Shower Valves

At Tapron UK, we proudly offer a premium selection of shower mixer valves, thoughtfully designed to combine outstanding performance with elegant design. Whether you're giving your bathroom a contemporary update or preserving the charm of a more traditional space, our expertly crafted valves provide the perfect balance of functionality, reliability, and visual appeal.

Each piece is made with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless experience that not only enhances your showering routine but also adds a refined touch to your bathroom décor.

What Is a Shower Valve

A shower valve is the central control mechanism of your shower system. It regulates the flow and temperature of water, ensuring a safe and enjoyable showering experience every time. Whether you’re adjusting the warmth, switching between different outlets (such as an overhead shower and a hand shower), or managing water pressure, it’s the component that keeps everything running smoothly.

The right choice can greatly enhance both the performance and appearance of your shower space.

Before the development of modern systems, adjusting the water temperature involved manually turning separate hot and cold taps—often resulting in sudden temperature changes and a less-than-ideal experience.

To solve this, control units were designed to offer precise and balanced operation, typically through a single lever or dial. Today’s modern designs allow you to fine-tune both water pressure and temperature with ease. Thermostatic models, in particular, maintain a consistent, safe temperature—even if water is being used elsewhere in the home—making them an excellent choice for families, older individuals, or anyone with limited mobility. Whether you’re planning a full bathroom renovation or simply upgrading your current setup, a high-quality unit is an essential component for both comfort and safety.

A shower valve may not always be visible, but it plays a crucial role in how your shower performs. It’s the central component responsible for controlling the water flow and temperature, ensuring your daily routine is both comfortable and safe. Here’s why it’s such an important element in any bathroom:

1. Central Control Mechanism
The valve acts as the heart of your shower system, allowing you to regulate water flow and achieve your desired temperature. Without it, using a shower would be a much less convenient and reliable experience.

2. Comfort and Consistency
Modern designs are engineered to provide a smooth, consistent flow of water at the perfect temperature. This eliminates the need to manually adjust hot and cold taps and helps avoid sudden temperature changes during use.

3. Safety First
A thermostatic shower mixer helps prevent scalding by maintaining a constant water temperature, even when taps or appliances are used elsewhere in the home.

4. Supports Multi-Function Showers
With many bathrooms featuring more than one shower outlet—such as a rainfall head, handheld shower, or body jets—a quality valve is essential for managing different water outputs effortlessly and efficiently.

5. Enhances Bathroom Design
Available in a range of styles and finishes, from sleek concealed valves to traditional exposed designs, the right valve can also add to your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal. It ties together the functionality and the overall look of your shower space.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Bathroom

When choosing, consider whether you prefer a concealed shower mixer valve or exposed design—concealed offers a sleek look, while exposed is easier to install. You’ll also need to decide between a manual valve, which you adjust yourself, or a shower thermostatic valve, which maintains a steady temperature automatically for added comfort and safety.

Learn more with us and invest in the most perfect shower set at Tapron: GUIDE TO TYPES OF SHOWER VALVES

See the curation: Concealed Thermostatic Shower Valves Collection | Exposed Shower Mixer Valves Collection

Concealed Shower Valves

A concealed shower valve is installed behind the wall, with only the control handles and trim plate visible. This creates a sleek, minimalist finish that’s ideal for modern or contemporary bathrooms.

• They help create a clean and uncluttered look, blending seamlessly with tiled or decorative wall surfaces.
• Perfect for space-saving designs, especially in compact or en-suite bathrooms.
• Available in a wide range of finishes and styles to match your chosen brassware.

Things to Consider:
Installation is more involved, as it requires pipework to be concealed within the wall. Access for future maintenance may also be more restricted, so it’s important to ensure quality components are used.

Exposed Shower Valves

An exposed shower valve is mounted on the outside of the wall, with the valve body and pipework visible as part of the design. This makes it a great choice for traditional bathrooms or industrial-inspired spaces.

• Quick and straightforward installation, with no need to modify the wall structure.
• Easy to access for maintenance or upgrades.
• Adds a distinct visual element, particularly in period-style bathrooms with visible plumbing.

Things to Consider:
Since the valve is fully visible, styling matters. While perfect for classic bathrooms, exposed valves may not appeal to those seeking a more minimalist aesthetic.

Manual Shower Valve

A manual shower valve allows you to control both the water flow and temperature yourself, usually through a single or dual handle.

• Simple and straightforward to use
• You manually mix hot and cold water to reach the desired temperature
• Generally more budget-friendly
• Ideal for en-suites, guest bathrooms, or spaces with consistent water pressure

Things to Consider:
Manual valves don’t automatically adjust to changes in water pressure. If someone flushes a toilet or runs a tap elsewhere in the home, you may experience a sudden temperature change during your shower.

Thermostatic Shower Valve

A thermostatic shower valve automatically maintains your chosen water temperature, even if the water pressure fluctuates.

• Maintains a consistent, safe water temperature
• Automatically balances hot and cold water
• Great for family bathrooms or homes with multiple users
• Minimises the risk of scalding or freezing water

Things to Consider:
Thermostatic valves are typically more expensive than manual ones, but the added safety, comfort, and ease of use make them a worthwhile investment—particularly for households with children or elderly family members.

Types of Shower Valves

A vital component in any shower system, responsible for regulating the flow and temperature of water to your chosen outlets. Whether you’re creating a compact en-suite or designing a luxury, spa-style bathroom, the right valve will provide effortless control, safety, and style. With a variety of shower valve types available, it’s easy to find a solution that suits both your layout and design preferences.

