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Standard Shower Valve Height? (Quick Answer & Adjustment Methods)
If you’re in the process of renovating your bathroom, one of the primary factors to consider is the plumbing. In addition, you must consider specific height requirements related to your shower, including the shower valve and the showerhead, among others.
If you’ve never put in the shower with a brand new one, these guidelines are crucial to be aware of. If you’re looking for them, you’re in the right spot. Today, we’ll look at what height you should look for when installing a new shower valve and the things you need to consider before fixing the valve in place.
What Is A Shower Valve?
Shower valves have two main purposes. The first is to regulate the speed of the water that flows from the showerhead, and the second function is to control the temperature of the water. There are many kinds of shower valves accessible to homeowners, such as the following three types:
1. Shower valve with thermostatic control
Have you ever taken a shower and then experienced an influx of hot or cold, freezing water from nothing? It’s usually because someone in your home is using the water for other purposes when you’re having a shower.
A thermostatic shower faucet eliminates the possibility of this being played out. Instead, you can choose the desired temperature, leave it there for a long time, and be assured that it won’t alter during the shower.
This kind of shower valve is especially beneficial if you have small children. While you can anticipate fluctuations in temperature that could occur, they are not as likely to experience them and could be burnt by the sudden surge in boiling water.
2. Manual shower valve
It is among the most basic and outdated shower valves because it has only one handle that controls the temperature as well as the speed of the water.
This shower valve is among the least expensive shower valve available; therefore, if you’re searching for an affordable option, take a look at this. It does come with drawbacks – every time you enter the shower, you’ll be required to figure out the perfect balance between temperature and speed. It also doesn’t stop the sudden temperature changes we previously mentioned.
3. Digital shower valve
It is among the most recent shower valves and the more expensive. With these valves, it is possible to alter the temperature and flow of water using the electronic touchscreen.
The greatest benefit of these valves is that you can set a temperature tailored to your requirements instead of making adjustments by turning the knob back and forth until you reach the desired temperature.
What Is The Standard Shower Valve Height?
The height of shower valves is determined by the shower you use inside a bathtub or freestanding (shower enclosure). If you’re showering inside a tub, the normal height is 28 inches above the floor in the bathroom. The valve must be placed 48 inches from the floor if your shower is a stall.
The difference in height is because when your shower is situated within the tub, the valve has to connect to the taps in the bath. The taps are low to the ground since they are in the tub inside the bath.
If you’re in the shower stall, it doesn’t have to be connected to other faucets so you can use 48″ as the standard height.
Shower valves are also made to be easily accessible and accessible. If you’re standing in a shower, bending your body down to 28 inches is not logical to alter your shower’s settings.
In contrast, the 48-inch height (4 feet) is ideal for most people to change settings easily.
The measurements of shower stalls are just guidelines and can be altered according to the requirements of a family when it comes to installation. For instance, if you are in a home with tall individuals, you should increase the height of your valve by one foot.
What Is The Standard Showerhead Height?
A shower head can be another factor to consider when installing your brand-new shower faucet. The standard shower head’s height is approximately 80 inches from the floor. However, this can differ from household to household.
For instance, the ceiling height of some houses is higher than others, meaning you may need to be able to reach 80 inches using your shower head. However, you could be in a house with tall people. This means you need to raise the height above 80 inches.
Most plumbers suggest that you set 72 inches for a minimum height, regardless of the height or how small you may be because anything less than this can impact the direction and angle the water will flow out.
The height of your showerhead may affect the best place to put the shower faucet. Some individuals choose to set the valve midway between their shower pan and showerhead. However, it’s not a major factor.
There are a variety of showerhead models available these days. Here are a few that you ought to consider when you are looking for a new showerhead:
1. Single-spray
The single-spray showerhead is the kind of showerhead that is standard in many homes. It’s the most affordable showerhead, fixed and mounted on the wall. It’s not equipped with luxurious features, and it simply does what it is supposed to do and, as a minimum prerequisite, is all you require to have showerheads.
2. Detachable
Showerheads that detach are fantastic because they function as a stationary shower heads that can be fixed to the wall or removed off their hook and placed on your body to get an even more thorough shower. They’re typically connected by a flexible pipe, which allows them to be moved around easily. However, the only issue is that these hoses could get loose while they’re intended to be secured and spray your bathroom in a haze of water.
3. Rainfall
Shower heads for rain are typically installed on the ceiling and directed downwards towards the ceiling of the person using the shower. It gives a rain-like experience in contrast to the standard shower head mounted on the wall that shoots water at an angle of diagonal. Showerheads that rain are more expensive than single-spray or detachable heads, yet they offer the most comfortable shower experience.
4. Waterfall
Showerheads that fall are unique because the water pouring out of them does not flow from tiny holes as in normal showerheads. Instead, huge swabs of water spill over the edge of a built-in ledge. Although this is incredibly beneficial, it also uses lots of water and is, therefore, more costly in the longer term. This shower head should be considered a second option in case you want to unwind in the shower and shouldn’t be used as the main shower head.
How To Adjust Your Shower Valve Height
If you’ve already put the shower valve, however, after a few showers, you’ve realized the height isn’t right, there are a few ways to make it adjustable. The best method is the following:
1. Nail height adjustment
If you use this method, you’ll need to grind your valve down and replace screws to install a new one. Replace the plate the valve was previously mounted on with an adjustable plate specifically designed to fit the tap.
2. Adjustment of the height of the screw
This method is used to remove the valve. You will take off the valve the same way as you use the nail height adjustment technique, but you’ll use the same screws that secured the valve to install this new one. This shower valve will be screwed in the same space in which the old one was, however, in a manner that it’s simple to adjust the height.
3. Self-cleaning mechanism
It is a shower valve that is adjustable. The valve itself can move up and down based on the position of the shower head.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the level at which you place your shower valve is contingent on many aspects pertaining to plumbing and personal preference. First, it depends on whether you’re installing the valve in the bathtub or shower stall. Then the second factor is your height and others who use the valve. We hope the information we’ve given you today will allow you to pick the right shower head and valve to complete your bathroom remodel.
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