Types of Shower Valves Explained: Ultimate Guide

Choose the right valve kit and you set yourself up for a long-lasting, frustration-free shower. Choose the wrong one and you might be dealing with leaks, uneven temperature, or expensive repairs later on.

In this guide, you will get a clear, straightforward breakdown of the most common types of shower valves, what each one does, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause homeowners the most trouble. At the end, you will find our recommended picks to help you build a shower that performs the way you expect every single time.

What Is a Shower Valve?

Before you get into the different valve options, it helps to understand what a shower valve actually does. At its core, the valve is the command center of your shower. It controls how much hot and cold water enters the system, blends those temperatures to keep your shower comfortable, and manages the overall pressure you feel at the shower head.

Choosing the right valve is not just about convenience. It’s about protecting your plumbing, preventing temperature spikes, and creating a shower that performs the same way every time you turn it on. A well-chosen valve keeps your system safe, consistent, and reliable for years, while the wrong one can lead to leaks, poor pressure, or repairs no homeowner wants to deal with.

Shower Valve Parts

A typical shower valve is made up of several key components that work together behind the wall. These include the:

• Rough-in body: The rough-in body is the main housing installed behind the wall that holds all the working components of the valve.

• Internal mixing cartridge: The internal mixing cartridge blends hot and cold water and controls how your shower maintains a steady, comfortable temperature.

• Connection ports: These are the inlets where your home’s hot and cold water lines connect to the valve so the system can mix water correctly.

• Service stops: These let a plumber shut off water directly at the valve, which makes future repairs or maintenance much easier without cutting water to the whole house.

You will also pair the valve with a shower trim kit. The shower trim is the faceplate that covers the internal valve and hole. Trim kits also include the visible handle (or handles) you use to control temperature and flow.

Understanding these parts upfront makes it much easier to compare valve types and understand why certain features matter. With the basics out of the way, you are ready to look at the main types of shower valves and how to choose the one that fits your setup.

Main Types of Shower Valves

When you are choosing a shower valve, it helps to start with the valves that form the foundation of your entire system. These are the valves that control water temperature and flow, and they determine how reliably your shower performs day after day.

The two main types of foundational shower valves are:

• Pressure-balancing valves

• Thermostatic valves 

Both regulate how hot and cold water mix, but they do it in very different ways. 

Take your time with this section. If you skip ahead, you risk choosing a valve that does not fit your setup, and you might end up with a shower that never feels quite right.

Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve 

Ever flush a toilet when someone was in the shower, only to get yelled at because you burned them with hot water as a result? 

That’s because you didn’t have a pressure-balancing shower valve! Depending on how old you are, they may not have been in existence at the time. Today, it is plumbing code to have pressure balancing in your home, making it one of the most important types of shower valves.

What you experienced is cold water being pulled away from the shower to the toilet, dropping the level of cold water while keeping the amount of hot water the same, resulting in scalding hot water in the shower. 

Pressure-balancing shower valves can sense these pressure changes in the hot and cold lines and partially close down one side to deliver a consistent water temperature.

This type of shower valve can require more frequent maintenance, as the internal cartridge that balances the pressure includes a spool that can get locked up over time from scale and heavy mineral deposits. 

When to Use a Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve

Pressure-balancing valves are good for one to two shower heads at most, as they are equipped with standard-sized ½” water inlets.

Thermostatic Shower Valve

Thermostatic shower valves operate similarly to pressure balancing valves, maintaining a consistent water temperature even when other appliances are running water in the house. 

But unlike a pressure-balancing valve that uses a spool to control water temperature via pressure changes, thermostatic shower valves use a thermostat that directly regulates the temperature. 

This is a much more precise way to control the water temperature. You can literally control the temperature down to a degree to get a consistent shower experience every time. Once you pinpoint the exact temperature that you want for your shower, you never have to deviate from it. 

That’s because thermostatic shower valves have a dial for the temperature and a separate control for the water volume. Most (but not all!) pressure-balancing valves lose the temperature “memory” once you shut off the water.  Instead, you’ll be sticking your hand in and out of the shower to find the “right” temperature.

