Many factors are essential for plumbing and HVAC system design. One important consideration is balancing different fluids passing through the system. Balancing valves plays a crucial role in allowing proper heat and water flow. Proper flows are pertinent when you need a fully optimized and functioning system.
This article discusses balancing valves, what to consider when buying one, and how to install one.
Standard balance valves are specialized valves for controlling flow. They are used in different plumbing applications to control flow. This control of flow is possible by adequately balancing media such as liquids or gases. Their primary purpose is to ensure a proper flow rate per minute. This flow is supplied to each system or equipment as designed.
Based on these specifications, the technician can control or adjust according to varying requirements. You might need more steam flowing during the night to allow temperature control. This heating isn’t as much as is required during the day. These valves are purposed to work without errors. When they work efficiently, they mitigate any losses. This way, they can help your system achieve the efficiency you need.
A balancing valve works in several key aspects. The primary principle is the pressure differential that needs to be maintained. A balancing valve has special internal parts that must balance different flow rates. This balance is based on your requirements. These parts help keep that flow based on differential pressure. You can measure this pressure based on the valve opening changes.
So, when you want to reduce the valve’s flow, you can throttle or reduce the opening of the valve. This reduction will create higher pressure or more resistance to the flow. This throttle will cause the pressure in the valve to drop, thus reducing the outflow.
Liquid pressure can vary from the source. The balance valves adjust this pressure while maintaining proper flow. The flow must consider variations in pressure and adjust accordingly.
Following are some types of balancing valves:
These valves have a constant resistance, which helps control each system flow. You can control the amount of flow accurately through a handle or screw mechanism.
More commonly known as automatic balance valves, they provide constant flow. They keep this constant flow automatically with the help of an internal cartridge. This mechanism helps the valve open or close automatically based on the pressure difference.
Following are some of the most common applications for balancing valves:
Let’s look at the advantages of balancing valves for your system.
When installing or changing a balancing valve, you must ensure proper installation. The technician or plumber pays attention to following proper protocols. Let’s go over the correct steps when following these protocols. Then, we can discuss the essential considerations of choosing the appropriate valve.
Please read through these steps carefully to complete the process correctly and efficiently.
The following are the essential tools when installing a typical balancing valve:
You must also ensure that you buy the proper valve for your system. This consideration takes your specifications into account.
Make sure you have turned off the water or liquid supply in the area where you are working. Before you start working, you need to ensure that you remove all the medium. You don’t want it to create back pressure that you may need to bleed later. This removal is also essential as you don’t want any leakage during and after the process.
If replacing an older valve, use the pipe wrench to remove it. You need to do this before cleaning and installing the new valve. Turn the wrench in an anti-clockwise direction and keep rotating until you can remove it.
If the balancing valve is heavy, make sure to use proper supports. You can also use hanging wires to prevent damage to the pipes around it or yourself if it falls.
Now, you need to apply a few layers of tape around the pipe and balancing valve threads to secure them together.
Before installing the valve, make sure you have aligned the balancing valve threads. These threads must align with the ones on the pipe and then go through the threading process. Rotate the valve in the clockwise direction using your hands and tighten it with a wrench. Please ensure you do not overtighten, as it can deform or damage the threads and the pipe.
Now turn on the water you closed off at the start to see if everything works as it should. If there are any minor leaks, you must tighten the balancing valve.
A balancing valve is a precise device with a flow adjustment meter. This flow allows flow according to the design specifications. In some instances, it comes with fixed Kv from the calibrated orifice. [Ref: Balancing Valve Working]
Check the Kv reading on the top of the valve, as you may need to adjust it before proper operation. So, for example, if your required value of ‘Q’ is 0.7 and the ‘Dp’ is 0.1, it is adjusted for a flow rate of 8 m3/h. This adjustment varies with the diameter of the valve, as explained in the image below:
Turn the knob clockwise until it reaches the pre-regulation value of 80. Then lift the cap from the top of the knob and adjust the screw with the Allen key.
