My Experience With A Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

My Experience With A Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

Recently, I had the opportunity to upgrade my bathroom with a thermostatic shower valve with diverter. I had heard about these devices before, but never really understood what they were or how they worked. After doing some research and talking to some experts, I decided to give it a try. Here’s what I learned:

What is a Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter?

A thermostatic shower valve with diverter is a device that regulates the temperature of your shower water. It uses a thermostat to monitor the temperature of the water and make adjustments as necessary to keep it at a consistent level. The diverter part of the valve allows you to switch between different showerheads or other water outlets, like a hand-held sprayer or a bath spout.

How Does it Work?

The thermostatic valve has two handles or knobs, one for temperature and one for flow. When you turn on the water, the valve mixes hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature. The thermostat inside the valve constantly measures the temperature of the water and adjusts the mixture as necessary to keep it consistent. If someone else in the house turns on a faucet or flushes a toilet, the valve will automatically adjust the water flow to maintain the temperature.

The diverter part of the valve allows you to switch between different water outlets. For example, if you have a showerhead and a hand-held sprayer, you can use the diverter to switch between them. Some valves even allow you to use multiple outlets at once, like the showerhead and sprayer together.

Step by Step Guide to Installing a Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

If you’re interested in upgrading your bathroom with a thermostatic shower valve with diverter, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn off the water supply to your shower.
2. Remove the old valve and any surrounding tile or drywall as necessary.
3. Install the new valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Connect the water supply lines to the new valve.
5. Install any new tile or drywall as necessary.
6. Install the new showerhead(s), hand-held sprayer, or other water outlets.
7. Test the new valve to make sure it’s working properly.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Using a Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

Here are some tips and ideas for getting the most out of your thermostatic shower valve with diverter:

1. Choose a valve with a built-in anti-scald feature to prevent burns.
2. Install multiple showerheads or water outlets for a more luxurious shower experience.
3. Use the diverter to switch between different water outlets for different tasks, like rinsing off after a workout or washing your hair.
4. Consider adding a rain showerhead or body jets for a spa-like experience.
5. Install a hand-held sprayer for easier cleaning and rinsing.
6. Use a thermostatic valve with diverter in a tub/shower combination for added flexibility.
7. Install a digital thermostatic valve with diverter for precise temperature control.
8. Choose a valve with a high flow rate for faster filling of a tub or larger shower area.
9. Consider adding a sound system or Bluetooth speaker to your shower for a more immersive experience.
10. Choose a valve with a sleek, modern design for a contemporary look.

Pros and Cons of a Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

Like any product, thermostatic shower valves with diverters have their pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

• Consistent water temperature, even if someone else in the house uses water at the same time.
• Flexibility to switch between different water outlets for different tasks.
• Anti-scald feature prevents burns.
• Luxurious shower experience with multiple showerheads or water outlets.

Cons:

• More expensive than traditional shower valves.
• Requires professional installation.
• May require additional plumbing work or modifications to existing plumbing.
• Can be more difficult to repair or replace than traditional shower valves.

My Personal Review and Suggestion for a Thermostatic Shower Valve With Diverter

Overall, I’m very happy with my decision to upgrade to a thermostatic shower valve with diverter. The consistent water temperature and ability to switch between different water outlets has made my shower experience much more enjoyable. The anti-scald feature gives me peace of mind, especially with young children in the house. While the installation was more expensive than a traditional valve, I believe the added benefits are worth it. My suggestion would be to do your research and choose a high-quality valve from a reputable manufacturer, and to hire a professional plumber for installation.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I install a thermostatic shower valve with diverter myself?

A: While it’s possible to install a thermostatic valve yourself if you have plumbing experience, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber for installation. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks, water damage, or even injury.

Q: Do I need multiple water outlets to use a thermostatic shower valve with diverter?

A: No, you can use a thermostatic valve with just one water outlet, like a showerhead or bath spout. However, the diverter feature allows for more flexibility and customization of your shower experience.

Q: Will a thermostatic shower valve with diverter work with my existing plumbing?

A: It depends on your existing plumbing and the specific valve you choose. Some valves may require modifications to your plumbing or additional work to install properly.