Can we change a shower faucet without redoing the valve plumbing?

Shower handles are usually kept in place with one bolt to the on-and-off device. So, you only have to install a bolt and screw. If the bolt threads are devastated, you can replace them with new ones as they are cheap.

Changing screw threads would be comparatively less costly than replacing the valve stem. Now, we should come to the question for which you have landed here.

Can you replace only the shower handle?

Yes, we can replace a shower handle without changing the valve. Just change the visible trim for a totally new look.

How to change a shower handle without changing the valve?

A shower or tub faucet is only a very glossy lever fastened with a set screw. If you remember the manufacturer of your shower set, you can consult the handyman services house or a used parts house to get another shower faucet.

If you bought the shower set from a well-known brand, you should contact them via phone call or email. They may provide you a replacement part if it’s part of their policy and your situation matches the conditions of the policy.

Steps of shower handle replacement

Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing a shower faucet.

·     First of all, remove the cover of the shower valve

·     Now, take out the screw beneath the cover and move the faucet and escutcheon away

·     Pry the tub spout off by directing it counterclockwise or by unbolting a setscrew and bringing it off

·     Lock the trim ring in such a way that ‘H’ comes on the left

·     Then clamp on the remainder of the shower handle replacement

After how much time, should I replace shower or tub handles/valves?

We recommend that you mount a shower valve or get it mounted properly so that it would not need a replacement for a long time. If your area is supplied with soft water, your shower valve can work for nearly a decade.

However, if hard water is supplied to your area, the case would be different. When hard water keeps flowing through appliances for long times, limescale got collected in the appliances. It lessens the life of the shower set. Therefore, if your home gets supplied with hard water, your shower valve may remain in good condition for only nearly five years.

Can I use a shower valve again and again?

As far as washbasin outlets and showerheads are concerned, they can definitely be re-used. You can reuse your previous fixtures with three faucets. However, check the condition of old valves and pipes.

You can break the tubes off at the shower valve’s ports and join them to the new forages.

Are shower valves rampant?

No, you can’t use different parts of a shower set from different companies. Rough-in and trim valves made by different brands cannot be used with each other.

What is more, valve sizes and kinds of one company would possibly differ from the other. Most of the time, you can’t interchange shower valves from different manufacturing companies. Therefore, manufacturers introduce full shower sets in the market instead of different separate parts.

 Kinds of shower valves

Some kinds of shower valves have to correspond to the kind of faucet installed in your bathroom to work.

Valves that can balance pressure

These valves can be commonly found in people’s bathrooms. Pressure balancing valves regulate the ratio of cold and hot water, thereby, compensating for pressure variations. It constantly keeps balancing the water temperature, so that you can enjoy a shower with normal temperature water.

Thermostatic valves

They particularly regulate water temperature to a certain level set by you. You only have to open the tap and wait until the water temperature reaches your desired level.

With a thermostatic valve, there is no need for continual modifications to the perfect temperature. It controls the temperature so that the water doesn’t become too hot.

Consider installing a thermostatic valve if you have kids or older people in your house. Because they are prone to be burned and scalded from hot water.

Transfer and diverter valves

These valves regulate the flow of water in the shower. When you turn off the tub spout and open the showerhead, this valve stops running water and directs it towards the shower. It also happens the other way around.

When is the right time to change the shower valve?

Does your shower keep leaking even after you tightly close the tap? It is a sign of a leaking valve and it’s time to change it. Do not delay as a lot of water gets wasted leaking all the time. You would be shocked to see the higher utility bills. You can take the help of a company that offers plumbing services in Dubai.

Furthermore, you never know if a valve leak is hiding behind the wall of the shower. You wouldn’t be able to see it. But, if you want to avoid grave water damage and mold development, you should get it changed as soon as possible.

Even if you are experiencing no big problem but want your shower to work like a new one, you should get it replaced.

Sometimes, when someone turns on a tap in your home while you are showering or flushes a toilet, the water suddenly becomes burning hot. if this happens, then you should buy a pressure balancing valve and replace the old one with it.

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