What is the Correct Height to Install a Shower Valve?

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If you are installing a shower or remodeling an old one, taking the right steps at each stage is vital. Installing or upgrading a shower can take a lot of time and effort, and mistakes can make the process even more complicated. You are probably trying to decide the height at which you should install the shower valve so that you will have easy access to it.

Asking yourself that question is a step in the right direction because some people don’t think about it until they finish the job, and many of them install the valve at the wrong height. You must keep a few factors in mind as you connect your shower valve if you don’t want to choose an incorrect path. Although it can seem like a complex task, you will move forward with confidence once you arm yourself with the right information. If your shower is also a bathtub, ensure that the valve is low enough for bathers to use it, but you can place it around 45 inches from the ground if the shower does not include a bathtub.

Check Local Building Codes

Looking up local building codes is a great starting point if you want to install your shower valve at the right height. Not all towns and cities have laws regulating the installation of shower valves, but you don’t want to take the chance. If you can’t find the information online, call the local court for more information, and someone will point you in the right direction. Having laws in place will make your decision much easier, but not having regulations gives you the freedom to choose a path that makes sense for your situation.

Consider Current and Future Users

Considering the needs of the people who will use the shower the most is a good way to choose the proper height. Ask everyone who lives in the home to enter the shower and reach for the valve, and you will know what to do next. If people of different heights live in the home and you want to compromise, place the valve in a location that is easy for everyone to access. You can even write down the height each person recommends and find the average, which won’t take long. Also, think about how your decision could impact others in case you sell your home in the future.

Additional Considerations

Even though some of these facts seem like common sense, it’s important not to overlook anything while you are installing your valve. If you don’t want to flood your bathroom, don’t forget to close the shut-off valve to your water before you begin. Look near the water meter if you don’t know where it is, but the shut-off valve could be in your basement if you have a private well. Also, using a plastic bag to collect small parts will stop you from losing stuff while you work. Knowing where everything is can save time and money, and you will be pleased.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to get more enjoyment or increase your home’s value, upgrading your bathroom is a great way to reach your desired outcome. Many people put a lot of thought into the process but overlook small steps along the way, harming their progress. It might not seem like much, but choosing the right height for your shower valve is an important piece of the puzzle, and you can’t afford to get it wrong. If building codes don’t regulate the location of your valve, place it in a spot that is easy for everyone to access.