Shower Parts Names (Guide With Diagram 2024) (2024)

8 Most Common Shower Parts

• 1

  Hot & Cold Water Pipes
  Part of the water supply, these pipes are responsible for transporting water to the showerhead. Pipes can come in various materials, but galvanized steel is the most common choice, especially if you have an older home. Over time you will feel the water pressure slowly lowering because of deposits due to oxidation. At this point, it would be best to replace your pipes.Homes in the US still favor Copper pipes; however, PEX pipes are gaining popularity as they are cheap and easy to install.

• 2

  Shower Cartridge And Handle
  The shower cartridge is an essential shower component as it controls temperature and volume upon release.Whenever you toggle the shower handle, the cartridge also moves to open or close the hot and cold-water inlets and let the water converge. The ability to open one inlet more than the other is how users adjust the shower temperature. Slide the handle more towards the cold water setting to receive colder water and vice versa.

• 3

  See Also

  How to stop a shower curtain from blowing in – 4 tricks for a more relaxing showerWhat is the Clean Personal Care Movement, and How do I Get in on it?How to Shower and Bathe Properly: Steps and What Not to DoDo you take an 'everything shower'? Here's why experts warn against it
  Shower Valves
  Shower valves are responsible for controlling the water flowing from the showerhead. Additionally, brass is the most common material used to make these. The valve has a tub spout, which redirects the water from the stub to the showerhead. Furthermore, many shower valves contain a port at the bottom, allowing you to turn it into a tub valve. To prevent scalding water temperatures, ensure the valve is either thermostatic or pressure balanced.

• Thermostatic Valves
  A thermostatic valve regulates the water temperature with the help of a thermostat. Before running the shower, turn the dial on the valve faceplate to alter the temperature.More contemporary designs come with anti-scald technology to prevent sudden heat spikes. Other than that, these valves also control the water volume from outlets.
• Pressure Balancing Valves
  Commonly found in modern bathrooms, these valves control the water pressure and direct its movement along the pipes. A spring gasket helps achieve this by functioning as a stopper to manage water flow. The valves also have a shower cartridge connected to the primary handle, which helps it mix water to regulate temperature. It is important to get pipes pressure-tested before installing pressure valves because older ones suffer from corrosion and reduce efficiency.
• Diverter Valves
  These valves shift the water flow between a shower and a tub. They have three different types.

• Tee diverter: These have a pull arm on the tap that redirects water towards the showerhead once it has reached an appropriate temperature
• Three-valve diverter: This lets you prepare the hot and cold water separately and then redirect the water between the tap and shower using a knob
• Two-valve diverter: Uses a rotating control for cold and hot water and another control to switch water between the tub and shower.

• Transfer Valves
  These valves let the water flow through multiple outlets simultaneously and are well suited for handheld showerheads or shower walls. Generally, they let you use one or both outlets simultaneously with a combination that can run them together.

• 4

  Shower Head
  Connected to the water pipes with a steel hose, it is the most visible shower component. The showerhead is also very easily removable if broken. It is perforated to direct water through a focused point and uses less water than a full bathtub. Also, showerheads come in various shapes and can be adjusted to a gentle spray mode, massage mode, or intense spray mode. If you are confused about which one to buy, check out our showerhead reviewspage to make a well-informed decision.

• 5

  Shower Drain Strainer
  A typical shower drain plumbing system's primary component is the drain strainer. It is part of the drain cover on the shower floor that prevents unwanted debris like hair, soap pieces, or dirt from entering the drain. These pesky pollutants can cause a buildup on pipe walls, eventually leading to a clogging issue. Most shower drains are made of aluminum or steel and are available in various designs and styles.

• 6

  Shower Pan
  A shower pan is an essential part of a shower. It is necessary to prevent leakages and stop the floor from rotting over time. Shower pans come n various materials. In the past, most plumbers used lead; however, a new material called Chloraloy has become popular over the last few decades.It is durable and robust rubber held together by sturdy PVC like cement. Learn to plumb a shower drain with our complete guide.

• 7

  Enclosure
  Enclosures are one of the most visible parts of a shower stall. Typically, they are constructed using economical tiles. However, other materials, like glass tiles, glass blocks, manufactured stones, and natural stones, are also used. Most of these have a tray at the bottom, but some also use floor tiles. Even though most shower enclosures restrict the area with panels, there are also some without doors. Furthermore, various types are available to choose from: quadrant, square, rectangle, framed, and frameless, among a host of others.

• 8

  Trap And Drain Pipes
  A trap or an 'S-Bend' is a type of pipe designed in a sideways S shape. If properly installed in the piping system, they help trap water. Trapping water will prevent the flow of harmful gases and substances from entering your house while also expelling waste from your system. On the other hand, a drain pipe is attached to the base of the shower tray. It is purposed to direct sewage and wastewater away from the house. Traps typically come in copper, PVC or CPVC, or ABS builds.