Maybe you are remodeling or installing a new shower. So you wonder: Which shower valve height faucet? High or low-load bathroom fittings are great ergonomics.
A properly selected shower faucet height ensures easy installation, regardless of your size and activity in the bathroom.
The standard height for the bathtub shower units enclosure is 28 inches (2 feet 4 inches). For a tub-mounted shower, the height of the shower head is 48 inches (4 feet). The shower head is installed at a minimum height of 72 inches, which is measured from the floor of the bathroom or shower tray upwards.
What is a shower valve height? Why is the height of the shower faucet important?
The shower valve is the handle that regulates the flow of water. This allows you to control the heating and water pressure in the bathroom. If your faucet is old, problems related to both of these aspects can be caused by the faucet.
But a modern and properly installed shower faucet will ensure that you get the most out of it. Every problem you face stems from deeper issues. If you’re struggling with an old shower, consider this.
You may need to hire a professional to replace something. If you do this, you will completely redo your shower because it is still being disassembled. Start at the shower floor and work your way up.
Why is it important?
Ideally, everyone in your household can comfortably sit under the shower head while showering. Likewise, the faucet should be at an accessible height, but not too close to the tub or shower.
Of course, the first one is a bit more common and there is an acceptable range of shower head height. Industry standards are what they are because they have been around for a long time.
What about the height of the shower head?
Many people confuse a faucet with a shower head. But the shower head is a device that takes water from it. It’s not an installation, it’s hardware. It passes over a pipe through which water flows.
There are different types of shower stalls. Some cost just a few dollars, while others can cost hundreds or even thousands. While valves don’t vary quite as much and there will always be standards.
The height of the shower valve
The shower valve rough in height depends on whether the shower is set in a bathtub or in a shower stall.
Showering in the tub
The height of the tub shower faucet is 28 inches (2 feet 4 inches) from the floor of the shower installed in the tub. With this type of faucet, the shower valve height is often low because it is attached to both the faucet and the shower. Also, you have to reach the valve when standing in the tub, and with that low shower valve height.
The height of the opening of the tub should be 4 inches above the surface of the tub. This creates a 2-inch air gap over the overflow rim of the pan when filled.
Shower set in the shower cabin
The standard height of the shower head for a shower heads in a shower stall is 48 inches (4 feet). This shower handle height is comfortable for users who are standing or sitting on a chair.
Fortunately, the shower head is easily replaceable. Instructions are often even on the packaging, so if you don’t know where to start, you can start there.
Height adjustable shower faucet
Installing a height-adjustable shower valve is an upgrade that will transform the life of your shower.
The height-adjustable shower valve head can direct the jet from your feet to your head, making it easy to wash off shampoo and conditioner. It can also make cleaning much easier for elderly loved ones or those with back problems, as they only have to take a few steps in any direction to get wet.
In addition, height-adjustable shower valve measurements requirements make washing safer, allowing everyone to wash every part of their body evenly without fear of distraction when bending, stooping, or standing.
There are several ways to adjust the shower valve height of a height-adjustable shower faucet. Here are some options you can consider:
- Adjusting the nail height: This option involves chopping the existing valve and then installing a new shower valve height with replacement bolts and nuts. After that, you will need to replace the plate that the current shower valve height is on with an adjustable height plate designed for your specific faucet or shower head.
- Adjusting the screw height. In this case, the same screws are used on the new shower valve to keep it fixed. The new valve is simply screwed into this hole so that it can be adjusted. You may find it easier to have a licensed plumber install the new faucet and adjust it yourself at home after the installation is complete.
- Manual mechanism: This option relies on traditional hand tools or a mechanical inverter that can be raised or lowered as quickly as possible by pulling or pushing the appropriate lever or tension chain (depending on the model). These are manual gears and pulleys that are either built into your shower valve or added after the fact.
- Self-cleaning mechanism: These types of height-adjustable shower valves have a self-adjusting mechanism in which the shower valve itself goes up or down when the shower head moves back and forth.
- Business options. Some commercial options use a bracket to mount a height-adjustable shower faucet on the wall above the shower head. In this way, you can bypass the problem of stepping or bending and make adjustments.
Standard shower head height
The standard shower valve height is around 80 inches, as it has been widely proven to be the safest and most comfortable height. This is about 90 inches for the ceiling, but the height of the ceiling is usually not taken into account.
