How to Identify Old Shower Valve?

If you have an old shower valve that needs repair or replacement, you might wonder what brand and model it is. Identifying the manufacturer and type of your shower valve can help you find the right parts and instructions for fixing it.

However, not all old shower valves have clear markings or labels that indicate their origin.

In this blog post, we will show you some tips and tricks on how to identify old shower valve brands and models using visual clues and online resources.

Old Shower Valve Identification

Here are the 9 methods you can identify old shower valve.

1. Check the handle and trim plate

The first place to look for clues about your shower valve brand is the handle and trim plate.

These are the parts that are visible on the wall of your shower.

Some brands, such as Delta, Price Pfister, and American Standard, usually print or engrave their name or logo on the handle or trim plate.

Others, such as Kohler and Moen, use a letter or symbol to mark their products. For example, Kohler uses a K and Moen uses an M.

If you can find a name or logo on your handle or trim plate, you can use it to narrow down your search for the specific model of your shower valve.

Also, compare the shape and style of your handle and trim plate with online catalogs or images of different shower valve brands.

2. Count the Splines or Teeth

Another way to identify an old shower valve is to count the splines or teeth on the stem of the valve. The spline count refers to the number of ridges or teeth on the valve stem, which is the part of the valve that the handle attaches to and controls the flow of water.

To count the splines, you’ll need to remove the handle and any trim pieces covering the valve stem.

Use a flashlight to help you see the stem clearly. Count the number of ridges or teeth on the stem, and take note of this number.

Once you have the spline count, you can use it to help identify the brand and model of the valve. Many manufacturers have a specific spline count for their valves, so this can be a useful piece of information.

If you’re still unsure about the brand and model of the valve, take a clear, in-focus picture of the stem to show at a hardware store. The experts at the store should be able to help you identify the valve and recommend replacement parts.

3. Measure the Valve

Measuring the valve is another important step in identifying an old shower valve.

By measuring the diameter of the valve stem or the valve body, you can determine what size replacement parts you’ll need.

To measure the valve, use a ruler or tape measure to determine the diameter of the valve stem or body. Take note of this measurement, as it will be helpful when selecting replacement parts.

In addition to measuring the valve itself, take measurements of any other parts of the valve, such as the handle or trim. Measure the length, width, and height of the handle and trim pieces.

This information can help you identify the brand and model of the valve, and can also assist in selecting replacement parts that are the correct size and shape.

It’s important to measure accurately, so double-check your measurements to ensure they’re correct.

4. Remove the handle and trim plate

If you cannot find any name or logo on your handle or trim plate, or if you want to confirm your identification, you will need to remove them to access the valve body.

The valve body is the part that controls the water flow and temperature inside your shower. Depending on the type of handle and trim plate you have, you may need a screwdriver, a hex wrench, or a faucet handle puller to remove them.

Once you have removed the handle and trim plate, look for any markings or numbers on the valve body.

Some brands, such as Moen, stamp their name on the side of the valve body.

Others, such as Delta, use a series of numbers or letters to identify their models.

You can use these markings or numbers to search for your shower valve model online or in plumbing books.

5. Remove the stem or cartridge

If you still cannot identify your shower valve brand or model after removing the handle and trim plate, you will need to remove the stem or cartridge from the valve body.

The stem or cartridge is the part that moves inside the valve body when you turn the handle.

It regulates the water flow and temperature by opening and closing ports in the valve body.

To remove the stem or cartridge, you will need a pair of pliers, a wrench, or a special tool designed for your shower valve brand.

Be careful not to damage the stem or cartridge when removing it, as you may need to reuse it later.

Look For Markings and Numbers

Once you have removed the stem or cartridge, look for any markings or numbers on it. Some brands, such as Price Pfister and American Standard, use a code system to identify their stems or cartridges.

Others, such as Kohler and Delta, use distinctive shapes and sizes to differentiate their models.

You can use these markings, numbers, shapes, or sizes to search for your shower valve model online or in plumbing books.

6. Check for Unique Features

When identifying an old shower valve, it’s important to check for any unique features that can help identify the manufacturer or model of the valve.

These features may include special shapes, markings, or other distinguishing characteristics that are specific to a particular brand or model.

Inspect the valve carefully, looking for any unique features that stand out. This could include unusual shapes, engravings, or markings that are not commonly found on other types of shower valves.

If you do find any unique features, take note of them and do some research to see if you can find a matching valve or replacement parts. Many manufacturers have specific designs or features that are unique to their products, which can help narrow down your search for replacement parts.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all old shower valves have unique features, so this step may not always be necessary.

However, if you do notice any distinguishing characteristics, be sure to take note of them as they can be very helpful in identifying the valve and selecting the right replacement parts.

7. Take Picture and Compare with Other Valves Available Online

If you can’t find any markings or labels on your old shower valve, you can take pictures of it and its parts from different angles.

You can use these pictures to compare them with other shower valves online or in catalogs.

You can also send these pictures to a plumbing expert or a hardware store employee who might be able to identify your old shower valve for you.

Why You Might Need to Identify Old Shower Valve?

If you have an old shower valve that is leaking, dripping, or not working properly, you might be tempted to replace it with a new one.

However, before you do that, you need to identify the type and brand of your old shower valve. Why is that important?

Here are some reasons why you might need to identify old shower valve before replacing it.

To find the right replacement parts.

Different shower valves have different parts that are compatible with them. If you don’t know the type and brand of your old shower valve, you might end up buying the wrong parts that won’t fit or work with your existing valve.

This can waste your time and money, and cause more damage to your plumbing system. By identifying your old shower valve, you can find the exact parts that match it and ensure a proper installation.

To avoid damaging your wall

Some shower valves are mounted on the wall behind the tiles or drywall. If you want to replace them, you need to cut through the wall to access them. This can be messy and costly, and you might need to hire a professional plumber to do it.

However, if you know the type and brand of your old shower valve, you might be able to find a replacement valve that fits in the same hole and uses the same connections as your old one.

This way, you can avoid cutting through the wall and save yourself some hassle and expense.

To preserve the style and function of your shower

Some shower valves have unique features or designs that you might want to keep or match with your new valve.

For example, some shower valves have thermostatic controls that regulate the water temperature and prevent scalding or freezing.

Some shower valves have multiple outlets that allow you to use different shower heads or sprays. Some shower valves have distinctive handles or trim plates that complement the style of your bathroom.

What Are the Two Types of Shower Valves?

Shower valves are devices that control the flow and temperature of water in a shower system.

There are two main types of shower valves –

• thermostatic
• and manual.

Thermostatic shower valves have a built-in sensor that regulates the water temperature according to a preset level. This prevents sudden changes in water temperature that can cause scalding or freezing.

Manual shower valves do not have a sensor and require the user to adjust the water temperature manually by turning a knob or lever.

Manual shower valves are simpler and cheaper than thermostatic ones, but they offer less control and safety.

Conclusion

Identifying an old shower valve can be challenging if it does not have clear markings or labels. However, by following these steps, you can use visual clues and online resources to find out what brand and model of shower valve you have. This will help you find the right parts and instructions for repairing or replacing it.

We hope this blog post has been helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments about how to identify old shower valve brands and models, feel free to leave them below.