Your shower is your in-home waterfall that rinses away all the daily grime. But have you ever thought about the actual workings of the shower faucet? You might not be so interested in the workings of your shower faucet, but rather in upgrading it to give you that “rainfall” effect. It is important to be familiar with all parts of the shower faucets, even if you don’t know what they are.
Shower Benefits
There was the tub before the shower. Before indoor plumbing and heating, tubs were just large enough to hold people. They also shared the same bathwater with several people and bathed in cold water. Many of us find this difficult to believe, as we all grew up with private showers in our homes. Showers offer positive benefits that have transformed water usage and made life more practical.
A shower uses less water than a bath. A shower uses about 30 gallons of water, while a bath can use up to 50. Showers are less water-intensive and also take longer to soak in. Shower faucets, for example, are the only thing you’ll find at a campsite or beach. They are more accommodating for quick rinses and washes.
Shower Faucet Parts
Valve: Have you ever noticed that the water temperature changes suddenly without you having to do anything? The problem could be with the valve. To prevent sudden changes, the shower valve regulates temperature and flow. It is located at the junction of hot and cold pipes.
Diverter Valve: A diverter valve is used to direct water flow to another spout in a combination tub/shower or shower. This valve, for example, changes the water flow between the showerhead and the tub faucet or body sprayer. You can find diverter valves on either the tub or the trim. When water is turned on, diverters will be in default mode. This can often be found in the tub or in the main showerhead. After you adjust the valve, the water is pushed up to the showerhead through a body sprayer or up to the main showerhead.
The Pressure Balance Valve controls the pressure coming from cold and hot water sources. This valve regulates the ratio of hot and cold water and balances it with either a sliding disk on a piston or a spool. This valve reacts to changes or maintains the desired pressure. Have you ever wondered how the pressure and temperature of your shower can be affected by the proximity to a flushing toilet? This is all thanks to the Pressure Balance valve. This valve reduces cold-water pressure in the shower if someone flushes the toilet. The device will maintain the right temperature and pressure so that you can still enjoy your shower, even if the toilet is flushed.
Thermostatic valve: This valve is equipped with two handles. One handle controls water volume, while the other controls temperature. You can adjust the water flow rate without changing the temperature. The valve has a wax element that expands or contracts when it comes in contact with heat. The thermostatic valve allows you to conserve water while shaving or shampooing. It also controls the temperature of the output, so that you don’t get scalded.
Trim: Your shower trim is what you see on the outside of your shower faucet. It includes the handle that you use to manually turn on the shower and the metal ring around it. This part of the shower controls the on/off button, as well as the temperature and water pressure. Dual handle trim may be permissible depending on your state. There is a higher risk of getting scalded. Because even at the highest heat, some cold water is still mixed into the handle. A single handle can prevent burns. Before you renovate, it is important to know the plumbing codes.
How it all works
To start a shower, turn the handle or trim of the shower to activate the water flow. The water stream splits into two streams: the cold water flows directly to the shower faucet, while the heated water runs to the tub. These two streams meet at the shower control valves. They then flow towards the faucet or spout you choose through the diverter valve. The valve adjusts the temperature (thermostatic) and pressure (pressure balanced valve). Water will stop flowing if you turn the shower trim to its off position.
You should now be able to troubleshoot any faucet problems yourself, having a better understanding of the various parts of a shower. We are available to assist you with any plumbing issues or with installing a new faucet.