When to Use a Thermostatic Shower Valve

Thermostatic valves are one of the best types of shower valves for larger showers with multiple shower heads and/or body sprays. They typically have at least ¾” water inlets, allowing more water to flow through the valve to the multiple devices being used.

Pressure-Balancing vs Thermostatic Valve: Which to Buy?

The right foundational valve depends on how your shower will be used and how much control you want over temperature and water flow. 

A pressure-balancing valve is the practical choice for most standard showers with one or two shower heads. It keeps temperatures steady during everyday pressure changes, meets plumbing code, and is generally the more budget-friendly option. Its main limitation is precision control, since most models do not offer separate volume and temperature settings.

A thermostatic valve is the better pick if you want exact temperature control or if your shower will have multiple outlets, such as a rain head, handheld, or body sprays. 

Because thermostatic valves use a built-in thermostat rather than pressure changes, they deliver a consistent and customizable temperature every single time. They also support higher water flow, thanks to larger inlet sizes, making them ideal for bigger or more luxurious setups.

Understanding Diverter Shower Valves

Now that you understand the main valves that control temperature and flow, there is one more type of shower valve you may need, depending on your setup: a diverter valve.

Diverter valves do not regulate temperature at all. Instead, their job is to redirect water between different shower fixtures. If your shower has only one shower head, you can skip a diverter entirely. But if you want to switch between a handheld, a rain head, a tub spout, or any other combination of outlets, a diverter valve becomes an essential part of your system.

Diverter valves are IN ADDITION to the main rough-in shower valve. This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make: buying a diverter valve, thinking it was the main shower valve, and then being disappointed by project delays.

Diverter valves are installed just above the main shower valve and use their own dedicated control to route water where you want it. 

There are a few types of diverter valves to choose from, depending on your setup and your needs.

Two-Way Diverters

A two-way diverter lets you switch water between two different outlets, such as a fixed shower head and a handheld. It sends water to one outlet at a time, making it a straightforward solution for standard dual-outlet setups.

Two-way diverters are most common in showers with a pressure balancing valve because these systems usually support only one or two shower heads. If your upgrade involves adding a handheld sprayer or a single extra fixture, a two-way diverter typically covers everything you need.

Three-Way Diverters

If you want more flexibility, a three-way diverter takes things a step further. Instead of toggling between two outlets, a three-way diverter can send water to each outlet independently or to both at the same time.

This makes it a great fit for larger or more customizable showers, including dual shower head layouts or his-and-hers setups. Since three-way diverters allow combined flow, they work best with thermostatic valves that can supply the higher water volume required to run multiple fixtures comfortably.

Integrated Diverter Valves

For a cleaner look or a simpler installation, you can also choose an integrated diverter valve. This type combines your main temperature and volume control with a built-in diverter, all within a single trim plate.

Integrated valves are ideal when you want fewer wall controls or when you prefer a streamlined design. A well-engineered integrated valve with a 3-way diverter, like our 2-Handle Shower Valve and Trim Kit, provides precise temperature control along with easy switching between outlets. 

In most pressure-balancing setups, one integrated diverter is enough. For thermostatic systems with several shower heads or sprays, you may still need additional diverters to manage higher flow demands.

External Diverters

If you want the benefits of multiple shower heads without touching the plumbing behind the wall, an external diverter is the most cost-effective option. These attach directly to the shower arm and work just like internal diverters, giving you the ability to run a handheld, a fixed head, or both.

External diverters make perfect sense when you want a quick upgrade, are working with older plumbing, or simply want to avoid opening the wall during a remodel. A solid metal external diverter installs in minutes and gives you the versatility of a dual-outlet shower even in bathrooms that were never built for one.

Other Considerations When Choosing a Shower Valve

Once you know which foundational valve and diverter setup your shower needs, the next step is choosing the right features. 

These details affect installation, long-term maintenance, and whether your valve actually works with the rest of your system. A little planning here will save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

Connection Type (IPS, CC, PEX)

Every shower valve is built with specific connection types, and your plumber will need a valve that matches your home’s plumbing. The most common options include:

• CC (Copper Connection): The copper pipe is soldered directly into the valve, creating a permanent, reliable connection. This is common in older homes with copper plumbing.
  

• IPS (Iron Pipe Straight), also known as 1/2 inch NPT: A threaded connection where the plumber attaches an adapter to the valve, then solders the copper pipe to that adapter. This adds flexibility during installation.
  

