Upgrade Your Shower Experience: The Top 10 Best Shower Valves in 2023 – A Comprehensive Review

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling in the shower, right? It only happens when the water in the shower is just at the right temperature. Now, what if there is a sudden drop in the temperature? You will find your heart sinking as the water starts to cool down, won’t you?

Well, protect that fuzzy feeling, we say! Get the best shower valves and elevate your bathing experience. The valve will control the amount of water running through the shower head while keeping the temperature constant.

As a result, you won’t have to experience sudden and unpredictable changes in the shower.

But when you are out shopping for one, don’t just get any average product from the market! Get the finest shower valve you can find!

What is a shower valve? Are shower valves Universally Compatible?

The shower valve is the water flow and temperature control point used to operate the shower system. It typically installs behind the shower wall and has a handle, lever, or knob for control.

Showering is a peaceful form of self-care, respite, and relaxation.Simply set aside some time for yourself when you don’t want to be thinking about your busy, daily activities. If you install the shower valve, your peaceful moments won’t be compromised.

Shower valves prevent shower shock and scalding. It controls the water pressure and mixes hot and cold water to create the desired water temperature, providing a relaxing and reliable showering experience.

Shower valves come in different types, including thermostatic, pressure-balancing, and manual valves. In short, thermostatic valves automatically adjust the water temperature; pressure-balancing valves maintain a consistent water temperature despite changes in water pressure, and manual valves require you to adjust the water temperature manually.

Now we’ve arrived at the most frequently asked question: “Are shower valves universal?

The answer is no. Shower valves are not universal, as different manufacturers make them with varying specifications, sizes, and fittings. Therefore, it is essential to select a shower valve that is compatible with your shower system and plumbing.

The type of valve, water pressure, valve material, style and design, ease of installation, warranty and support provided by the manufacturer are all things to consider when choosing a shower valve. By doing so, you can select a shower valve that suits your needs and provides a comfortable and hassle-free shower experience.

Get the guide: Moen 1222 vs 1225 cartridge comparison: Which cartridge should you buy?

Shower valves types: What are the most common shower valves?

Whether you decide to remodel an existing bathroom or build one from scratch, having the correct understanding of the different types of shower valves will prevent accidents or shower shock.

Well, now, we’ll dive into the most common types of shower valves to help you make an informed decision.

The most common types of shower valves are:

Mixer Valve: This type of valve blends hot and cold water to create the desired temperature. Mixer valves are often found in older homes and are relatively simple to install.

Thermostatic Valve: This valve maintains a constant water temperature by mixing hot and cold water. It’s a great option for those who want precise control over the temperature of their shower and want to avoid sudden fluctuations.

Pressure-Balancing Valve: This valve regulates water pressure to maintain a consistent flow rate. It’s ideal for households with fluctuating water pressure and can help prevent scalding.

Diverter Valve: This valve controls the flow of water between different outlets, such as a showerhead and handheld sprayer. It’s perfect for those who want a versatile showering experience.

Get the guide: Comparison of moen 1225 vs 1225b cartridge

Most Reliable Shower Valves in 2023

Top 10 Most Reliable Shower Valves 2023 – Comparison & Reviews

Are you looking for the best shower valve to modernize your bathroom in 2023?

Whether you upgrade or start from scratch, check out our top 10 best shower valve collections in 2023, which were tested and recommended by expert plumbers. From Kohler to Moen to Grohe, we’ve rounded up the most reliable and top-rated options on the market.

Take a seat back, relax, and let’s assist you in locating the ideal shower valve for your requirements!

1. Moen 2510 posi temp tub and shower valve

If you remember those sudden changes in shower water temperature and find yourself shuddering, then this posi temp shower valve will really be your savior. Moen shower valve kit has a patented system installed in their shower, which is called a Posi Temp valve.

What this does is regulate the temperature of the water running. Once a temperature adjustment has been fed into the system, the valve will hold on to the reading, and prevent any warming up or cooling down of the water.

