3...2...1...Shower Handles
What is the deal with tub and shower valve handles? Why do so many people have two or three handles and why are all the new trims single handle?
We get these questions all the time. So let's break it down!
Why are so many different handles such a common thing?
Like faucets for the lavatory and kitchen, tub/shower faucets used to be made to have separate hot and cold controls to turn the water on and adjust temperature. Some even have a third handle in the middle to divert the water from the tub spout up to the shower head. Back in the day this was just what made sense and was easy for the times.
Why is it different now?
Technology is always changing and evolving; whether it's your phone, your car or, yes, even your plumbing. Researchers and engineers constantly morph products to create more innovative options that increase functionality to match the evolution of products and their uses. The same goes for plumbing valves.
Moen Valve Model: U140XS M-CORE, 4 Port 1/2" Cold Exp, PEX with CC/IPS, Tub Connection, Includes Stops
Diagram: Common Tub|Shower Plumbing Configuration
The new single handle pressure balancing valves are a drastic improvement on the old style. Not only are they sleeker and more simplified, but they are actually safer! Pressure balance valves self adjust to maintain consistent water temperature throughout your shower. Gone are the days of getting blasted with hot or cold water when someone flushes the toilet.They also have scald protection so no one in the home can get burned by leaving on the hot water handle.
Why should I make the switch?
If the safety features of a pressure balance valve aren't enough to convince you, style might be. When shopping for new shower trims you will find your options to be quite limited in the two handle valves and even more so when searching for a three handle. Most manufacturers have discontinued these setups, keeping only one or two options available and usually only in chrome.
Even with these, you would still need to switch out the valve behind the wall if you can't find an updated trim in the same manufacturer you already have. By switching to a single handle trim you are opening your options way up tohundreds of different styles and dozens of different finishes.
MOEN Colinet, Brushed Nickel, M-CORE 3-Series, Tub/Shower
Why are the older options all discontinued?
That answer brings us back to those safety features. Two and three handle valves are now out of code so new builds and permitted remodels are legally not allowed to use them. This is because inspectors need to see that the faucets have scald protection.
What if I want to change faucets but I want to keep my existing tile?
So you've made the decision to switch to a pressure balance valve but don't want to do a full remodel. If a full tear out isn't in your current budget, we have a solution for that, too!
As long as you have access to the plumbing from the other side of the wall, your plumber can switch out the valve without touching your tile. This can be done by installing an access panel which is most ideal in a closet. As for the holes in front, some manufacturers like Moen make what they call remodeling plates.
This is an oversized escutcheon that is meant to have one hole in the middle to connect the valve and is oval in shape to cover the other two holes.
Example of a remodeling plate.
When considering this option, always measure twice, buy once!
There are instances when the existing holes are too close to the tub spout and the oversized escutcheon could either hit the tub spout or may not fit at all. Review the specifications for the trim you are considering and compare them to your current situation. Make sure all of the holes will be covered, that there's enough room for the plate to be installed, and your plumber can get to the pipes.