Shower Faucet

Showers combine a number of  functions (water outlets) for different therapeutic experiences. Driving the functions are the controls (valves). Theses controls determine the number of functions possible both by the amount of water flow they provide as well as the number of outlets they provide. We will discuss the number of outlets first, water flow further below. Remember Tubz.com is here for any questions ~ 866-380-0303

1 Function
2 Valve shower can only run one function. One handle each to control the hot and cold water. This shower offers both pressure and temperature control. This system does not meet codes in most states where requirements indicate anti-scald.

2 Functions - Choose one or the other
3 valve shower system gives the choice between two functions. There is a handle for hot water, one for cold, and one to switch the water between the two functions. Mostly used for a Tub & Shower system, it can be installed to accommodate a hand shower and shower. This shower offers both pressure and temperature control. It does not meet codes in most states where requirements indicate anti-scald.

1 Function
Pressure Balancing valves balance incoming hot and cold water pressure to compensate for fluctuations in water flow. If the cold water pressure decreases, the valve senses this and reduces the hot water pressure. (It will protect the user from drastic temperature changes should a toilet be flushed while showering.) A single handle is used to turn the valve on and to go from hot to cold. This shower system runs full pressure, water volume is not variable.

2 Functions - Choose one or the other
Pressure Balance control with a diverter has the same properties as the pressure balance valve listed above with the addition of a diverter. User can choose between two functions. Often used as a tub shower combination faucet, this system can also be used with a shower head and hand held shower.

Multiple Functions - All can be on at the same time
Thermostatic valve allows users to select a favorite temperature and keep it there regardless of changes in the temperature of the hot or cold water supply. It has a sensor that reacts to changes in temperature caused by either pressure or inlet temperature changes.  It allows for a higher water flow for multiple outlets: shower heads, body sprays, hand showers etc, as well as the ability to have multiple functions on at the same time. Thermostatic valves are available in 1/2" and 3/4". The thermostatic valve sets the temperature, a stop valve (also known as a volume control) is need to turn the water on and control the water volume. One stop valve is needed for each function. Stop valves are also available in 1/2" and 3/4".
Thermostatic controls are offered in multiple styles:
- Thermostatic Control is on one plate and the Stop Valves on their own plates (top picture to the left)
- Stop Control (1 or 2) is integral to the thermostatic controls (first picture below)

- Combination of Integral Stop and Separate Stop (second picture below)

• See Thermostatic Shower Examples

Riobel takes a thermostatic shower one step further. The double coaxial valve allows to preset two different water temperatures on the same shower system to please up to two users simultaneously. More information on Riobel Double Coaxial Controls→

Another offering from Riobel, the Pressure Balanced Thermostatic Control balances pressure and controls the water temperature, combining the benefits of both systems. Picture shows the thermostatic control with integral stop valve. More information on Riobel Shower Controls→

Riobel iShower
Thanks to its versatile design, the iShower is a perfect fit regardless of the bathroom décor. Whether you wish to upgrade a cottage or embellish a prestigious home, this high-tech shower system is sure to fulfill any needs and meet any expectations. More information Riobel iShower→

Multiple Functions - Separate Volume Controls or Diverter
These luxury showers come as kits, controls & outlets. Some are fully exposed, some semi-recessed in to the wall, others have the valves in the wall. Most include multiple functions - shower head, body sprays and hand showers. For more information and sale prices use the link below.

The number of outlets or functions possible depends on the maximum flow rate of the valve at the given water pressure. For example a California Faucet 3/4" thermostatic valve has a flow rate of 19.8 gpm at 60 psi. Three body sprays at 2.5 gpm, a large shower head at 7.0 gpm and a hand shower 2.5 gpm = 17 gpm. A valve of 19.8 would handle these 5 outlets.

There are 2 -3 parts of a Shower Head. The actual shower head, the shower arm and shower flange (if not an integral part of the shower arm.) The shower arm dictates if it is a wall mount or ceiling mount shower.

Multi-Functional
These shower heads have multiple spray effects (1st picture below)w)
Rain Showers
Large volume shower heads (pictured on the left)

Body sprays are usually installed in groups and are designed to spray the entire body. They are usually positioned at shoulder level, waste/hip and thigh/knee. Different jets offer different features like pulsating, self-cleaning, adjustable volume or directionally adjustable. Nebulizers produce a fine mist.

Also known as Personal Showers, hand showers can be mounted on a slide bar or bracket. The Hand Shower set consists of a Slide Bar or Hook, Hand Shower, Hose and Supply Elbow (connects from the water supply to the hose).
Hand Shower on Slide Bar
(Pictured on the left)
The height is adjustable along the slide bar. Hand shower can also be removed from the slide bar.
Hand Shower on Hook
(Pictured below)
Water comes in to the hand shower hose via a wall elbow and the bracket hangs on the hook in the picture to the right. There is also a models available that have the wall elbow and bracket are combined into one piece.

We do not have a separate page for tub spouts but they can be added to create a custom Thermostatic Tub & Shower System. Tub spouts with an integral diverter can be used with a Pressure Balance Shower Control for a tub/shower combination.

The addition of steam shower doesn't change the controls need for the shower, the steam is controlled by its own set of controls. We are including it here since it is a great addition to any shower.
• ThermaSol | Mr. Steam

Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to shop. Or, if there are questions - give us a call 866-380-0303. Each of our faucet companies offer great quality shower faucets. Explore the looks of each series by looking at the widespread faucets on the main page. Find a faucet you like the looks of, click on it and you will see all the offerings - including shower controls.
Aquabrass | Artos | California Faucets | Cifial | Jado | Riobel

And, don't forget the shower drain:

StyleDrain Shower Drains

CeraLine Shower Drains

• 3/4" Thermostatic Shower
• 3 - 1/2" Stop Valves to Control:
- Wall Mounted Shower Head
- Hand Shower on Slide Bar
- Set of 3 Body Sprays

California Faucets

• 3/4" Thermostatic Shower
• 3 - 1/2" Stop Valves to Control:
- Shower Head
- Set of 3 Body Sprays
- Set of 3 Body Sprays

Jado Faucets

• 1/2" Thermostatic Shower
with Integral Stop to Control:

- Shower Head
• Wall Supply Elbow with Integral
Stop to Control:
- Slide Bar Hand Shower
Riobel

Jado Faucets

• 3/4" Coaxial Thermostatic Shower
with 2 Integral Stops to Control:

- Shower Head

- Body Sprays
• Wall Supply Elbow with Integral
Stop to Control:
- Slide Bar Hand Shower
Riobel