It uses a temperature-sensitive mechanism to hold the temperature within fluctuations of just about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. The window for fluctuation is so small that you won’t even notice it standing below the shower.

Another thing that will come of great use to you is the flexibility in the design of faucets that are compatible with this valve. Many valves have to be adjusted when you change the faucet. But not with this one.

This valve has a common pairing system that will work well with any type of faucet or fixture you want from the market.

One added benefit of this is that you are never going to have to call a plumber to get your shower changed again. It’s very simple to thread in the new faucet yourself when the valve is as adjustable as this.

This valve requires pipes that are about ½ inches in thickness. And this is the most common thickness that internal piping has in most houses, so you won’t have to do any extra hassle over this anyway.

Thankfully, the valve is made from a non-metal element that doesn’t rust. It has stainless steel as an ingredient as well. So, you can expect this valve to last you a long time without any trouble.

2. Delta r10000 multichoice universal tub shower valve

If you are looking for a valve that will support your brand-new trim kit behind the wall, then you are in luck. This second item on our list is a top-quality Delta multichoice universal tub shower valve system, which is perfect for installation with any full set of shower trim kits.

Another factor here is that you will be able to change your trim kit without the plumber. All the instructions are clearly written with simple words in the guidebook.

You can use this valve for your shower kit, and also for the bathtub. It will work with trim kits of single, dual, and thermostatic kits all alike.

There is great ease of connectivity when working with this valve. It has universal connection adjustability and will work with the most common in-house piping systems, that is, with pipes that are ½ inches in thickness.

In the case of adapters, you can choose anything from copper, iron, PEX, and CPVC to make the connections airtight and sturdy.

On top of all this, it comes with a plaster guard, which will snap into place by 90 degrees in any place on the wall. This feature makes it super easy for the valve to snap into place, and for anyone to change the fixtures even without having any sort of training to do so.

There is a pressure cap in the lower part of the fixture, which will allow you to get super easy access to the flushing system. Yes, there is a built-in flushing mechanism in the valve, which will prevent hard water from getting deposited in the pipes. Thus, the faucet will remain shining and good as new for longer.

And the most important thing is that, with this valve, you will not only be able to control the temperature of the water, but also the pressure at which the water comes out from the faucet.

3. Kohler pressure balance shower valve

Kohler products always have the most elegant look. They are known for their sleekness in appearance and also in quality. When this shower valve is installed in your bathroom, a whole range of gorgeous Kohler plumbing fixtures will be available for you to beautify your space.

So, when we say that you are going to love this fixture, you cannot disagree with us. It comes with the most effortless temperature-sensitive system. When you feed a number to the system, it will always stay constant there.

You won’t have to face any sort of sudden changes in the temperature. The valve system will monitor the temperature and prevent fluctuations.

Also, the kit has everything that you will need to complete the setup. It comes with aerators to keep the water flowing out uniformly, a faucet, adapters, and other accessories required to keep the shower running.

The system weighs only about 3.52 ounces and will stick to the walls without weighing down the surrounding plumbing systems.

Another thing is that the system is very simple. You just have to follow some instructions in order to set this up all by yourself.

The temperature can be handled quite perfectly by this device, but it takes no control of the water pressure. Therefore, if you are looking for something that can do both for you, then this valve is not for you.

4. Brass shower arm diverter valve

Having this beautiful brass valve system will really be of a lot of convenience for you when you realize that this allows for the water to be diverted between a hand shower and a regular shower head.

It can do that by the grace of having one inlet that is fed by two different outlets. All three of them are of the same measure – G 1//2 inches. This is the universal thickness for fixtures and is used to ensure that they can be threaded into all types of connections and fixtures in different houses.

The other thing that you will be sure to notice is the appearance of the valve. It does not look like any of the other ones we have discussed above. Its body has a sleek and shiny construction, made entirely of solid brass metal. It resists corrosion and any signs of wear and tear.

