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The shower valve is one of the most important parts of the shower. Even so, most people have no idea of what it actually does, or that there are many different makes and models that are available to them.

Therefore, before you begin any kind of bathroom upgrade or renovation and especially if you are changing showerheads, you should have a basic understanding of what the valve does and what options you have.

Manual Valve

The least expensive type of shower valve on the market is the regular or manual valve. These valves do not regulate the temperature of the water nor do they control the pressure. This is the type of system that is in place if you’ve ever been either frozen or scalded in the shower.

Additionally, if this were not bad enough, if someone in the house decided to run the dishwasher, you might have had your shower reduced to a steady drip.

Pressure Balanced Valve

The pressure balanced valve is the one that you will find in most homes today. This valve is probably the one that you have in your bathroom right now. It normally consists of a single handle and a single control. When you turn the handle to the left, the water gets warmer. You do not control the pressure.

With this valve, you do not have to worry about other people using the water while you are showering. The valve is set to accommodate any changes in both temperature and pressure automatically. If someone does flush the toilet, the temperature in the shower should not vary more than a couple of degrees.

These shower valves often incorporate what is known as a diverter. This small valve allows you to direct where the water comes out. In many of these systems, the diverter control is on the faucet. This changes the water from flowing out of the faucet and directs it to the showerhead.

Thermostatic valve

The other option available is known as a thermostatic valve. This permits an individual to set the temperature of the water and regulate the pressure. There are separate controls for both. This feature is great for shower safety and for anyone who plans to install a shower with multiple outlets or for performance showers.

Shut-off valve

For additional water and utility bill savings, you should consider a shut-off valve or on-off button. With this device, you simply push a button or turn a lever to turn off the water from the shower head. When you’re finished soaping up, simply turn the water back on. The water returns and you don’t even have to readjust the water temperature.

Shower Valve Installation

A shower valve is not difficult to install, depending on exactly what you intend to do. If you are doing a simple replacement job, you can most likely do the job yourself in a matter of hours.

However, if you are planning to go with an extremely elaborate shower with multiple heads and different types of valves, you are probably better off getting a plumber or contractor to do the job. If you are going to put out thousands for a custom shower with special rain atmosphere showerheads, the installation is not where you want to start pinching pennies.

There is also a matter of building codes and insurance. As with any type of remodeling, you will have to find out exactly what the codes are in your area. In many cities, you are no longer permitted to install regular valves. For shower safety reasons you must put in either a thermostatic valve or a pressure balanced shower valve. If you do have any problems or the shower leaks and causes water damage to anything in the house, you may discover that your insurance is not going to cover the costs if you did the renovation yourself. Sometimes it is simply better to get a professional.

You can purchase shower valves here:

Your shower can take a lot of abuse. Think of all the moisture and humidity that it is subjected to on a daily basis. It is no wonder that it doesn’t take long before it begins to look old and tired. Renovations can be extremely costly and inconvenient. However, you can avoid many of these costs and give your bathroom a much-needed lift by simply installing a beautiful shower surround.

A shower surround acts as a stylish 3-wall barrier to protect water from leaking from your shower through to your walls. Surrounds are made to be attached to the walls of the bathroom and can easily be installed in a day. Many of them can go right over your existing shower wall. Even if you have tiles on the walls around your tub right now, chances are that you can install a new surround right over them. Additionally, surrounds can be cut to fit any type of existing tap and faucet combinations.

The wonderful thing about surrounds is that they come in relatively few pieces. In fact, some are actually one solid piece. This means that once installed there is very little chance of any leaks or water damage to the walls, and you will not have to spend a lot of time messing with caulking.

Shower surrounds are available in a number of different materials. Among your choices are ceramic, fiberglass, and acrylic. If you do not want to change or alter the other fixtures in the bathroom, you can get a surround that will fit into any motif. You can also select from a vast range of solid colors. White and bone are no longer the only available choices on the market. In truth, if you do not want a solid color, there are many different designs and patterns that you can pick from. Popular choices include faux marble, granite, or stone.

Your personal choices do not stop there. Shower surrounds are available for both stand-up showers, as well as for the bathtub, as detailed in What Tub Shower Combinations are Available? If you want to avoid the typical square shower look, think about a shower surround that has rounded corners. This design gives the shower a softer look.

In addition, among your surround choices are options such as built-in shelves and soap dishes. Depending on the number of accessories that you and your family tend to have in the bathroom, you can pick a single shelf or perhaps one that provides shelves at both ends. To prevent falls many of these units also have safety handles and grab bars.

If you’re handy, you might want to consider purchasing a shower surround kit and doing the install yourself. Because they are made to attach to bathroom walls, surrounds are light and easy to handle.

One caution is to make sure you have measured the size of your bathroom doorway. You want to be sure the shower surround you buy will fit through the door. You may have to buy a kit with separate surround pieces to fit through your door.

The next time that you walk into your bathroom and look at your old worn out shower, think about giving it a makeover. By simply adding a shower surround, you can give it a completely new look and feel.

A shower curtain is much more than just a hanging sheet of plastic that keeps water inside your shower. Shower curtains today are decorative expressions of taste and personality. There are thousands of designs, styles and accessories, which will enhance and compliment any bathroom decor.

Shower curtain shopping used to be very simple. There were very few choices or options. Now when you go to select a shower curtain you have a number of options – all of which will make your bathroom more elegant. You are going to have to consider things like curtain liners, rods, rings and fabric. All of these items are related and are going to have visual impact on each other.

Selection Strategy

Before you go and look at curtains, you should have a starting point or a strategy.

What is the overall theme of the bathroom?
Do you have your colors selected?

Once these decisions are made, you should choose a curtain. The type of curtain that you select will affect all the other products that you will need to buy to achieve a consistent look in your bathroom.

For example, if your house is done in an ultra modern style, you may want to pick a contemporary style or a designer style. You might even want to have a curtain that features a double swag. These are shower curtains that part in the center.

If you are planning to decorate a child’s bathroom you can find curtains that feature everything from animals to popular cartoon characters.

If you do not yet have a theme or a color selected, take a quick glance at the curtains that are available. Some people prefer to pick their curtain first and then plan the rest of the bathroom around it.

Fabrics

Shower curtains are available in different types of fabrics. Common fabrics include polyester, vinyl or plastic.

If you select a polyester curtain, you will need to wash it occasionally to make certain that is does not get mildew. Polyester and other cloth curtains are probably going to need a shower curtain liner to ensure that they keep the water in the tub. The vinyl will not require washing, but it may need to be wiped down occasionally to keep it germ free. There are a number of curtains that are now being manufactured with an antibacterial and mildew resistant compound.

Attaching the Curtain

You do not have to pick a curtain that requires the use of hooks. There are thousands of shower curtains that slide directly over the rod or that use snaps. If you do decide that this is what you want, you may need to change the rod in the bathroom.

Shower curtain rods come in a number of different diameters and styles. The arc shaped rod is becoming more popular and can be easily installed in almost any shower. There are even circular shaped rods to hold a shower curtain that will wrap around a freestanding clawfoot tub shower combination.

If you choose a standard curtain, you will need to get hooks. Numerous retailers provide hooks that are made to compliment the curtain. Additionally, if you want the entire room to match, you may want to look at other available matching accessories.

Summary

Attention to detail is what makes any decor come together. Having a theme and color plan right at the beginning will make your decisions easier and faster. The shower curtain can be the focal point of your bathroom, so if you want the bathroom to look its best, start with a plan.

For the alternative to shower curtains, read Shower Doors and Shower Glass Add Style to Your Bathroom.

Shower Seat Help

Shower Valve Choices

Update Your Shower with a Shower Surround

You Have Choices When Selecting Shower Curtains