![AXEL Thermostatic Concealed 3 Outlet Shower Valve - Vertical MP 0.5 [74691MBH] Main image](http://tapron.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/AXEL-Thermostatic-Concealed-3-Outlet-Shower-Valve-Vertical-MP0.5_74691MBH-tapron.jpg?format=webp&v=1641390476&width=336)
![AXEL Thermostatic Concealed 2 Outlet Shower Valve Horizontal [74693MBH] Main image](http://tapron.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/AXEL-Thermostatic-Concealed-2-Outlet-Shower-Valve_74693MBH_tapron.jpg?format=webp&v=1656569344&width=336)
Table of Contents:
-
Introduction
-
What two outlets means in a shower system
-
Types of shower valves for dual outlets
-
Dual outlet vs diverter: what you’re actually buying
-
Two outlet thermostatic bar shower valve
-
How to use shower controls
-
Choosing the right two outlet shower valve for your bathroom
-
Water pressure, plumbing compatibility, and installation notes
-
Matching outlets: popular two outlet shower system combinations
-
Maintenance and troubleshooting
-
Conclusion
-
FAQ
Introduction
A dual outlet shower setup is designed for choice. Instead of committing to a single fixed shower head, you can run two water delivery points—such as a rain head and a handheld shower—through one control valve. In practice, a dual outlet shower valve gives you the ability to direct water to outlet A, outlet B, or (in some systems) both, depending on the valve design and the shower’s water pressure.
This isn’t only about comfort. Dual outlet control can also make a shower easier for families, simpler for cleaning the enclosure, and more practical for rinsing hair, bathing pets, or washing down tiles.
What two outlets means in a shower system
In shower terminology, an outlet is simply a point where water exits the system—your shower outlet. In a 2 outlet shower system, there are two separate outlets connected to the valve body, commonly configured like this:
An overhead outlet is typically plumbed to a fixed shower head (often a rainfall head mounted from the wall or ceiling). The second outlet is frequently connected to a handset on a rail, or to body jets, or sometimes to a bath spout in a bath–shower arrangement.
A key point: two outlets doesn’t automatically mean two outlets running at full power at the same time. Many systems are designed so you can switch between outlets (A or B). Some allow combined running, but that depends on the valve type, the cartridge/diverter design, and your water pressure.
Types of shower valves for dual outlets
When people search for a 2 way shower valve or two outlet shower valve, they’re usually choosing between these core valve styles:
Manual mixer shower valve
A manual mixer blends hot and cold supplies and relies on your adjustments to find a comfortable temperature. In a two-outlet format, the system also includes a diverter or secondary control to select which outlet is active. Manual systems are straightforward, but temperature can change if someone uses water elsewhere in the house.
Thermostatic shower valve
A thermostatic valve actively regulates temperature by adjusting the hot/cold mix automatically, helping keep the shower stable even with pressure changes. Thermostatic showers are widely recommended for comfort and safety, because the valve works to reduce sudden hot or cold surges.
Pressure-balancing valves
Pressure-balancing designs aim to keep the mix steady by responding to pressure fluctuations between hot and cold feeds. They help prevent sudden temperature swings, but they don’t typically offer the same set-and-hold precision as a thermostatic control.
For many households, thermostatic control is the easiest day-to-day option, particularly where multiple bathrooms or appliances can affect water flow.
Dual outlet vs diverter: what you’re actually buying
You’ll often see dual outlets and diverters mentioned together. Here’s the simple distinction:
A dual outlet shower valve means the valve body supports two outlet connections. A diverter function determines whether water goes to outlet A, outlet B, or (sometimes) both.
Some products are described as a 2 way shower valve because they offer two-way routing. Others may be called a double outlet shower valve even when the practical use is one at a time. If you specifically want both outlets to operate together, check the product’s flow specifications and the shower system design, and be realistic about pressure and performance.
Two outlet thermostatic bar shower valve
A 2 outlet thermostatic bar shower valve is an exposed bar control mounted on the wall, usually with two separate controls: one for temperature and one for flow/outlet selection. It’s popular because it’s visually tidy, easy to reach, and often simpler to install than a fully concealed valve (especially in refurbishments where you’re avoiding major wall work).
Thermostatic bar valves are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, and many include a safety stop (often around 38°C) so you don’t accidentally turn the shower hotter without deliberate action. Many thermostatic designs also reduce the risk of scalding by limiting sudden temperature spikes if the cold supply is interrupted.
