If you want to upgrade your bathroom, one crucial consideration is the type of shower valve you choose. A 3-way shower valve is a popular option that provides greater flexibility in controlling water flow and temperature.
A 3-way shower valve is a valve system that allows you to control water flow to multiple outlets. The valve handle controls a cartridge that moves a rubber or plastic seal to block or open each inlet, directing water to the desired outlet.
In this blog post, you’ll explore how a 3-way shower valve works and why it may be the right choice for your bathroom.
What Is A 3-Way Shower Valve?
A 3-way shower valve is a type of shower valve that allows you to control the flow of water to three different outlets. Typically, these outlets are a showerhead, a handheld showerhead, and a tub spout. By turning the valve handle, you can direct water to one, two, or all three outlets.
A 3-way shower valve has a more complex design than a standard shower valve, but the basic principle is the same. The valve is made up of three main components.
- The hot water inlet
- The cold water inlet
- The diverter.
When you turn the valve handle, the diverter directs water to the desired outlet.
How Does A 3-way Shower Valve Work?
A 3-way shower valve is a complex system that allows you to control water flow to multiple outlets. It comprises three main components: the hot water inlet, the cold water inlet, and the diverter. When you turn the valve handle, the diverter directs water to the desired outlet.
There are two main types of 3-way shower valves.
- The tee valve
- The diverter valve.
The tee valve is the simplest type and is often used in basic shower systems. It has two inlets and one outlet, and water is directed to the outlet by turning the valve handle.
The diverter valve is a more advanced type of 3-way shower valve with three inlets and one outlet. It allows you to direct water to any combination of the three outlets.
In a diverter valve, the handle controls a cartridge that moves a rubber or plastic seal to block or open each inlet.
- When the valve handle is in the “off” position, all three inlets are blocked, preventing water from flowing.
- When you turn the handle to direct water to one of the outlets, the cartridge moves the seal to allow water to flow through the corresponding inlet and out of the outlet.
I.e.
To better understand how a 3-way shower valve works, let’s look at an example scenario.
- Say you have a shower system with a 3-way diverter valve that controls a showerhead, a handheld showerhead, and a tub spout.
- When you turn the valve handle to the left, water flows through the hot water inlet, diverter, and showerhead.
- When you turn the valve handle to the right, water flows through the cold water inlet, diverter, and tub spout.
- When you turn the valve handle to the center, water flows through both the hot and cold water inlets, through the diverter, and out both the showerhead and handheld showerhead.
Why Choose A 3-way Shower Valve?
Choosing a 3-way shower valve over a traditional one has a few advantages. Here are some reasons you might choose a 3-way shower valve for your bathroom.
More Flexibility
A 3-way shower valve allows you to direct water to multiple outlets, giving your shower use more flexibility. For example, you can use the showerhead for a traditional shower, the handheld showerhead for washing your hair, and the tub spout to fill your bathtub.
Convenience
With a 3-way shower valve, you can switch between outlets without having to turn off the water and change the showerhead manually. This is incredibly convenient for households with multiple people with different showering preferences.
Better Water Efficiency
By directing water to only the outlet you need, a 3-way shower valve can help save water and reduce your water bill. For example, if you only need to wash your hair, you can direct water to the handheld showerhead and turn off the other outlets.
Customizable
A 3-way shower valve can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the outlets you want, such as a rain showerhead, body sprays, or a handheld showerhead.
Increased Home Value
Upgrading to a 3-way shower valve can add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. It is a feature that many homebuyers look for in modern bathrooms.
Is There Any Disadvantage Of 3-way Shower Valves?
While a 3-way shower valve offers many advantages over a traditional shower valve, there are also some potential disadvantages. Here are some of the most common drawbacks of a 3-way shower valve.
- Higher Cost: A 3-way shower valve is typically more expensive than a traditional one due to its more complex design and additional components.
- More Complicated Installation: Installing a 3-way shower valve can be more complicated than installing a traditional shower valve. It may require additional plumbing work and professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- Limited Water Pressure: With a 3-way shower valve, the water pressure may be lower than with a traditional shower valve, especially if you are directing water to multiple outlets simultaneously. This may impact the overall showering experience.
- Maintenance Requirements: A 3-way shower valve may require more maintenance than a traditional shower valve due to its more complex design. The diverter cartridge may need to be replaced periodically, which can be an additional expense.
Conclusion
A 3-way shower valve provides greater flexibility and convenience in controlling water flow and temperature in your shower. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom or just want more control over your shower, a 3-way shower valve may be the right choice for you. With its space-saving design, energy-saving capabilities, and ease of use, a 3-way shower valve is an excellent option to consider.