How to Remove a Shower Valve

Written by
Aaron Stickley
Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems.
Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Aaron Stickley
Reviewed by
Richard Epstein Reviewed on 07/03/21 by
Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing.
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Richard Epstein
Updated 08/04/21
Shower faucet
Prasit photo / Getty Images
Overview
  • Working Time: 1 - 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Estimated Cost: $50 to $150

When your shower faucet is no longer operating correctly, it might be time to replace the valve it contains. Faucets that are hard to move, don't turn the water off completely, or that cause fluctuations in the temperature of the water, can all indicate the need for a new valve.

In addition to replacing a faulty valve, you might also want to undertake a shower valve replacement to take advantage of a new pressure-balanced valve that senses fluctuations in the system and keeps the water temperature constant, even if other fixtures and appliances are running while someone is showering. This can not only be a comfort enhancer, but it can be an important safety feature to prevent scalding.

Replacing a shower faucet valve is a rather advanced project that typically requires soldering copper pipes and fittings. However, if you don't have soldering skills—but you do have access to the supply piping—you can install a new valve using CPVC pipe or PEX tubing, neither of which require soldering.

This project can be divided into two phases: removing the old valve and installing the new one.

Before You Begin

Make sure you know where the shutoff valve is for your home's water supply. While you can often cut the water supply closer to the shower on which you'll be working, when it comes to plumbing projects, it's always best to know where the main shutoff is in case something goes wrong and you need to quickly stop a flood.

Warning

Plumbing work can vary widely depending on the specifics of your shower. Depending on the shower's surroundings, wall material, and more, the following may be required to complete this project: opening the wall; removing, replacing, or repairing tile; soldering; and making multiple plumbing connections. If replacing your shower valve requires any of these steps, our experts strongly recommend that you consider hiring a professional to complete this project for you.

The end result of replacing a shower valve
Aaron Stickley
Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Screwdrivers
  • Allen wrench (as needed)
  • Rag
  • Utility knife
  • Channel-type pliers
  • Marker
  • Mini-hacksaw or tubing cutter

Materials

  • New shower valve

Instructions

  1. Shut off the Water Supply

    Shut off both hot and cold water to the room where you'll be working. If you can't access the pipes that directly feed the shower, you'll need to turn the water off at your home's main supply line.

  2. Remove the Faucet Handle

    Start by removing the shower handle. In this example, there is a screw behind the cap that holds the handle in place. In other cases, you may need an Allen wrench to remove the screw and then the handle.

    Tip

    Use a rag to cover the shower or tub drain so that screws and small parts don’t fall down the drain.

    A hand removing a shower handle with a screwdriver
    Aaron Stickley

  3. Remove the Escutcheon Trim Plate

    Remove the escutcheon trim plate to access the shower valve. This is the round metal cover that hides the hole in the shower wall through which the plumbing exits.

    With the handle out of the way, you can easily get to the second set of screws that hold the trim plate in place. Unscrew both, then pull the plate off the wall. If there is any caulk around the trim plate, you may need to use a utility knife to cut it before the plate comes off. If there is a protective plate covering the valve, remove that now as well.

    In this example, the faucet opening in the wall had to be enlarged to remove the protective plate. If you need to do the same, make sure that the hole is only as large as it needs to be in order to minimize wall repair after the new faucet is installed. 

    A hand removing a shower trim plate with tools
    Aaron Stickley

  4. Cut an Access Hole

    Cut or break open a bigger hole, if necessary, for removing and installing the valves. There are two options: cutting into the wall behind the plumbing cavity or working through a small opening in the surround.

    In this example, the hole in the fiberglass shower surround was enlarged from the front side by breaking out pieces with pliers. Other types of wall surfaces might require different techniques for enlarging the faucet opening. 

    Keep in mind this hole should ideally be hidden behind the cover plate on the new faucet when the project is done. To make sure the hole isn’t too big, use the new cover plate as a guide for gauging how big you can make your hole. 

    A hand widening a shower valve opening with tools
    Aaron Stickley

  5. Determine Where to Cut the Pipes

    Determine how to remove the old valve and install the new valve. The shower valve used here has both outside-threaded connections and inside sweat (solder) couplings. Position the new valve in front of the old to determine where the pipes should be cut. Mark the cut locations on the pipe with a marker.

    Every valve is different, so plan your cuts carefully before you begin. You may need to use other couplings or fittings to route the water pipes into the new valve. Make a list and get all of your materials ready so that the installation goes smoothly.

    A hand attaching new shower valve fittings
    Aaron Stickley

  6. Remove the Old Valve

    Cut the old valve out of the wall, leaving the appropriate amount of pipe for the new valve. While a copper tubing cutter is generally the best tool for cutting copper pipe, for the tight spaces in a project like this, or for PVC piping, a mini-hacksaw works well.

    Now you are ready to install the new shower valve. 

    A hand removing a shower valve with tools
    Aaron Stickley