Due to the brass on the body, this valve has an amazing capability of retaining the temperature at a constant level. It is built very sturdily, and won’t wear out with time. Overall, it is a reliable valve that will have your back for many years.

The flow of water will be constant – there is no curbing inside. As a result, the water flows in a steady abundance. You will never have to struggle with the water not rising up to the tap when you have this valve.

So, not only does it keep the temperature fixed, but it also regulates water pressure to enhance the user experience.

This valve will sit on the outside of the wall, and thus it can be used just by turning the handle. There is a lever that has to be turned to convert the water temperature from hot to cold.

Installation is super easy as well. All you need is a swivel nut to get the valve into its place. Then work with it, and you will be done.

5. Luxe metal t-adapter shower valve

With this valve, you have less flexibility in options. This is compatible with only a specific set of bidets, so you really have to check the box and the labels to see whether this will work with your system.

When you do not have any use for running water, you can turn this valve off by simply using the lever. It will help the system to last longer and keep its functions working smoothly.

The handle that is used to turn off the valve can also be used to adjust the pressure at which water comes out of the pipelines. So, not only will it help you control the temperature like most valves, it will give you added control so that you can really customize the shower experience to meet your preference.

Many valves can easily be turned on by children. Not this one, though. It comes with a locking mechanism that can be switched on whenever there is no use for the water. It will keep the valve safe from the children as well.

This valve will work with adapters that have a ballcock thread of 7/8 inches in thickness. So again, make sure that you have the right threading measures in the fixture because if they don’t match, there will be leaks from the valves.

Last but not least, you will be really impressed with the exterior of this valve. There are two outlets and an inlet, which can be used to easily divert the direction of the water.

Moreover, the design is very elegant – it has a nicely polished brass body, which is so graceful in appearance that it will brighten up the interior of the whole bathroom itself.

6. Moen 2570 m-pact rough-in posi-temp shower valve

This is another shower valve that will help you with nothing but the temperature adjustment. So often it happens that these valves promise a lot, but do minimal. Not with this one though.

The company believes in quality over quantity. So, even if there are not so many features here, you will still find yourself satisfied with the valve because it’s really good at doing what it promises to do.

And this promise is the most satisfactory showering experience, which it will provide by controlling the temperature of water in the face of the most challenging conditions. Even if it is blazing hot outside, this valve will be able to bring down the temperature of the water and keep you happy.

The power to do this comes from the rock-solid construction of this system. It is made completely of brass, which is a mixed metal alloy that has all the properties required to give you the most long-lasting and well-functioning machine.

Brass makes this valve wear-resistant, a good conductor, and gives it incredible strength, among other benefits.

Another thing that will make you happy is the flexibility that you will have in changing the look of your bathroom. This valve is a 4-port system. Meaning that it is a diverter, a great adapter, and also a connector all at once.

You won’t need to get any extra attachments to have this sit well with your plumbing system. As a result, the installation is easy. You will be able to do it all by yourself. Anytime you want to change the look of your bathroom, you will be able to unthread the faucet and pull a new one into the ½- inch connection port all by yourself.

7. Grohe 35015000 grohsafe shower valve

This is a shower valve that is completely gold in color. It will not show, of course, because it requires an in-wall installation. But you should know that this gold color comes from the use of brass, which is an element that is best suited for this purpose.

Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc – the properties of these two metals come together to make this a rust-free and wear-resistant element. Even if there are leaks through the wall, this valve system will remain intact and adhere to its duty.

Being a cartridge valve, it will be able to handle all sorts of pressure controls and manage the flow of water through the shower head. This is, of course, only an addition to the temperature-sensitive feature of the valve.

The main purpose of this valve is to make sure that the water temperature does not fluctuate. This makes it really safe for you to have control over your showering experience. If you have kids, they will benefit greatly from this temperature-monitoring device.

Other than that, you will also find that there are stop valves in this system. They will let you cut off the water supply whenever you want. This will prevent the pipes from getting worn out due to the building pressure of water inside.