• PEX: A flexible plastic tubing that resists scale and corrosion and does not require soldering. PEX is widely used in new construction and makes installation faster and easier.
  

Many newer homes use PEX, while older homes tend to rely on copper. Before you choose a valve, check your plumbing or ask your plumber which connection type you need so you do not end up with a valve that cannot be installed.

Port Count (3-Port vs 4-Port vs More)

Port count determines how many fixtures your valve can serve. A three-port valve has hot, cold, and one outlet to a shower head. A four-port valve adds a port for a tub spout, which is required for tub and shower combos.

A plumber can cap an unused port on a four-port valve, but they cannot add a missing port to a three-port valve. Knowing your exact setup before you buy prevents mistakes and unnecessary returns.

Service Stops and Maintenance Access

Service stops are optional, but they are one of the most helpful upgrades you can choose. These small shutoff valves let a plumber isolate water to the shower valve without shutting off water to the entire home. In apartments and condos, this can save hours of coordination with building management. Even in a single-family home, service stops make repairs faster and less disruptive.

For the small added cost, they can be the difference between a quick repair and days without a working shower.

Valve and Trim Compatibility

Valve and trim kits are not interchangeable, and this is where many homeowners get tripped up. The trim you see on the wall controls the valve behind it, and each trim is designed to fit a specific valve body. Like a car, where you wouldn't use Mercedes-Benz parts on a Toyota, the same applies to shower valves and trims.

Matching by brand alone is not enough. Brands like Moen and Kohler offer multiple valve types, and each requires its own compatible trim. Before you purchase a trim kit, confirm both the brand and exact valve model you have. This saves you from discovering, too late, that your beautiful new trim does not fit the valve in your wall.

HammerHead® Showers keeps this simple by offering solid metal valves and trims designed to work together as a matched system, which means you can skip the guesswork and get a reliable fit every time.

How to Choose the Right Valve for Your Shower

Now that you understand the different valve types and features, here is a simple guide to help you choose the right setup for your shower. Use the steps below to match your plumbing needs, shower layout, and performance expectations.

Step 1: Start with Your Shower Layout

If you have a single shower head: Choose a pressure balancing valve. It meets plumbing code, keeps temperatures consistent, and is the most cost-effective choice.

If you have a shower head and a handheld: Choose a pressure balancing valve plus an integrated diverter. This lets you switch between fixtures without upgrading your entire plumbing system.

If you have a tub and shower combo: Choose a 4-port valve. This supports both a tub spout and a shower head. You can cap unused ports if needed.

Step 2: Make Sure the Valve Matches Your Plumbing

Check whether your home uses copper, IPS threaded fittings, or PEX tubing. Buy a valve that matches your connection type to avoid installation issues.

HammerHead shower valves come equipped with ½” NPT male threads and also ½” CC connections so you can attach many different fittings to meet your installation needs.

Step 3: Decide If You Want Service Stops

If you want easier maintenance or live in a condo or apartment, choose a valve that includes service stops so you can shut off water at the valve during repairs.

Step 4: Choose Compatible Trim

Valve and trim systems only work when the internal valve body and the external trim are designed for each other. Stick with a matched system to avoid compatibility headaches. 

HammerHead® makes this simple by offering solid metal valves and trims that are engineered to fit together reliably.

Step 5: Consider Whether an External Diverter Is Enough

If you want two shower heads but are not opening your walls, an external diverter may give you everything you need without touching the plumbing behind the tile. External diverters mount directly to your shower arm and allow you to connect multiple shower heads to it. 

Quick Match Guide

Here is a fast way to pair your shower type with the right valve:

• Basic shower with one head: Pressure balancing valve
  

• Shower head + handheld: Pressure balancing valve +  integrated diverter
  

• Tub and shower combo: 4-port pressure balancing valve

• Budget-friendly upgrade without opening walls: External diverter with existing shower valve

Our Picks for Shower Valves & Trim Kits

If you want a valve that is reliable, high-quality, and easy to understand, HammerHead® Showers has you covered. Below are our top picks based on the features and performance standards discussed throughout this guide. These valves are designed to simplify installation, deliver consistent temperature control, and outlast the flimsy alternatives you find in most big box stores.

