Written by Tom Scalishi | Published 12:12 PM, January 2, 2021

If you purchase a product through one of our links, BobVila.com and its partners may receive a commission.

The shower valve is a component that controls the water temperature in your shower room. Any slight movement may cause the difference between burns and cold. If you often struggle to adjust to the ideal shower temperature, it may be time to upgrade the hardware behind the wall.

The good news is that there are many shower valves on the market. In fact, finding the best shower valve can be a challenge. Choosing the wrong valve—or worse, choosing a low-quality product—can lead to leaks or poor installation. You also want the valve to suit your style and adjust the temperature the way you want.

Fortunately, buying the best shower valve has become easier, thanks to the pre-selected products you will read below. Whether you are looking for a simple alternative, a valve connected to a smart device, or a retro-looking setting, you may find a model that suits you here.

Check out some of the best shower valves in this series, which you can purchase to replace or upgrade existing models. From high-tech to super simple, it provides a wide range of options for those who update their showers indoors and outdoors.

Hansgrohe excels in flexibility-for use and installation, both now and in the future. A rough model for any Hansgrohe or Axor shower head, including pressure balance and thermostats, allowing you to maintain and update your shower at any time. There is an adjustable depth collar that you can adjust to fit most wall thicknesses. It mounts directly on the wall nails and provides extra strength and stability every day to resist water hammer or multiple showers.

This Hansgrohe can provide multiple shower outlets, including shower heads, bathtub outlets and hand shower sticks. In addition, the PVC enclosure is also designed to help reduce vibration and noise inside the wall, thereby enabling a quiet and relaxing shower.

If you are looking for a good quality shower valve at a reasonable price, Grohe is a worthy competitor. This pressure balance valve is suitable for any Grohe trim kit. It has two hot and cold water inlets and two outlets for shower heads and bathtubs. However, if you prefer to use only the bathtub spout or shower nozzle, you can use a plug to seal the other spout.

This shower valve has a wide range of temperature adjustability, rotating 265 degrees between handle stops, so you can make small adjustments. It also has a built-in check valve to prevent backflow of hot or cold water into another pipeline. For maintenance, Grohe has two built-in closing devices, so you can work on the wall without leaks.

Dialing at the ideal temperature is easier. When paired with the Moen shower smart controller, Moen U allows you to digitally adjust the shower temperature via your mobile phone. This shower valve has a ½ inch inlet and outlet, and you can set it to work with the bathtub spout and shower head. It is also equipped with a 30-foot-long data cable and power supply unit, but you can also upgrade to a backup battery separately.

Although the controller is sold separately, S3102 is the basis for you to build a smart shower system. It uses a thermostatic valve to regulate a consistent temperature and can be easily installed in a standard 2 x 4 stud wall.

Shower head valves can be finicky, especially if you have hard water in your home. If your current diverter valve is not working properly, you may want to upgrade to this brass shower arm diverter.

If you do not have a separate shower rod, this diverter valve can be easily installed because it can be worn on the pipe behind the shower head. When the handle is 180 degrees back, all the water will flow to the wand. When it moves forward 180 degrees, all the water will be discharged through the shower head. At 90 degrees, it will evenly mix the two outlets.

The one-piece brass structure makes this model durable in hard water conditions. It comes with the O-ring required for installation and is available in three finishes to match the shower decoration in chrome, brushed nickel or oil ground bronze.

Forgetting to turn off the outdoor shower can be a disaster for your wallet, especially if you use well water or live in drought conditions. This EZ-FLO automatic closing shower valve is directly installed on your shower head, and it will operate as long as there is tension on the zipper. Once you loosen the chain, it closes and saves water, making it ideal for families in drought-prone areas or homes with older well systems.

The brass construction and chrome finish make it a durable choice for outdoor applications. The ½ inch inlet and outlet make it a direct installation for most water supply pipe fittings. Pro tip: Be sure to drain the outdoor shower plumbing before winter comes. Install a lock to keep the zipper open to reduce the chance of pipe bursts.

If you are looking for a stylish upgrade for your claw-foot bathtub or luxury shower, check out this vintage style bathtub faucet from Kingston Brass. The kit adopts a two-hole installation mode and can be installed as a wall-mounted device in shower applications or directly on the pipe of a claw-foot bathtub. It has two valves to adjust to the perfect temperature, and is equipped with a built-in bathtub spout with a 59-inch shower wand on the spout. It comes in a variety of finishes, including chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and antique brass.

Although not a high-tech shower valve, it includes ideal features such as a durable all-brass valve body (regardless of finish) and a drip-proof quarter-stroke valve core, helping to avoid the notorious small leaks in old bathtubs.

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide publishers with a way to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.

You agree that BobVila.com can process your data in the manner described in our privacy policy.

Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved.