Valves, or mechanisms that take the place of valves, maintain a water-tight seal inside your bathroom faucet and regulate the flow and temperature of water. Knowing how bathroom faucet valves function will help you make a better purchase and understand how to make basic faucet repairs.
What is the function of a valve in a bathroom?
What is a ball valve?
What is a ceramic disc valve?
What is a cartridge faucet?
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What does shower valve look like?
0:070:52Shower Valves - What is a valve? - eFaucets.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat is a valve. The valve is the most important piece of your shower. You never see hidden behindMoreWhat is a valve. The valve is the most important piece of your shower. You never see hidden behind the trim inside the wall our brass components that direct hot and cold water where to go.
What is the valve in the shower called?
Pressure balancing valves, also called mechanical or anti-scald valves, are the most common types of shower valves. A pressure balancing valve is designed to rebalance the water pressure to keep the shower from becoming excessively hot.
Do I need a valve for bathroom faucet?
Every type of bathroom sink faucet has an inner valve that controls the flow of water through the spout. The valve quality and whether or not it has a washer determines the reliability and durability of the faucet.
What does a valve do in a faucet?
Faucet valves are used specifically to control water flow in kitchen and bathroom faucets. They are different types of water valves designed for this purpose, including ball valves, cartridges, ceramic disc valves and compression valves. Many are used as tub and shower valves.
How much does it cost to replace a shower valve?
Plumbers 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. Replacing a shower cartridge takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Can a shower valve leak?
A shower valve leak within the wall can cause significant damage to your home and lead to tile replacement. When ignored, even a small leak can have adverse effects within the wall cavity. It can be imperative that you act fast to minimize the damage a leaking shower valve can cause.
Where is my shower shut off valve?
0:201:43How to Find Your Water Shut-Off Valve & Use It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLocate the line entering your home. Follow that line and you'll find the water meter. Keep.MoreLocate the line entering your home. Follow that line and you'll find the water meter. Keep. Following it and you'll see the shut-off valve. To stop the flow of water turn the valve clockwise.
Do all sinks have shut off valves?
Finding The Bathroom Sink Faucet Valves Every bathroom sink will have two shut off valves – one for the hot water, one for the cold. You'll see these small shut off valves right where the water pipes come out of the wall inside the sink cabinets.
Where is shut off valve for bathroom sink?
Your sink has piping leading to the faucet, so the valves should be on the piping underneath the sink. Bathroom Like in the kitchen, most bathroom water shutoff valves will be underneath the sink in the cabinet area.
How do you know if a water valve is open or closed?
To determine if a water valve is open or closed, there is a simple general rule you can usually follow. Basically, if the handle is turned 90 degrees to the flow, the valve is switched off.
How do I replace a shower valve?
InstructionsLay a Drop Cloth in the Bottom of the Shower. ... Remove the Shower Handle. ... Unscrew and Clean the Trim Plate. ... Turn Off the Water. ... Inspect and Prepare the Area. ... Remove the Retainer Clip. ... Pull Out the Shower Valve Cartridge. ... Install the New Shower Valve Cartridge.More items...•
What is a water shut off valve called?
Fixture shut off valves are also called stop valves and they control water flow to individual plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and toilets. An advantage of these valves is that you can work on a faucet or toilet without having to shut off the water to the entire house.
What are the parts of a shower called?
Parts of shower include:Shower Head.Shower Valve.Shower Pan.Water Supply.Pipe.Shower Drain / Shower Strainer.Shower Cartridge.Shower Hose.More items...•
What does a shower diverter valve look like?
The diverter looks like a pin pulled upward from the bathtub faucet spout. It's possible that it may come in the form of a third handle or a button that needs to be pushed or pulled. Either way, when the valve is activated, it engages a rubber stopper, which causes the water to flow in a different direction.
What is a shower diverter valve?
If you have a shower-tub combination in your bathroom, the shower diverter valve is what allows you to divert the water back and forth between the tub faucet and the showerhead. Though they are typically very simple devices, shower diverters may malfunction and need replacing once in a while.
How do you fix a shower mixing valve?
How to Repair Single Mixer Valve Shower ValvesShut Off the Water Supply. Turn off the water supply to the shower. ... Pull Off the Mixer Valve Handle. Remove the mixer valve handle. ... Remove the Chrome Stop Tube. ... Remove the Cartridge. ... Install the Replacement Cartridge. ... Turn the Water Back On.
Is purchasing a valve necessary when shopping for a bathroom faucet?
A product page for a bathroom sink states a "rough in valve" must be purchased separately for the purpose of installation. I wasn't sure if I really needed that because I am just going to replace my current faucet and there should be an existing valve under the sink, but the check out page reiterates that the valve is required.
