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Ridgeway Mechanical,
Inc.
Serving all of Metro Atlanta
OFFICE 6 7 8 . 3 1 8 . 3 6 1 2
FAX 6 7 8 . 3
9 8 . 0 3 8 8
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Tub and Shower Valves.
| Tub
and shower valves, although hidden in the wall,
are an integral parts of a home's plumbing and comfort
systems. Controlling the flow and temperature of
water coming from the tub spout or shower head,
tub and shower valves reside behind the sheetrock,
tile, or fiberglass in your tubs and showers. Consisting
of a primary valve body through which water flows,
the valve is controlled by the handle(s) in your
tub or shower, allowing the user to control all
aspects of water flow. Some valves supply water
to only a shower head, as in stand-alone shower
set-ups, or to both the shower |
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head and tub spout, as seen in
tub/shower combos. Tub and shower valves can be single,
double, or triple handle set-ups, each with their own
design options.
Three-handle tub and shower valves are not as common as
they once were, but are still found in a large number
of homes. The two outside handles control hot and cold
water flow, while the middle handle or knob is the diverter,
which sends water to either the tub spout or the shower
arm. These valves use a screw-in/screw-out components
called "stems." At the end of these stems, inside
the valve itself, are hard, flat rubber washers that are
secured to the stem with a screw. These washers press
against brass "seats" to control the flow of
water. These small washers eventually get brittle and
crack, or become indented to the point where they no longer
function properly. When this occurs, it is time for what's
called a rebuild. A less expensive alternative to complete
valve replacement, a rebuild involves pulling the stems
from the valve, inspecting them, and replacing any faulty
parts, usually the washers, screws, and other small pieces.
Sometimes, the entire stem needs replacement. This repair
generally gives the homeowners years of leak-free use.
If this type of repair is not enough to fix the problem,
or the valve is very old, complete replacement of the
valve is recommended. To accomplish this, access to the
valve is required, generally from behind. Normally this
involves cutting a small hole in the sheetrock (or whatever
is behind the valve), cutting out the old tub and shower
valve assembly, and replacing it with a new 3-handle,
or in some cases, a single-handle unit. Twin-handle valves
function in the exact way as three-handle units, but only
control a showerhead.
Single-handle tub and shower valves are the most popular
type of set-up, and function in a simpler and more problem-free
manner. Controlled by only one handle, these valves feature
brass, plastic, or ceramic cartridges that are built to
handle hot and cold water, as well as control flow. Multiple
holes in the back of the cartridge allow hot and cold
water to pass through and mix. These valves can be of
a push-pull/turn type, or simply left/right turn on/off.
Applications involving a tub have diverts located directly
below the handle, protruding from the trim plate surrounding
the knob. While more reliable and less problematic than
stem-type valves, single handle cartridges do eventually
wear out and need replaced. Complete valve replacements
are much rarer on single-handle units, being of simpler
design and functionality.
All valve repairs come with our 12-month warranty, and
in the case of replacements, the manufacturer's warranty
as well.
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Great Financing Available!
Ask us about financing for your next plumbing repair, replacement, installation or renovation. We can help!
Send Us Any
Written Estimate.
We can usually match or beat any written estimate. Send an estimate from any other plumbing services company and let us see what we can do for you.
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