How to Replace Two Handle Shower Valve

For some reason, several different shower valves are available, and they come in various sizes and flow configurations. However, old-fashioned two-handle shower valves remain in the community. Most people consider their bathroom a regularly used fixture in their house. A term you can sometimes see in professional kitchens is percolation. This means the build-up of sediment within a leaky showerhead will happen.

Replacing a two handle shower valve is easy. You must remove the handles and stems before turning off the water. Your new valve must be mounted, and the water must be turned on. You would not have a problem doing this project as long as you have all the right supplies.

To ease the task of replacing the two handle shower faucet valve, we have developed this guide for you. Keep reading to know how to replace two handle shower valve.

Related: How to Replace Cast Iron Drain Pipe with PVC? [3 Easy Steps]

Table of Contents

When Do You Need to Replace a Shower Valve?

If it's a water leak, you must correct it right away. If a leaking valve allows the use of large amounts of water, it has the potential to cause your energy bills to rise. All the water you are using may be dripping out from behind the wall, resulting in serious damage to your shower or the development of serious mold.
When you install a new shower valve, you profit from its greater efficiency. You can use a new pressure-balancing valve that takes care of the temperature fluctuations in the bathroom when someone flushes the toilet or turns on a tap.
When you're switching between hot and cold water, the slow response time is another warning sign that to look for when thinking about showerheads. If you notice a sudden shift in water pressure elsewhere in the building, it could be the valve is defective.

How Long Does Replacing a Shower Valve Take?

The vast majority of professionals can accomplish two-handle shower valve repair in an hour. If you are a newbie DIY experience, you may need an average of one and a half hours to two hours.

Required Tools for this Project

Jigsaw
4-in-1 screwdriver
Soldering torch
Slip-joint pliers

Required Materials for this Project

Conversions plate
New shower valve
Pipe fittings

Two Handle Shower Valve Replacement (7 Steps)

Step-1: Turn off Water Supply

After getting all the supplies, you will have to shut off the water to the shower to install the new parts. To activate the shower, turn the 'the Water on' button. If you want your water pressure to remain constant, turn on the faucet and let it go.

If this is too difficult, consider shutting off the main water supply. If you would do this, notify them beforehand that the water will be unavailable for a while.

Step-2: Unscrew Handles and Stems

There is a lot of work ahead of you. You'll have to take off the shower headboard and axial ring. For most people, a screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, and a common wrench are sufficient. Keep this equipment safe.

Then, focus on the two-handle shower valve trim. Most blades are cylindrical so that you can remove them. Additional objects can also be stored in the box, just in case.

Step-3: Remove the Escutcheon Trim Plate

Remove the escutcheon. This panel in your shower or bathtub leads to the water-saving valve. Break the plate off the wall, unscrew it, and take it apart.

Caulk may keep the trim in place. If there is, use a knife to unstop the caulk and remove the plate. Put the trim on the workbench and the screws together.

Note: Trim and disinfect the two-valve shower faucet handle. Limescale and scum could have been dissolved, now is the perfect time to clean and scrub the surfaces. Continue soaking them in vinegar or citrus lime-based solvent as you install a shower valve.

Step-4: Cut an Access Hole

You must have to cut a larger hole in your two-handle shower valve body to reach and replace the shower valve needs doing this job. It might not be big enough for the plate to get the job done. If you have a 12x12-inch hole in your bathroom, you would need a 12-inch-by-12-inch spout. If the opening behind the plate is smaller, then widen it, but not so much that you risk needing to be an in-plate correction.

Step-5: Take out The Faulty Valve

Dealing with all the bathtub components and two-valve shower, the construction team will have to decide your next move. It will make the task considerably simpler if you can get over it. However, if that's not possible, create a void that you can use to put something in when fixing it.

Carefully remove an old or faulty valve from both pipes. If water is provided, be sure to isolate the head of the shower from the rest of the pipe. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew them with care.

If you have removed the old or broken two-way shower valve, ensure you store the part in a safe position, so you don't have to deal with the valve later. When you are removing an existing tag, ensure that you use extreme caution.

Step-6: Replace the Faulty Valve

Replace and reinstall a two-handle shower faucet valve in the same location. Providing the proper instruments and fasteners, screw in the new regulator. Accuracy is vital because one tiny inaccuracy can lead to disastrous results.

Teflon tape may be used to seal the ends of the tubing and attachments and make them leak-proof. In this manner, you'll be able to wrap up all potential leaks. The left water pipe should connect to the left vent, and the right pipe connected to the right vent should be sufficient to supply all the water. It will take just a few minutes to achieve what you are aiming for.

If you're going to use PEX tubing, be sure to check that the volume, not length, to avoid costly mistakes. It is also essential to use all threaded/to have all piping linked together using female fittings and adapters. It's also good to introduce a little tubing and replace or repair it to attain the correct ones.

Keep the PEX cutter handy. As well, ensure all cables and adapters are wrapped in Teflon tape to prevent future leakages. The potential for leaks can occur if you don't follow the instructions exactly.

Once all is in order, you will be about to put everything back exactly where it was. Make sure the new valve is well seated in the new hole. Follow these steps in order and then install your two way valve for shower. This is done by reassembling all the loose pieces and handles.

Step-7: Switch on the water supply

Switch on the new two valve shower faucet to see if it is free of leaks. Keep the tap turned both ways. Good performance doesn't result in the discovery of a leak.

Watch the video on replacing a two-handle shower valve:

Final Words

At first glance, the job of fixing a showerhead or two-handle shower valve repair can seem more difficult than reality. Nevertheless, appearances can be misleading.

Replacing a two head shower valve has usually had just three simple steps: careful disassembly, spotting any leaks, and reinstalling the parts. One, of course, must keep in mind that there will always be a restriction. If you need to shower several times a day, a professional may be needed.

Better is being prepared than unprepared. Replacing a shower valve necessitates certain skills and experience in plumbing. It is not suitable for anyone because it can cause damage home or property. Whenever you felt that you couldn't do it as a DIY project, you should call a mechanic.