What is a stop valve?
Any time you stop or start the flow of water manually, you are using a stop valve. One of the most common types of stop valves is the globe valve. A globe valve, unlike a ball valve, regulates the flow of water in a pipeline and consists of a disk and a stationary ring seat in a spherically shaped body. The body of the valve contains the internal structure and parts that come into contact with the water that will control the valve. Taking a deeper look into these parts and mechanisms will give you a better sense of how the stop valve functions.
How does a ball valve work?
A ball valve uses a hollow, perforated sphere that pivots to control the flow of water that goes through it. At the top of the sphere is a lever that can only move a quarter turn or between zero and 90 degrees. By turning the lever 90 degrees, a hole drilled in the ball is completely in line with the water flow and opens the valve while a ball hole that is perpendicular to the pipe results in flow stoppage. The body materials for the ball include stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome, titanium, and PVC while the seal can be constructed from Delrin, Reinforced Teflon, Nylon, PEEK, Viton, and other materials.
What is the function of a valve stem?
The stem connects the actuator and transmits the energetic force within the valve. A high-quality valve stem can withstand high compression forces when the valve is closed and has a high tensile strength for when the valve opens.
What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced valves?
Plugs are connected to the sliding stem to throttle the flow of water. While balanced plugs are easier to shut off , they create a second leak path and are costlier while unbalanced plugs have a simpler design with only one leak path and can be used for smaller valve sizes. Unbalanced plugs, however, cannot handle higher pressure across the valve and have a harder time controlling liquid flow the larger they are.
What is a push pull shower valve?
The most common type of valve you will find in your bathroom showers, the push/pull valve relies on cartridges that become progressively tighter the older they get. If you find yourself with a valve that just won’t budge or is starting to leak, it might be time to replace it.
What is a beveled seat ring?
Seats or seat rings are screwed in to push the cage down and hold it firmly to the body of the valve. Beveled seat rings allow water to be guided while the valve is being closed.
What is a shower valve?
If you’re not familiar with shower valves, they are kind of like the heart of the shower, controlling the flow of water and temperature to the shower head, tub spout, body sprays, etc. Getting the right shower valve kit will not only ensure that you have the shower of your dreams, but that you won’t create a plumbing nightmare if there should ever be any repair needs with the product in the future.
What are the different types of shower valves?
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. Don’t skip through this section on how to choose a shower valve, because you’ll likely end up with something that doesn’t suit your needs.
What is the best shower valve for a shower head?
Because of this design, thermostatic valves are one of the best types of shower valves for larger showers with multiple shower heads and/or body sprays. This is due to the fact that they typically have at least ¾” water inlets, allowing more water to flow through the valve to the multiple devices being used.
How many diverters do you need for a shower?
You’ll find these diverters installed just above the main shower valve with their own separate control. For pressure balancing valves, you’ll only ever need one of these diverter valves (as you’ll only be able to use up to two shower heads). For thermostatic shower valves, you can have multiple diverters to control all of your shower heads and body sprays. Typically, for thermostatic valves you need one diverter per shower head or spray.
How does a thermostatic shower valve work?
This is a much more precise way to control the water temperature. You can literally control the temperature down to a degree, while with pressure balancing valves you’ll be sticking your hand in and out of the shower to find the “right” temperature.
How many ports does a shower have?
Are you installing a walk-in shower or a tub/shower combo? That’s important to know, because there are 3- and 4-port shower valves. A three-port valve will have one for hot, one for cold and one port up to the shower head. A four-port valve will additionally have a port down to the tub spout.
What is CC plumbing?
Copper connection (CC) means that the plumber will have to directly solder the copper pipe into the valve.
What Is a Shower Valve with Stops?
You will sometimes see a Shower rough in Valve with Stops referred to as having screwdriver stops or integral stops. They also can be called Shower Valves with Shut off Stops. All of these terms are basically interchangeable. They reference shut-off devices built into the shower valve. Not all rough-in Valves have stops. They are not actually necessary in all installations. Keep reading to learn about use cases where you would want to have a valve with stops.
Why is the Shower Valve So Important?
A poor quality shower valve could be a crucial point of weakness in your home's plumbing. Leaks, and in worse cases flooding, often begin at the shower rough-in valve. The reason being, the valve is hidden behind the tile. This means you won't necessarily be aware of a problem until it's too late. With a bathroom sink faucet you will be easily able to notice dripping. This would indicate a seal might have failed or that a crack is forming. With a shower valve you'll never really know what is going on since you can't see it.
What exactly is a Shower Rough in Valve?
So let's get right into it. A Rough Valve is a REQUIRED PART OF EVERY SHOWER. Most people don't necessarily know what it is because it installs inside the wall and you never actually see it. Although hidden from sight, the valve serves a very important function.
How do you Operate the Shower Rough in Valve's Integral Stops?
Typically the way you turn the shut off stops is with a screw driver. Hence the reason they are sometimes called screwdriver stops. They are pretty manual. Using a screwdriver to turn the stop interrupts the flow of water to the valve. You have one stop on the cold side and one on the hot side. The supply stop will stop turning when it is fully closed, and will remain water-tight.
How many ports does a rough in shower have?
It mixes hot and cold water to create warm water suitable for your shower. Most shower rough-in valves have 4 ports. 2 inlets for the hot and cold water pipes, and two outlets, one for tub spout and one for showerhead.
What is rough in shower valve?
The rough-in shower mixer valve is the part of your shower that connects up with the hot and cold water lines in your home. A Shower valve body rough in kit is the brass fixture inside the shower wall where the hot and cold water gets mixed to a comfortable warm temperature, perfect for your morning shower. Once the hot and cold water is mixed, the shower rough in valve sends it out to the showerhead or tub spout. Where it goes depends on the style of shower trim kit you have.
How long does it take to fix a shower valve?
To be honest though with a high-quality valve you may never need the stops. Even if you do need them, most of the time a shower valve repair will only take an hour or two. It's not the end of the world for the water main to be shut off during that time. Let's say every 10 years you needed to turn the water off for 2 hours. I think it wouldn't be much of an issue.
What type of valve is used in single handle faucets?
Fortunately, the low cost of parts and the relative ease of repair makes faucets with compression valves a viable option for most homeowners. 2. Ball Valve. Another common type of valve found in faucets is the ball valve. Ball valves are used in single-handle faucets and are also relatively inexpensive.
What is a cartridge valve?
Cartridge Valve. Cartridge valves are in widespread use in faucets, and they offer excellent performance at a reasonable cost. The key component in a cartridge faucet is a small cylinder made of plastic or brass. Inside the cylinder, a network of channels direct water flow rates and also control temperature.
What happens when a faucet handle is turned counterclockwise?
When the valve handle is turned counterclockwise, the stem is raised, and the rubber washer is lifted out of the concave water inlet. This permits water to enter the faucet body. Likewise, as the stem is lowered, the washer is pressed into a concave inlet, and the flow of water is blocked.
How many types of faucet valves are there?
There are actually four primary types of faucet valves - the areas inside faucets where hot and cold water are mixed and the flow rate is regulated. Each type of faucet valve functions in a different way to achieve the same purpose - the delivery of water at a desired rate and temperature. Below is more information about these valve types ...
What is the oldest faucet valve?
1. Compression Valve. As the oldest type of faucet valve in use, compression valves are both simple and inexpensive. A compression valve consists of a screw stem that raises and lowers as it is turned and a rubber compression washer at the bottom of the stem.
Why do cartridge valves need replacement?
In addition, cartridge valve faucets are designed for replacement simplicity because they contain few parts. In fact, fixing a leaky faucet simply requires replacing the worn-out cartridge with a new one.
Why are compression valves so good?
The chief advantage of compression valves is their low cost, which makes fixtures containing these valves less expensive than other types. However, compression valves are more prone to leaking than other types of valves. The rubber washer can become deformed after repeated use, and it can also crack and fall apart.
How do Thermostatic Shower Valves Work?
The valves work by adjusting temperatures constantly based on changes in water pressure and temperature. This ensures you receive an even and full shower temperature.
Why install a thermostatic shower valve?
Thanks to the consistent water temperature when using a thermostatic shower valve, you’re guaranteed energy efficiency, better flow rates, and ultimately, lower water bills. Therefore, installing a thermostatic shower valve is one of the best decisions you can make.
What is a thermostatic valve?
A thermostatic valve mixes the hot and cold shower water to a predetermined and consistent temperature, hence preventing scalding and cold shock.
What temperature should a shower valve be?
For instance, if you set your water heater at 140°F, the water that comes out of the showerhead will always be 100°F. Therefore, it’s always advisable to set the highest output temperature on your thermostatic shower valve to guarantee maximum protection against bacterial contamination.
How does a thermostatic element work in a shower?
In the process, the attached piston moves across the entry portals to allow either cold or hot water to flow. This reduces the volume of hot water while increasing the volume of cold water flowing into your shower’s plumbing system , thus regulating water temperature.
What is the role of the blower motor in an HVAC unit?
The blower motor inside your HVAC unit has an important role to play. That blower motor is responsible for moving the fan in your HVAC unit so the air will not circulate without it. Simply put, your...