1 Outlet Shower Valve

A 1 outlet shower valve is designed to operate a single water outlet, such as a fixed overhead shower or a handheld shower head.

• Best for: Minimalist bathrooms, and en-suites
• Functionality: Provides temperature and flow control for one outlet only
• Benefits: Easy to use, cost-effective, and ideal for simple setups

2 Outlet Shower Valve

A 2 outlet valve allows you to operate two separate water outlets—commonly a fixed shower head and a hand shower.

• Best for: Medium-sized bathrooms and those seeking versatility
• Functionality: Easily switch between outlets or control them individually, depending on the valve design
• Benefits: Adds flexibility to your shower without overcomplicating the layout

3 Outlet Shower Valve

The 3 outlet valve is the ultimate choice for premium and feature-rich shower spaces, allowing control over three different water outputs.

• Best for: Large or luxurious bathrooms with multiple functions (e.g. rainfall head, body jets, hand shower)
• Functionality: Offers independent or combined control for a tailored showering experience
• Benefits: Creates a spa-like feel, combining comfort, control, and indulgence

Common Features:

• Thermostatic Temperature Control
  Maintains a consistent water temperature, offering safety and comfort even when water is used elsewhere in the home.
  
• High-Quality Materials
  Made from durable solid brass or stainless steel for longevity, strength, and resistance to corrosion.
  
• Wide Range of Finishes
  Available in a variety of elegant finishes to suit any bathroom design, including antique brass, brushed black, brushed brass, polished chrome, matt black, brushed bronze, brushed stainless steel, nickel, and rose gold.
  
• Variety of Handle Types
  Thoughtfully designed for both ease of use and individual style preferences – available in lever, crosshead, round, and square options.
  
• Wall-Mounted Installation
  All valves are wall-mounted, with options for either concealed (hidden behind the wall) or exposed (surface-mounted) setups.
  
  
• Modern and Traditional Styles
  Choose from clean, contemporary designs or timeless, heritage-inspired looks to match your bathroom theme. Whether you're after a sleek minimalist finish or the classic charm of a traditional shower valve, there’s a style to suit every interior.
  
  
• Flexible Orientation
  Available in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) layouts to suit different wall spaces and shower designs.

How It Operates

• When you turn the handle or lever, the valve opens, allowing water to flow through.
• As you adjust the control, the internal mechanism mixes hot and cold water to the correct temperature.
• If it's a shower diverter valve, it also allows you to direct water to a chosen outlet, such as between an overhead shower and a hand shower.
• A thermostatic valve automatically adjusts the mix to maintain a steady temperature—even if someone turns on a tap or flushes a toilet elsewhere.
• For secure and efficient installation, a shower valve fixing kit is often used to ensure the valve is mounted correctly and safely within the wall.

See collections: 1 Outlet Shower Valves | 2 Outlet Shower Valves | 3 Outlet Shower Valves

Shop Today!

Whether you're looking for a concealed shower valve replacement to refresh your setup or a sleek black shower valve to elevate your bathroom's style, Tapron UK offers the ideal solution for every space. Explore our carefully curated range and enjoy lasting performance, thoughtful design, and timeless elegance—crafted to enhance both form and function.

FAQ

What is a shower valve?

A shower valve is the control mechanism that regulates both the flow and temperature of water in your shower system. It ensures a smooth, consistent showering experience and allows you to switch between different outlets, such as an overhead shower or hand shower. Though often concealed behind the wall, it plays a vital role in the comfort, safety, and performance of your shower.

What are the different types of shower valves?
There are several types of shower valves to suit different layouts and needs:

• Manual Valves – Controlled by the user to adjust temperature and flow
• Thermostatic Valves – Automatically maintain a consistent water temperature
• Concealed Valves – Hidden behind the wall for a sleek, modern finish
• Exposed Valves – Surface-mounted and easier to install or service
• Single, Dual, or Triple Outlet Valves – Designed to control one, two, or three water outlets respectively

What is a thermostatic shower?
A thermostatic shower is fitted with a valve that automatically balances hot and cold water to maintain your selected temperature. This means that even if water is used elsewhere in the home—like flushing a toilet or running a tap—your shower will stay at a steady, comfortable temperature, helping to prevent sudden bursts of hot or cold water.

How do thermostatic shower valves work?

• Thermostatic valves contain a built-in thermostat that continuously monitors the water temperature.
• They automatically adjust the mix of hot and cold water to maintain your selected temperature.
• If water is used elsewhere in the home (e.g. flushing a toilet or using a tap), the valve reacts instantly to compensate.
• This ensures a consistent and safe showering experience, with no sudden temperature changes.
• Ideal for family bathrooms, as well as for those seeking added safety and comfort.

How to install a concealed shower valve?

• The valve body is fitted inside the wall cavity, out of sight.
• Plumbing connections are made to the hot and cold water supplies, and to the outlets.
• Once secured, the trim plate and handles are mounted on the wall surface for operation.
• Planning is important—especially if you're working with tiled or finished surfaces.
• For safety, performance, and to meet regulations, it’s highly recommended to hire a qualified plumber.

How to replace a shower valve?

General Steps:

• Turn off the water supply.
• Disconnect the old valve carefully.
• Install and connect the new valve to the plumbing system.
• Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
• Ensure all fittings are secure and functioning correctly.

If the valve is exposed, the replacement process is usually straightforward since it's surface-mounted and doesn’t require wall access.

If the valve is concealed, access may involve removing part of the wall or tiles. The new unit must be fitted correctly within the wall cavity, followed by refitting the trim plate and handles. Due to the complexity of installation and to ensure compliance with plumbing standards, professional assistance is strongly recommended.