Each manufacturer sets a certain height and specification that dictate where their shower valves and spouts should be placed. This is why it is important to get a professional plumber to do these fittings for you.
However, if you still prefer to do the fittings for yourself, it is recommended that you read and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Apart from the manufacturer’s specifications, there are generally accepted heights for setting these fittings. The recommended height to fix your shower valve is 48 inches or 4 ft from the bathroom floor, and the recommended height to set your shower spout is 28 inches or 2.3 ft from the bathroom floor.
What Height Should a Shower Valve and Spout Be Set At?
A shower valve is part of the fittings of a shower. It regulates two critical things in your shower: water flow and temperature. Generally, these are the two variables that you want to control as you take a shower.
A shower spout is set below the shower valve. It dispenses water as needed, especially if you have a bathtub installed in your bathtub. It also has a mechanism responsible for creating the necessary pressure that pushes water upwards towards the shower head.
You will note that spouts come in different shapes and designs, depending on the manufacturer.
For these two shower installations to work well, they need to be set at a proper height and distance from each other. Keep reading to know the appropriate height for installing these fittings.
Factors That Affect the Height of a Shower Valve and Spout
Discussed below are factors that influence the installation of bathroom fittings in terms of height.
Plumbing Code
The Uniform Plumbing Code lays out the dimensions of the fittings that a bathroom should have. This also includes the height of the shower valve and spout.
The code also lays out the general layout of the fittings in a bathroom. When installing these fittings, you should place the shower head, valve, and spout on the side wall or shower compartment area. This allows you to access these fittings before stepping into the water spray.
Manufacturer/ Brand
Different manufacturers will have different installation instructions for shower fittings. So depending on the brand, you might have to reconsider the height at which you place these bathroom fittings.
Individual Height
This is one area you should not overlook. The shower valve and spout should be at a comfortable height that you and any other person can easily reach.
For example, if your average height is above 6ft, you might consider raising the shower valve above 40 inches. If your average height is under 5ft, you might consider lowering the shower valve below 40 inches.
Personal Preferences
Your style and use of the bathroom fittings will also come into play when setting these fittings. This is true, especially if you prefer a movable shower valve that can adjust the height as needed.
How High Should a Shower Valve Be Set At?
A shower valve should be set at 40 inches from the foot of the bathroom floor. This is an ideal height for most people to reach and control the water pressure and temperature easily. Of course, this assumes they are taking a shower while standing up.
Another reason this height is ideal is that it allows for water to reach the shower valve with the proper pressure needed to force water into the shower head.
How High Should a Spout Be Set At?
You should set a spout at the height of 30 inches from the foot of the bathroom floor. Setting a spout at this level will ensure that it is easily reachable for use at any time when taking a shower. It will also ensure that it directs water to a bath tab if there is one.
How Far Apart Should a Shower Valve Be From a Spout?
These two shower fittings have different uses, which is why you will find that they are separated. The recommended distance between a shower valve and a spout is 15 to 25 inches. This distance is determined by the mechanisms of how a shower with an installed spout works.
The plumbing of a shower and a bathtub has a main pipe that connects the spout, shower valve, and shower head. When using the shower, a diverter installed in the spout prevents water from flowing through the spout, thus directing water flow towards the shower valve before reaching the shower head.
Increasing this distance will reduce the water pressure of water flowing from the spout to the shower valve, and reducing this distance will increase the water pressure to the shower valve. The result is a leaky shower valve or spout when you are using the shower.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Change a Shower Valve?
Changing a shower valve takes around an hour if you are new to this. However, it can take between 20 and 30 minutes for professional plumbers to change a shower valve.
What Do You Do When Your Shower Valve Is Deep?
Sometimes, building owners may install the shower valve too deep behind a wall. You can either remove it altogether and install it again from a more accessible point on the drywall, or you could buy a shower valve extension kit and extend your shower valve away from the tiled wall.
Average Cost of Shower Valve Replacement?
A shower valve will retail at $47 to $54. So depending on your budget, you can get most standard shower valves. If you prefer professional plumbing, labor costs may range from $150 to $350.
Do You Need to Caulk a Bathtub Spout?
Yes. Like all fittings in the bathroom, caulking will prevent water leaks from your spout and save you from a huge water bill. Moreover, it only takes a short time to do it.
Conclusion
Proper installation of your fittings will ensure that you and everybody who uses your shower will enjoy the convenience of quality bath time.
If you are a handy person, you could do these fittings yourself. However, if you are not, we recommend that you involve the services of a qualified plumbing professional. This will ensure that your shower fittings last for a long time without needing a replacement.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.