Last but not least, Grohe is a prestigious company with plumbing fixtures of many types and styles. All of those fixtures will be compatible with this valve system, and this is a great bonus because it means that you can change the look of your bathroom whenever you want.

And due to the easy installation of the pipes, you won’t even have to call a plumber for that – you can do it all by yourself by following the simple guidelines.

8. Moen 2590 rough-in posi-temp shower valve

This one from Moen looks different and has a bunch of features that the previously discussed one doesn’t. For one, it has a temperature control limit. So, not only will it hold on to the temperature adjustment fed into the system momentarily, but it will also prevent accidental increases in temperature.

The feature will particularly help if you have children – they might accidentally turn the knob and set up the faucet to spew out incredibly hot water. But that wouldn’t be the case here, as the control system will not let the water heat up beyond the set limit.

There is a common valve system, which is compatible with the pipes and fittings in most houses. All the connections are ½-inches in size to aim for universality.

Because of this universal feature, you will also be able to install any type of plumbing fixture you want. This makes it very convenient for people who would like to change the look of their bathroom without getting involved in all the plumbing details.

And as time goes on, you will see that this valve does not give way to any sort of damage. All the functions will work properly, but you could give it the occasional clean-up once in a while to keep the system working for a prolonged period.

Clean-up is very easy – you will notice that there are stoppage points at every turn of the valve. These stoppage sites can be used to cut off the flow of water and flush out any grime building up inside due to the presence of hard water.

9. Kohler part gp876851 shower valve

When you have a Kohler product, you will have access to a whole new world of elegant products that are all compatible with each other. Changing the fixtures in the bathroom will be effortless work for you, as all Kohler products are very sleek, and there is a wide variety to choose from.

Today, we have a shower valve that upholds its brand name by means of quality. The kit has two parts in it. One is the cartridge valve, and the other is the cap. The cap is not a regular one made of brass, but it has a special advanced mechanism that fits flawlessly into any fixture and makes the water flow out in a smooth progression.

It is easy to install, easy to work, and it will last you a long time without wearing out. Then there is the cartridge unit, which allows the water pressure to be maintained. There are 4 ports in the cycle of this unit, and they will allow you to make clear junctions in the plumbing system.

This cartridge will balance the temperature, and it will help to maintain it at that level no matter how harsh the weather condition is.

One drawback of this system is that it is unfortunately not compatible with all faucets, but will only work with two particular models, which are, K-11748 and K-304. So, if you do not have these shower trims, then this will not be the right suit for your use.

If you do have compatible units, then this will last you a long time. Because it has the most recent temperature-sensitive technology, which allows it to resist the corrosion caused by the presence of hard water in the supply.

10. Iyax gp76851 mixer cap shower valve

This one is a good old simple system that does its work well and does not oversell itself with too many features. It has a cartridge unit and a cap adjustment. Just like the one discussed above, this product comes in two separate units. Therefore, it is more convenient to work with.

The cartridge valves are going to be an amazing fit for a range of shower trims from different companies. It will be able to handle Kohler and Moen shower trims very well. This mixing cap will keep the water running from hot to cold and vice versa as required.

Temperatures will not fluctuate when this system is installed in your bathroom. One drawback of this is that you cannot control the pressure of the water, as this is not a 4-port system.

But this is the simplest setup, and by far, the best shower control valve in terms of user satisfaction and durability.

Keep in mind that one part will not work without the other, so you have to get the full set with both the cartridge and the cap.

One stress-relieving aspect of this is that the valves here are made for universal compatibility. All the openings are ½ inches, and they easily fit into the plumbing system of any house.

You won’t even have to call a plumber for this. There are no fancy systems involved here, just mount it up within the wall fittings, and get your valve going.

The lubricant will come inside the kit, but you could purchase more for extra help if required.