You also need to make sure you detect the ‘Kv’ value on the valve by the flow meter. The ‘-ve’ terminal goes in the blue while the ‘+ve’ terminal goes in the red opening. This reading will give the flow rate of the valve. Adjust the knob until you reach your desired flow rate. You can also repeat this process for other valves in the system until you get the overall accurate flow.
Technicians sometimes install a differential pressure controller parallel to the flow. Please check the official document to adjust and check accordingly. Different manufacturers will have knob readings differently. Please consult the instructions and working manual to set and check the flow rate. [Ref: Balancing Valve Working]
You want your system to function properly and improve performance. To do that, you need the right valve to do that, and choosing the proper one has a few nuances. Here is what you should check when purchasing or selecting the appropriate valve.
Make a detailed check of all the valves and piping systems. See which ones need replacement or if some aren’t efficient. You need to make sure the flow rates are optimal for different sections. You also need to check the temperature requirements for each zone. Finally, calculate the different pressure drops you need in each zone. Make sure you are aware of the pressure balancing valve location.
You need an expert to review your data and calculations. If you do not know how to do this, the expert can do it for you at a service fee. The expert advice will allow a proper assessment of your system. This assessment ensures you buy the right one.
Based on your system’s liquid flow and construction, you may need a static or dynamic valve. You will need a static flow valve if your system has a constant medium flow. If your system has dynamic flow, you choose a dynamic valve.
A few standard features of balancing valves are as follows:
Look for different flow and control markings to make things easier for technicians.
The more features added, the higher the price. Typical functional valves will cost less because of fewer features. So, depending on how much you can spend, you can choose one or two of these requirements.
You need a supplier with experience in what they make. They must also have a good rating online or have good regular customers. Furthermore, they can be outstanding in the long term due to their good after-sales services.
Expert suppliers also must have a wide variety for industry or residential use. This variety can include items such as a pressure balance shower valve kit, etc., that you can buy.
The core functionality of a balancing valve is to increase a system’s efficiency. They can do this whether it’s plumbing, HVAC, or heating and cooling systems. They offer more functionality than other valve types. This functionality is true even though they cost more than regular valves. They can usually be of even better quality.
In a nutshell, there are three different types of shower valves on the market: pressure balancing shower valve, thermostatic shower valve and diverter shower valve. Don’t skip through this section on how to choose a shower valve, because you’ll likely end up with something that doesn’t suit your needs.
Ever flush a toilet when someone was in the shower, only to get yelled at because you burned them with hot water as a result?
That’s because you didn’t have a pressure balancing shower valve! Depending on how old you are, they may not have been in existence at the time. Today it is plumbing code to have pressure balancing in your home - making it one of the most important types of shower valves.
What you experienced is cold water being pulled away from the shower to the toilet, dropping the level of cold water while keeping the amount of hot water the same - resulting in scalding hot water in the shower. Pressure balancing shower valves can sense these pressure changes in the hot and cold lines and partially close down one side to continue to deliver a consistent water temperature.
These valves can require more frequent maintenance, as the internal cartridge balancing the pressure usually has a spool in it that can get locked up over time due to scale and heavy mineral deposits. That will inevitably cause your valve to not produce a consistent water temperature until you get a pressure balance shower valve replacement cartridge. But that’s a small price to pay for safety.
Pro-Tip: Most manufacturer’s back up their valve cartridges, and other parts, with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. So when in need of a part or troubleshooting, contact the manufacturer’s product support line to get to the bottom of the issue and the free parts necessary to make the repair. Read more here: https://www.theshowerheadstore.com/blogs/news/shower-head-faucet-warranty-information
For more information, please visit RKS.
One of the common pressure balancing valve problems is that there isn’t the ability to control the volume of water. So when you turn on the shower it starts at the coldest temperature at full water pressure. There are certain valves that offer temperature memory and volume control but you need to know exactly what to look for. Hang around until the recommendations section, and I’ll give you some good options.