Can a manual mixer shower be used as a thermostatic shower?
Manual mixer showers are designed to mix cold and hot water at a specified temperature. However, they cannot react to sudden water temperature changes like a thermostatic shower does. In case of a sudden change in water temperature, a thermostatic shower will instantly alter the temperature to what you pre-set. This eliminates the risk of cold shock or scalding.
What is a mixing valve?
The term “mixing valve” has the general application of meaning any device in plumbing that controls the mix of hot and cold water to provide a comfortable temperature. In most cases, a mixing valve isn’t designed simply to provide comfort; it serves as a safety mechanism that will keep you from accidental scalding due to high temperatures.
Why is a mixing valve important?
Because a mixing valve is important for protecting you and your family— whether showering, cleaning dishes, or washing your hands —you need to take good care of your plumbing.
How does a thermostatic mixing valve work?
A central thermostatic mixing valve works automatically to prevent this from occurring. The valve’s thermostat is preset so that it will close a plunger and stop the supply of hot water if the cold water pressure experiences a sudden drop.
Can you turn a faucet handle to get hot water?
As long as the mixing valve is working correctly, you won’t have to fear getting extremely hot water when you turn a faucet handle . Central mixing valves operate without the user having to do anything. There are some manual mixing valves that can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms.
Do you need a mixing valve in a kitchen?
There are some manual mixing valves that can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. However, these do not provide the same guarantee against very hot water that a central mixing valve does, so your home should still have a thermostatic mixing valve installed to prevent accidental scalding. Because a mixing valve is important for protecting you ...
What is an under sink valve?
Under-sink shutoff valves, also called fixture shutoffs or stop valves, allow you to turn off the water to the sink (or other fixture) without having to use the home's main shutoff. These inexpensive little valves rarely get used, and when they do, sometimes they leak. If this happens to you, you can simply replace the valve with a new valve ...
What is a push fit valve?
Push-fit, or push-in, shutoff valves are very easy to install and can be used with copper, PEX, and CPVC pipe. These valves simply push onto the pipe. The valve grips onto the pipe with metal teeth and creates a watertight seal with a plastic O-ring. They are also removable, using a simple tool sold by the manufacturer.
What type of valves are used for PEX tubing?
The shutoff valves used for PEX tubing have a ribbed inlet port for inserting into the tubing. This type of valve works with either ring-type or pinch-type PEX clamps. Although PEX tools are required for installation (as opposed to push-fit valves), these are often the easiest and cheapest way to go, especially if you are already using PEX clamps or pinch rings.
What is a compression stop valve?
Compression stop valves are most commonly used to install a shutoff valve on a rigid copper pipe. This type of valve has a brass ring, called a ferrule, and a compression nut that squeezes the ferrule into the pipe connection to make a watertight seal. Compression valves are easy to install with just a pair of pliers or wrenches.
What is an angle stop valve?
Angle stop valves are normally used when the water line comes out from the wall and the outlet side of the valve will be perpendicular to the inlet side. The handle of an angle stop valve is parallel to the wall and usually faces the front for easy access.
What is a three way stop valve?
Three-way stop valves have an inlet and two outlets. These are often seen under kitchen sinks, where they are used to feed both the hot tap of the faucet as well as the dishwasher. Three-way stops can come in a few different configurations.
Where is the straight stop valve located?
The handle of a straight stop is located in the middle of the valve body, between the inlet and outlet ports.
What is the function of a valve in a bathroom?
Valves, or mechanisms that take the place of valves, maintain a water-tight seal inside your bathroom faucet and regulate the flow and temperature of water.
What is a ball valve?
Ball valves are used in washer-less faucets. A spherical disc with a hole in the middle blocks water or allows it to pass. With a quarter turn, the valve is fully open and the bathroom faucet is fully on. With no washers, leaks are usually a result of corrosion. Usually, the entire bathroom faucet, or the handle, will need replacing. This type of bathroom faucet doesn’t leak very often, and can last as long as you own your home.
What is a ceramic disc valve?
Ceramic disc valves are very durable. Bathroom faucets with ceramic disk valves are identifiable by their single lever over a wide cylindrical body. These faucets have a wide cartridge housing two ceramic discs that slide over one another to control water flow and temperature. Hardened ceramic is a durable material that resists corrosion and wear. Ceramic valves are replaced similarly to cartridge valves.
What is a cartridge faucet?
Cartridge faucets operate with a movable stem cartridge that moves up and down to regulate flow. Bathroom faucets with cartridge valves are extremely durable. If leaks occur, you can simply remove the cartridge and install a new one. You will need to know how to disassemble your bathroom faucet, though.