The minimum height for a showerhead is usually 72″ and shouldn’t be shorter than that unless you know the family personally. We’ll talk about the adjustable height shower valve of a personal shower later, but 72 inches is a good minimum.
Distance between connections
Knowing the height of our shower head and faucet makes it easier to determine the distance between the two fittings. We need to know the correct length of running pipe between the two fittings.
For example, if you have a 72-inch adjustable height shower valve head and a faucet at the 48-inch mark, you’ll need a 24-inch hose between the fittings. The distance between the connections depends on the height of the shower head and faucet.
It is recommended to match the location of the traditional bathroom faucet. Hot and cold clamps should be 8 inches apart. One handle should be 4 inches to the left of the faucet, and the other handle should be 4 inches to the right.
Modern bathroom with shower
Well, this can be more important than the average height of the shower head or the standard height of the shower head. If your family has people taller than 6 feet, this minimum of 72 inches is not ideal for your family in shower stalls.
But if your family is mostly kids and the adults are under 5 feet tall, 72 inches might be a bit much in a shower stall. The standard shower valve height should be at a comfortable height in the shower stall so that everyone can access and adjust it.
Types of showers
Now, when we talk about shower types, we don’t mean stand/tub or tile showers, but the type of shower head and shower faucet. This really affects the showering experience.
Read also about Shower P-trap and is it needed for a shower drain?
Valves
- Faucet – The mixer tap is a classic shower faucet that has two valves; Hot and cold. Each of them sets a different temperature. This type of valve is being destroyed for the benefit of others.
- Pressure Equalization – This type of shower faucet is easy to use and the most common, and has a knob that you can adjust to the right temperature, mixing hot and cold depending on where you land.
- Thermostatic – usually digital, but can vary. This type of valve has a temperature gauge. So you know the temperature by number. It is usually a rotating disc that controls it.
Showerhead
- A single-head spray is a conventional wall-mounted showerhead and is the cheapest type you can get. This spray is single and does not have additional holes on different levels like the others.
- Detachable – Detachable shower head can be used to wash the whole body more easily. It can work like a regular shower controls head, but has a hose that makes it easy to move and lower.
- Rain – Rain adjustable height shower valves are mounted on the ceiling, or at least come out of the wall with the shower head down as if they were mounted on the ceiling. They are considered luxury shower valves.
- LED shower valves – LED shower valves are waterproof. They create a new space and are ideal for shower areas that have no light and are therefore surrounded by natural darkness.
FAQ
What is a thermostatic shower valve?
The thermostatic shower faucet allows you to program the temperature you want so that you don’t need to adjust it while taking a shower. You can still set the temperature manually when showering if you want, but thermostatic shower valves can keep the temperature high.
Can the shower faucet be damaged?
The shower valve may fail over time as the cartridge wears out over time. The rubber rings around your shower faucet may wear out, and you may need to replace them or the entire faucet.
If you lose water pressure, have trouble turning the handle, or notice that your shower head is leaking, you can tell that your faucet is broken.
Conclusion
To be honest, a shower valve is not something that most people think about on a daily basis.
To most homeowners, this is just an invisible plumbing fixture until it stops working or fails.
If your shower valve isn’t to blame, one thing is for sure: the best high-pressure nozzle will transform your showering experience.
Where should shower valves be placed?
Shower valves should be placed in an accessible location, such as a wall near the shower head, that allows for easy control of the water flow and temperature. It is important to consider the plumbing and accessibility when installing a shower valve to ensure proper function and ease of use.
What is code for shower valves?
There is no specific code for shower valves as they are considered a plumbing fixture and are governed by the plumbing code for the jurisdiction in which the project is located. The specific code requirements for shower valves can vary depending on the location, but generally, they must meet certain standards for safety, accessibility, and performance.
What is the distance between shower valve and diverter?
The distance between a shower valve and diverter can vary depending on the specific installation and the size of the bathroom. Typically, the distance is around 6 inches to 12 inches apart.
How high is too high for a rain shower head?
The standard height for a rain shower head is around 80 inches (2 meters) above the floor. However, the ideal height may vary depending on personal preference and the size of the shower stall. It is generally considered “too high” if the water sprays down on the user in a way that makes it difficult to wash or rinse effectively.