When choosing between types of shower valves, you also need to know how many shower heads you will be using for your project. Pressure balancing valves are good for one to two shower heads at most, as they are equipped with standard sized ½” water inlets. As for larger showers with more shower heads and body sprays, you’ll need a different valve type because this ain’t gonna cut it.
Price-wise, the pressure balancing shower valve is the value buy.
Thermostatic shower valves operate in a similar manner as pressure balancing valves, with respect to maintaining a consistent water temperature even when other appliances are running water in the house.
So how do thermostatic shower valves work? Unlike a pressure balancing valve that uses a spool to control pressure changes, thermostatic shower valves use...well...a thermostat that regulates the temperature. This is a much more precise way to control the water temperature. You can literally control the temperature down to a degree, while with pressure balancing valves you’ll be sticking your hand in and out of the shower to find the “right” temperature.
Once you pinpoint the exact temperature that you want for your shower, you never have to deviate from it. That’s because thermostatic shower valves have a dial for the temperature and a separate control for the water volume. Again, with most (but not all!) pressure balancing valves, once you shut off the water you lose the temperature “memory”.
Because of this design, thermostatic valves are one of the best types of shower valves for larger showers with multiple shower heads and/or body sprays. This is due to the fact that they typically have at least ¾” water inlets, allowing more water to flow through the valve to the multiple devices being used.
Price-wise, this is the more expensive valve.
The previous two types of shower valves are “main” shower valves that control the flow and temperature. Diverter shower valves, on the other hand, are optional valves that divert the flow of water between multiple shower heads. So, if you are only planning on using one shower head, you can skip using a shower valve with diverter.
Diverter valves are IN ADDITION to the main rough-in shower valve. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen clients buy diverter valves thinking that they were the main shower valve, only to be sadly disappointed when passing it along to their plumber...leading to project setbacks.
You’ll find these diverters installed just above the main shower valve with their own separate control. For pressure balancing valves, you’ll only ever need one of these diverter valves (as you’ll only be able to use up to two shower heads). For thermostatic shower valves, you can have multiple diverters to control all of your shower heads and body sprays. Typically, for thermostatic valves you need one diverter per shower head or spray.
Pro tip: When shopping for diverter valves, keep an eye out for 2-way diverter shower valves and 3-way diverter shower valves. A 2-way valve means that you can divert water between two shower heads, whereas a 3-way valve can run water to those independent shower heads or to both at the same time. I’d always opt for the 3-way! For thermostatic shower valves, you’ll typically need one diverter per shower head or spray.
Plumbers love our 2-Handle Shower Valve and Trim with Built-In Diverter for its easy installation and simple maintenance. The minimalist design and intuitive operation is what sets this valve apart: simply lift the main handle to adjust volume, turn to find your ideal temperature, and lock in your settings with a push: your perfect shower is always ready when you are!
The integrated 3-way diverter handle switches effortlessly between the shower heads or can run both at the same time, guaranteeing comfort and convenience. Advanced ceramic disk pressure balancing technology self cleans with every turn for an extended lifespan while ensuring a consistent and safe temperature free from fluctuations.
Value bomb: If you want to save money on your project, or aren’t touching the rough plumbing in the wall, you can elect to use an external shower diverter. This type of diverter installs onto your shower arm and operates the same way, diverting water up to two different shower heads.
I wanted to take a brief pause here for a PSA before moving along. Please talk to your plumber about the types of shower valves you may need for your project and make sure you are on the same page before proceeding any further.
Miscommunications at this stage of your project can lead to unnecessary setbacks, which cost you time and money.
This is an important question to ask before spending too long exploring the different types of shower valves. Make sure you even need to provide a shower valve for your project. Two instances come to mind where you normally wouldn’t have to.
When exploring types of shower valves and installing them, it’s important to understand that there are different connection types.
Copper connection (CC) means that the plumber will have to directly solder the copper pipe into the valve.
