While the showerhead is where the water for your shower flows from, the volume controls and shower diverters throughout your shower control your overall shower experience. These valves control the pressure, water volume, and water temperature throughout your shower.

It can be tempting to attempt to improve your overall shower experience by simply replacing your showerhead. However, if you don’t take the time to assess your current plumbing and bathroom fixtures, you may not obtain the desired results. Evaluating your plumbing to see if your valves, plumbing, and fixtures are up to date is an important part of the design process.

First, let’s spend a moment learning about valves, shower diverters, and volume controls. Familiarizing yourself with this information will allow you to make educated decisions about the fixtures, fittings, and trim in your bathroom. Then you can work to customize your shower experience so that it is exactly what you’d like it to be.

What Is a Valve?

Shower valves are the parts of your plumbing that are within the shower walls. They regulate the water temperature, volume of water flow, where the water flows to and from, and more, and are usually installed out of sight as an integral part of the structure of your shower. They are typically sold separately from your showerhead, faucet, and taps. The valves should be made by the same manufacturer as your shower trim to ensure everything fits and functions correctly.

What Is a Shower Diverter Valve?

When you have a combination shower and bathtub in your home, a shower diverter valve controls the flow of water between the tub’s faucet and the showerhead. These valves come in several styles, but each is designed to force water to flow upward through the shower pipe and out the showerhead when the valve is closed.

Kingston Brass features a wide variety of three-way diverters in various finishes, including polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, polished brass, and matte black. In addition, you can choose from a lever handle or a cross-handle option. No matter what you’d like your shower project to look like when it’s completed, Kingston Brass has the perfect diverter available.

For a modern industrial look, consider the Three Way Diverter Valve with Matte Black Trim Kit. This valve allows you to divert water into your shower in three different ways. Most homeowners opt for a tub spout, shower head, and hand shower. It features an attractive matte black finish and cross handle, is easy to install, and was designed for long-lasting durability.

If you prefer a more traditional decorative style, opt for the Single Handled Polished Brass Trim Kit for the same valve. Instead of a cross handle, enjoy an easy-to-grasp single handle. The shiny brass finish helps this trim kit stand out, creating a decorative appearance you’re sure to love.

What Is a Shower Volume Control Valve?

A volume control valve controls the volume of water that flows through the showerhead. This feature can be very useful if you’re running more than one fixture off of the same installation. A