of optimum quality and performance. This is from a German brand that strives for perfection. This means that when you buy this valve, you won’t have to worry about either the quality of the product or its performance.

This shower valve also comes with a lever. The lever valve is easier to use since the lever creates momentum which helps rotate the valve with ease. It also looks very sleek and elegant. It is the perfect one for those who wish to see style and elegance in every part of their home.

7) Grohtherm 1000 2-Handle Thermostatic Shower Valve Trim

Grohtherm 1000 2-Handle Thermostatic shower valve is environment-friendly. It has an EcoJoy technology installed into it. This helps the valve save up to 50% of the water that we use. It is always a good idea to care for our environment and use the minimum amount of water for a sustainable future.

It also includes an innovative technology called CoolTouch. This has been added to avoid scalding. A cooling channel is present in the valve which allows the water to cool down to a comfortable level. Due to this, you will only have a suitable temperature of the water running down the shower-head.

It also features an ergonomic handle. This helps reduce strain in the wrist when turning the valve. This one takes perfect care of your comfort, that is why we recommended this best shower mixing valve.

8) KES K1140B BRASS Shower Head Shut-Off Valve

This shut-off valve can also function as water preserving one. You can use it to prevent water flow and save water. For a sustainable future, it is essential to take care of our environment. Start by saving some water from daily showering.

This one designed to fit different types of shower sets. Due to this, you can buy this one without having to worry about the size. It will probably fit perfectly well into your plumbing system to provide you with a comfortable showering experience.

It is also very easy to use. This shower valve features a quarter-turn operation. This makes the movement of the valve easy. This also assists in easily shutting off the water supply.

9) Aquafaucet S-002 Shower Head Shut Off Valve

This valve has a nickel finishing. Nickel finishing prevents it from rusting and corroding over time. So, you can consider the Aquafaucet S-002 long-lasting and robust.

You can use this valve to increase the length of your shower-arm. Since this valve is installed between the showerhead and arm, it can easily be installed by yourself. This also makes the valve easy to use. Its position also helps increase the length of the shower-arm without having you to buy a new one.

10) Pfister 00731XA 2-Handle Shower Only Rough-In Valve

This product has a two-valve installation. This makes it easy to install mixers in your shower. The brass body of this mixing valve ensures excellent quality and durability of the product.

The package includes some accessories that you will need while installing the valve. This helps you save money since you don’t have to buy extra products. Since these parts are from the company, they are entirely compatible with the rest of the valve body which makes installation much easier.

So, these are the top-rated shower valve choices for you. Still, confused with so many good options for your shower? Well, we also added a buying guide section so you can find out the best one for your shower easily. Let’s readout…

Consider Before Buying the Best Shower Valve

Who doesn’t love to have a cold shower after a long working day? But, do you ever know the temperature or pressure control system of your shower? It’s the shower valve that does the job for you.

Without a thermostatic valve, it can fluctuate the temperature as water comes from different sharing sources. That’s the reason for considering a thermostatic control valve for your shower.

But, before that, you also should consider a few things we discussed below.

What are the Different Types of Shower Valve?

Before choosing the right one, know the basic types of shower valves. This is the basic part to consider for your shower. It will also help you install any other accessories like a showerhead or so. Let’s know the differences of shower valves below:

Pressure Balancing:

This is the most common type of shower valves among others. These ones balance the pressure that changed by sudden uses of other water sources. Thus, may vary the temperature of the water right on your way of the shower.

The valve comes with a handle to adjust the hot and cold temperatures for you. But, the mechanism is to balance the pressure instead of adjusting the temperature directly.

If you have jammed into the plumbing pipes, then this type of valves may not work perfectly. So, check out your plumbing pipes before buying pressure balancing valves.

Another drawback of selecting a manual shower valve is that you never control the temperature. The problem starts when you are in the shower and someone else uses the toilet or sink. If they flush there, your shower-water temperature will fluctuate immediately.

Thermostatic Shower Valves:

Nowadays, these valves are replacing the prior types. They can control the temperature and pressure accordingly.

You can set the temperature before turning the showerhead on. No more waiting to heat or cold down your water with the best thermostatic shower valves.

This type also prevents the temperature uneven fluctuations. The thermostatic term designed to make you more comfortable while showering.

This one also comes with a volume control technology. So, it can control the water-flow amount for the shower. Few of the thermostatic shower valves feature a digital panel to avoid those metal manual handles.

The panels offer you so many features in a unit. You can set the exact temperature and timer; pause the water flow when needed to conserve water.

Thermostatic vs. Pressure Balance Valve

Thermostatic Valves Manual Shower Valves Thermostatic control keeps the adjusted temperature constant No thermostatic control to adjust the temperature Comes with both digital and manual control Only manual control Best shower valves for kids, elderly, and disabled Prohibited for kids and elderly Pricey Cheap

How many valve controls are better for you?

Shower valves designed with different controlling modes. Few of them come with one control like the pressure balancing valves. Others provide 2 or 3 controls for separately adjust the temperature, pressure, and outlets.

If your shower designed with many outlets, then the 3 control valves are better suited for you. It will let you switch the preferred outlets.

What is the Difference between Concealed and Exposed Shower Valve?

Concealed:

The only visible part of this valve is the plate with different handles. All other pipe works hidden behind the plate, right into the shower wall. This is a stylish version of any modern bathroom decor.

You will need to have a recess width around 100mm behind the tiling for installing this valve. Otherwise, a thin stud wall you can make for the purpose.

Exposed:

The installation process is just the opposite of a concealed shower valve. Exposed shower valves are a horizontal bar that sits on the wall. So, the appearance may disturb the look of your bathroom. But, they are easy to install and budget-friendly.

If your shower-wall built of solid bricks, then you have to consider this exposed valve. Because concealed models are not working on a solid wall.

Concealed vs Exposed Shower Valves

Concealed Valves Exposed Valves Working parts invisible Visible working parts Pricey Budget-friendly Expensive to install Easy to install Flexible to place the valves and outlets It’s complicated Different design options to fit your bathroom decor Design options limited

Materials

Always go for a rust-free material to consider a valve. The best option is to consider the Best Brands. Checkout, the valve construction before installation and ensure a leak-proof material.

Why you need the best shower valve?

The water comes from the shower head needed to be balanced or adjusted prior. Shower valves control the pressure/flow and temperature of the water. Without the right one, it can be ruined your shower and a few temperature fluctuations may harm your body as well.

It used to flow water to a single outlet. But, there also a few diverters to supply water to the different outlets selected by you. It does totally depend on your shower panel functions.

How to Replace a Shower Valve?

If you have a shower valve that needs replacing, you don’t have to worry about it. Most of the time you won’t even be in need of a plumber; you can do it on your own it’s that easy.

Here are the brief steps you will have to follow:

Shut off the water supply

Use needle-nose pliers to take out the valve clip

Pull the valve out of the wall

Insert a new valve into the plumbing

Fasten the valve clip

And you are good to go. After this, you have to replace the taps and turn on the water supply again. Voila!!

Conclusion:

So, you already know the valve is an essential part of your shower system. Not only does it manage the temperature, pressure, and volume of water passing through your shower but also helps reduce water wastage.

When buying a new one, it is vital that you buy only the best shower valve because it affects the performance of your shower. It helps the shower work smoothly and protects it against damage. It has a great impact on your showering experience and improves the quality of your plumbing system.

This is the end of today but we will come back with more essential bathroom equipment reviews and guide. Till then, take care of yourself and stay connected with us.