Iron Pipe Straight (IPS), also known as 1/2" NPT, connections are threaded connections on the valve, where the plumber would attach an adapter to the valve before soldering the copper pipe into the adapter.
PEX is a plastic tubing that is preferred to copper due to its flexibility, resistance to scale, corrosion resistance and ease of installation (no soldering).
More and more new construction is moving away from copper pipes to PEX. Although it’s been around in the USA since the ’s, it does take some time for new home construction to catch up to all of the older homes with copper pipes.
Those are just some of the connection types, which is why it’s important to consult with a plumber first before going on a shower valve shopping spree.
Are you installing a walk-in shower or a tub/shower combo? That’s important to know, because there are 3- and 4-port shower valves. A three-port valve will have one for hot, one for cold and one port up to the shower head. A four-port valve will additionally have a port down to the tub spout.
Remember, a plumber can always cap a forth port on a valve if you only need three but he can’t create a fourth port if you only provide a three port valve. So know what you need before you buy one of the types of shower valves.
Service stops on a shower valve are optional but certainly come in handy, especially if you are in an apartment or condo.
They allow you to shut off the water to the valve so you can repair it without having to shut the main water source off. If you live in a building with multiple other residents, this could mean that you would have to shut off the water to the building or floor before you can fix your valve, which will take some time to get approved by the building’s superintendent. Even if you live in a single family home, with these check stops you can work on the valve without cutting off running water to your washer, dishwasher, other bathrooms...you get the point.
I think they are worth it to have for the little extra cost of the upgrade. They can mean the difference between getting your valve repaired in a few hours or a few days.
When shopping for different types of shower valves and trim kits, I am a big advocate for choosing reputable, well-established brands. Here's why:
The top brands that I would consider for your shower valve and trim kit are as follows:
Sure, there are dozens of brands to choose from, but these are the most reputable American brands that the majority of plumbers know and trust. While an experienced plumber can install any type of shower valve, the more foreign or complex the project, the longer the project will take and that means more money out of your pocket.
Just like there are different types of shower valves, there are different types of shower trim kits too. So don’t assume that just because you buy a valve that you’ll get a trim or vice versa.
Although Home Depot and Lowes, for example, sell kits that include both the valve and matching trim, that’s more of the exception than the rule. These big box store sets are usually very cheaply made with plastic components, and don’t offer much in the way of shower head performance.
Hey, I love Home Depot as much as the next guy, I'm just letting you know that the standard material quality there is sub-par.
When you shop online or from showrooms, especially from reputable name brands, the valve and trims kits are typically sold separately.
Again, you’ll just need to confirm the product details to know what exactly is included and buy the trim kit that matches the brand and valve model.
Additional accessories that you will need for your shower remodel are as follows:
Of course, you may want to add things like a slide bar or body sprays, which are mostly never included with these sets. Usually buying all of the components as one set is more economical and helps you to avoid issues with product compatibility. The downside is that there are less options when you look for a “complete” set.
I’ve written a previous article on this topic that dives into more of the fashion plumbing side, instead of the rough-in shower valve topic that we are covering now. You can read it here: Shower Remodel 101
Simply put, you cannot use any old shower trim with any type of shower valve. The trim is the decorative escutcheon plate and handle that you see and touch, which controls the valve inside the wall. Like a car, where you wouldn't use Mercedes-Benz parts on a Toyota, the same applies to shower valves and trims.
And it even goes a step further. Brands, such as Moen and Kohler, even have different types of shower valves that require specific types of trims. So you cannot just assume, “I have a Moen valve, any Moen trim kit will work.” You must identify both the brand name and valve type before selecting your trim kit.
Here are our top pick for the different types of shower valves, factoring everything that we’ve discussed above. To keep it simple, we’ve selected our #1 favorite valve and trim. But keep in mind that many brands typically offer 10-20 different styles of trims for each of their valves, so you can do your own research if you find that this style isn't necessarily your cup of tea.