How to use shower controls
Modern shower controls look sleek, but they’re also designed to be intuitive once you know what each control does. Here’s how most dual outlet systems work in real life.
Temperature control
On a thermostatic system, you set your preferred temperature once, then make small adjustments only when needed (seasonal changes, different users, etc.). Many thermostatic controls include a safety stop that requires pressing a button to go hotter than the stop point.
Flow control
Flow is the on/off + volume control. Turning it increases water output. On some valves, the flow control also contains the diverter logic for outlet switching.
Outlet selection (diverter control)
This is the part that makes a dual outlet shower feel clever. Depending on the design, you may have:
-
a separate diverter dial/lever that selects outlet A or B, or
-
a combined flow-and-diverter control that changes outlet as you rotate through positions.
In day-to-day use, it’s typically best to turn the water on at a moderate flow, confirm temperature is comfortable, then switch to the outlet you want (overhead for a full rinse, handset for targeted washing, cleaning, shaving, or rinsing shampoo thoroughly).
Choosing the right two outlet shower valve for your bathroom
A professional-looking shower is the result of good planning, not just a nice finish. When choosing a two outlet shower valve, focus on these practical factors:
Your preferred shower routine
If you mostly want overhead showering but love the practicality of a handset, a classic two-outlet setup (fixed head + hand shower) is ideal. If you want body jets, check whether your pressure can support them and whether the system is designed for multi-outlet running.
Concealed or exposed controls
Concealed valves create a minimal look with the valve body hidden in the wall. Bar shower valves are more accessible for retrofits and usually easier to service.
Thermostatic or manual
A thermostatic option often suits busy households because it reduces temperature drift when other taps or appliances are used.
Safety awareness
Thermostatic controls are commonly chosen for bathrooms used by children or older family members because they help maintain a stable temperature and reduce sudden changes.
Water pressure, plumbing compatibility, and installation notes
Even the best valve won’t perform well if it’s mismatched to the property.
Water pressure matters because two outlets place different demands on the system. If you’re on a combi boiler with good mains pressure, you typically have more flexibility. If you’re on a gravity-fed system or have historically low pressure, you may need to choose valve types and shower head sizes carefully to maintain a satisfying flow.
Installation also depends on wall depth, pipe routing, and access for future servicing. For concealed valves, correct depth setting is critical so the trim sits flush and controls operate smoothly. For bar valves, straight pipework alignment helps the unit sit level and seal properly.
Matching outlets: popular two outlet shower system combinations
A two-outlet system is only as good as the outlets you pair with it. The most common combinations are straightforward and highly usable.
A fixed overhead shower head paired with a handset is the classic everyday luxury setup. The overhead provides a full-body rinse, while the handset is practical for hair washing, cleaning, and more precise rinsing.
A rainfall head paired with body jets is more spa-like, but it’s also the most demanding in terms of water delivery. If you want body jets, consider how many jets you plan to run and whether your system is designed for this flow rate.
A bath spout paired with a shower head is common in bath–shower rooms. Here, the two outlets support quick bath filling as well as normal showering.
The key is to think of shower outlets as tools for different tasks, not just design features. When planned well, your dual outlet shower becomes easier to use every day, not more complicated.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
A well-maintained two outlet shower valve should perform reliably for years, but small issues can appear over time—usually due to limescale, debris, or worn seals.
Regular cleaning should be gentle, especially on modern finishes. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner, and avoid abrasive pads that can mark coatings.
If flow reduces at one outlet, it’s often the shower head or handset hose that needs descaling or a rinse of the filter. If temperature becomes inconsistent on a thermostatic valve, the thermostatic cartridge may need cleaning or servicing, particularly in hard-water areas.
If you notice persistent leaks behind a concealed plate, or difficulty switching outlets, it’s best to stop using the system and have it inspected. Early fixes are typically simpler and cheaper than leaving a slow leak.
Conclusion
A 2 outlet shower valve is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a modern bathroom because it improves both flexibility and control. Whether you choose a concealed dual outlet shower valve for a minimal finish or a 2 outlet thermostatic bar shower valve for easier installation and use, the goal is the same: stable temperature, predictable flow, and a shower that suits real routines.
Plan your shower outlets around how you actually shower, match the valve to your water pressure, and get the controls positioned so they’re comfortable to reach. Do that, and a double outlet shower valve stops being a feature and becomes the part of the bathroom you appreciate every day.
Frequently Asked Questions