Buying Guide: Things to consider before buying shower valves

Selecting the proper shower valve can significantly improve your showering experience because it controls the water flow and temperature. But how to choose the right shower valve can be confusing due to the many options out there on the market. This buying guide covers the crucial aspects to consider before purchasing a shower valve.

Control Levels

Control levels are very important in the case of shower valves because this is what you will use to choose the temperature and pressure setting of your choice. There are three types of shower valve systems based on these control levels.

Single-way diverter shower valve: When using a system with a single control, water will initially be at room temperature and, depending on the setting you have input into the system, will either be cooled or heated. Once the desired temperature has been achieved, the system will be done with its work. After that, until you turn it off, it will maintain that level. Mostly the thermostatic shower valve is compatible with this single-way.

2-way diverter shower valve: This is the same as the single control one. But it gives you the option to control the water pressure as well. One control switch is for temperature adjustment, and the other is for pressure adjustment.

3-way diverter shower valve: Now, this one has three controls. One is for the temperature, the second is for the pressure, and the third is for outlet selection. This system has to be used with more fancy trim kits that have multiple outlets.

4-way diverter shower valve: It is an innovative shower technology which fixed easily with a single diverter. A bath spout, a shower head, a hand shower, and a rain shower head are among the four outlets available on this system.

This single-valve system will connect all of the outlets. After that, you can use the third control to choose the outlet from which you want the water to come.

Water Pressure

Water pressure determines the water flow velocity. As a result, the shower valve is crucial in determining whether the water pressure is compatible or not.

If your home has low water pressure, choose a valve that can compensate for it. On the other hand, if you have high water pressure, select a valve that can handle the pressure.

Valve Material

Shower valves are typically made of brass, stainless steel, or plastic. Brass valves are the most durable and long-lasting, while stainless steel valves are resistant to rust and corrosion. Plastic valves are the most affordable but may not last as long.

Style and Design

Shower valves come in different styles and designs to match your bathroom decor. Choose a valve that complements your bathroom’s aesthetic and blends in seamlessly.

Ease of Installation

Consider the ease of installation of the valve. If you are not comfortable with DIY, choose a valve that is easy to install and doesn’t require professional help.

Anti-scald Technology

When you have two different water temperature systems, it is crucial to check the anti-scald technology in the shower valves. Anti-scald technology mixes cold water into the hot water just before it leaves the faucet to prevent you from suffering serious injuries or scalding.

Warranty and Support

Check out the manufacturer’s warranty and after-sales assistance programs. Select a brand that provides a respectable warranty duration and attentive customer support in the event of any issues.

By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect shower valve for your bathroom and enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free shower experience.

Shower Valve Installation (Things You Need to Know)

We are not going to provide you the whole step-by-step guide in this best shower valve review as you will be able to find those in abundance on the internet. But we will give you some pointers so that you don’t get confused while installing it yourself.

To begin, you will need all the necessary tools. Apart from the valve and the cap, you will need tape, lube, a faucet or shower head, and some tubes.

Some of these things will be included in the kit, but you will have to purchase the others. The whole setup is very simple if you follow the guidelines.

In most cases, the tube is not provided. So, you will have to buy it. In this case, the PEX tubing will be well worth your money and your time because it is a good conducting connector, and it can resist high temperatures. You will be able to connect it directly to the tanking system.

And when starting the installation, begin with the faucet in order to prevent the water from spewing out everywhere when the connections have been made.

Are looking for more info on the shower valve guide? you can watch the video below. Here you’ll know All about shower valves. Let’s watch the video!

Shower Valve FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered for a Better Shower Experience!

Final Verdict

Well, now we’ve come to the end of this article.

Shower valves are a crucial part of the plumbing system in most houses, and they are especially recommended for households with children.

Hope you were able to select the top shower valve from our list as a result.

Don’t hesitate to contact the experts after choosing your preferred shower valves if you feel difficult about replacing them. Plumbing errors are expensive to repair, so it’s best to hire a plumber.