Your shower handle or faucet should sit flush with your shower wall for a streamlined, clean appearance and to prevent leaks that can cause damage. To achieve this, you must get the shower valve rough-in depth right.
The minimum rough-in depth for your shower valve on a finished wall is 1 7/16 inches (37 mm), and the maximum depth of 2 3/16 inches (56 mm). However, this depth can vary based on the valve type and the manufacturer. The building codes must also be considered.
Getting the rough-in depth for your shower valves right helps you avoid plumbing-related issues. Therefore, let’s look at essential things to know about shower valve rough-in.
Shower Valve Rough-In Depth (Factors To Consider!)
Different factors influence how deep you should install your shower valve. These include:
1. Type of Shower valve
Shower valves come in different types, such as standard pressure-balancing valves, diverter valves, and mixing valves. Knowing the shower valve type you have is essential because that will help you determine the appropriate rough-in depth.
For example, you may need to rough in a thermostatic shower valve much deeper than a pressure-balancing valve.
2. Manufacturer Specifications
Shower valve manufacturers typically offer installation specifications for their components, including the recommended rough-in-depth. Following the provided instructions is imperative.
3. Wall Thickness
You must also take the thickness of your bathroom wall into consideration because it will impact the rough-in depth of your shower valves. For this reason, you may need a deeper rough-in when fixing a shower valve on a thick wall to ensure it’s flush.
Besides the thickness of your wall, you must also consider the wall covering thickness.
4. Desired Faucet Or Handle Height
The height at which you want the faucet or handle to sit on the finished wall surface can impact the rough-in depth required for the valve. Due to this, install your shower valve installation depth should let you fit the faucet or handle at your desired height.
5. Building Codes
Your area may also have building codes specifying rough-in depths for shower valves. Due to this, check what the codes say before installing your shower valve.
Are Rough-In Shower Valves Universal?
Rough-in shower valves are not universal. This means various shower valve types may have different mounting requirements and rough-in dimensions.
There is a standard rough-in depth dimension for shower valves. However, verifying the specific requirements for the valve you are installing before making any cuts or modifications to the plumbing is important.
Furthermore, remember different shower valve models and manufacturers may have unique rough-in dimensions. Therefore, consult the manufacturer’s installation instructions for essential details like the correct rough-in depth and the location of the mounting bracket.
Installing the wrong shower valve type or using an incorrect rough-in depth can cause leaking problems or improper operation. So, strive to install your shower valve correctly or hire a plumber if you don’t have the necessary skills for such a project.
Let us look at rough-in depths for different brands.
a) Moen Shower Valve
Moen shower valves’ standard rough-in depth is 2 ½ inches on a finished wall. However, the recommended rough-in varies depending on the model, so checking the manufacturer’s installation instructions is best.
b) Kohler Shower Valve
Generally, Kohler shower valves have a rough-in depth of 1 ¾ to 2 ½ inches measured from the valve’s center to your bathroom’s finished wall. This varies depending on the model, so confirming the correct rough-in depth before installation is vital.
c) Delta Shower Valve
The rough-in depths of Delta shower valves range from 1 ½ inches to 2 ½ inches from your finished wall to the valve’s center. However, check the rough-in depth of your Delta shower valve model beforehand.
What Depth Should A Shower Valve Be Set At?
Generally, you should set your shower valve, so it’s slightly recessed to accommodate the thickness of your wall covering or flush with your shower’s finished wall. If you are unsure about how to set the depth of your specific shower valve, consider consulting a professional contractor or plumber for expert assistance.
Besides the rough-in depth, knowing the shower valve rough-in height is also essential. While the height can vary, you should set your shower valve at 28 inches if you have a bathtub and 48 inches for shower stalls.
What Do You Do When Your Shower Valve Is Deep?
If your shower valve is too deep, here are a couple of possible solutions to solve the problem:
1. Use A Shower Valve Extension Kit
Some manufacturers offer extension kits you can use to extend the valve body out from your bathroom wall to the correct depth. These kits typically include a longer valve stem and mounting hardware to attach the valve to the wall.
2. Build Out Your Shower Wall
If there is enough space behind your shower wall, consider building out the wall to bring the shower valve closer to the surface of the finished wall. You can do this using a thicker backer board or adding an extra framing.
3. Use A Shower Trim Kit With An Adjustable Depth
Shower trim kits refer to your shower’s decorative or visible parts, such as the knobs, handles, and showerhead. These components come in different forms, including those with adjustable depths, which can help you compensate for a shower valve set too deep.
These kits will help you adjust the trim plate to sit flush with your finished wall, regardless of the valve depth.
4. Consult A Plumber
If fixing a deep valve is beyond your expertise, you are better off leaving the job to a licensed plumber. They will assess the problem then guide you on what to do based on your circumstances.
Final Remarks on Shower Valve Rough-In Depth
Do not take shower installations lightly or do a half-assed job because the proper functioning of your bathroom depends on it. The rough-in depths of your shower valves are vital details to know before installation. Since shower rough-in depths are not universal, it is best to check the model you have.
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