Most brands offer dozens of trim styles for each valve, but we keep things simple. These two valve and trim kits cover the vast majority of shower setups and give you dependable performance without the guesswork.

Best Pick for Most Showers: HammerHead® 1-Handle Shower Valve and Trim

Ideal for: Single shower head or shower-and-tub combos

This go-to valve is built for homeowners who want a straightforward, dependable setup without sacrificing quality or safety. The 1-handle shower valve design blends temperature and volume control into a smooth, intuitive operation that works well in any standard shower.

Why we recommend it:

• Versatile for shower-only or tub/shower installations
  

• All-in-one valve and trim kit for a quick and complete upgrade
  

• Smooth temperature and volume control
  

• Solid metal construction using stainless steel and brass
  

• Built-in service stops for easier maintenance
  

• Stable, consistent water temperature with pressure-balancing technology
  

• Adjustable temperature limit stop for added safety
  

 

Best Pick for Multi-Function Showers: HammerHead® 2-Handle Valve and Trim with Built-In Diverter

Ideal for: Dual shower head setups and anyone who wants more control

If you want to run a handheld and a fixed shower head or switch effortlessly between outlets, this 2-handle valve with a built-in 3-way diverter is the perfect match. The separate temperature and volume controls give you more precision, and the integrated diverter eliminates the need for an extra valve in the wall.

Why we recommend it:

• Integrated 3-way diverter for switching between outlets or running both together
  

• Independent controls for temperature and water volume
  

• Minimalist trim design for a cleaner look
  

• Ceramic disk pressure balancing cartridge self-cleans for a longer lifespan
  

• Solid metal build for durability in busy bathrooms
  

• Simplifies installation by combining mixing and diverting into one valve

 

Best Pick for a Quick Upgrade: HammerHead® 3-Way External Shower Diverter with Holder

If you’re happy with your existing shower plumbing and just want the flexibility of two shower heads without opening up the wall, the HammerHead® 3-Way Shower Diverter with Holder is a smart, budget-friendly choice. 

It installs directly onto your existing shower arm and lets you divert water between two shower heads - or run both at the same time - without needing a new valve.

Why this external diverter is worth it:

• Easy, tool-free installation - no soldering or rough-in work required.
  

• Provides full diverter functionality, even with older plumbing or single-valve setups.
  

• Durable solid-metal construction built to handle regular use.
  

• Ideal for renters, quick remodels, or anyone who wants dual shower heads with minimal fuss.
  

For anyone looking to add a handheld shower or rain head without reworking the valve behind the wall, this external diverter delivers flexibility, durability, and convenience in one compact device.

 

Our Picks for a Complete Shower Setup

Both recommended valves above are also available in bundled shower systems that include matching shower heads, handhelds, tub spouts, and accessories. 

These curated kits remove the guesswork and guarantee that every component works together the way it should.

Best Standard Tub and Shower Combo: 1-Handle Tub & Shower System with 3-Spray Handheld Shower Head

Featuring a smooth, single-handle pressure-balancing valve for steady temperature control, it pairs durable solid-metal construction with a versatile 3-spray handheld showerhead, tub spout and trim kit.

Best Walk-In Shower Combo: 2-Handle Shower System with 12" Overhead Rain & Handheld

For a spa-worthy shower upgrade, this 2-handle system delivers both luxury and control. Use the built-in diverter to switch between a wide 12″ overhead rain shower and a handheld shower head - or enjoy both together. Crafted from solid metal with premium trim and a 27.5″ slide bar, it brings style and flexibility to any bathroom.

 

 

Explore all our full shower system bundles here.

Find Your Perfect Shower Valve

Choosing the right shower valve is one of the smartest investments you can make in your bathroom. The right valve gives you steady temperature, strong performance, and a system that works the way it should for the lifetime of your shower. Once you understand your layout, your water needs, and which features matter most, picking the right setup becomes simple.

If you are ready to upgrade, explore our full collection of solid metal shower valves, diverters, and complete shower systems. And if you still have questions or need help matching a valve to your specific setup, our customer support team is here to walk you through the details.

Build it right the first time and enjoy a shower that performs exactly the way you expect every single day.