Walk-In Shower Series – Part 4: Fixtures, Valves & Water Flow

Here we are—Part 4 of our Walk-In Shower Series! We’ve covered the foundation with pans, built it up with walls, and finished the enclosure with doors. Now, let’s talk about the part of your shower that actually makes it… well, a shower: the fixtures and water delivery system.

This is where your remodel goes from “looks great” to “feels amazing.” From standard showerheads to body sprays, rain showers, handhelds, and even digital thermostatic valves, the plumbing behind the scenes determines your daily experience.

So grab a towel, because we’re about to pull back the curtain on how shower fixtures really work, and what you should know before you pick yours.

Choosing Your Showerhead

Let’s start simple. The showerhead is the first thing you’ll notice—and it can completely change how your shower feels. A classic wall-mounted head is simple, reliable, and connects directly to the shower arm coming out of your wall. Most homes in Connecticut are set up for this style, and modern models can offer everything from wide sprays to massage functions while using as little as 1.75 gallons per minute.

If you’re craving that spa-like vibe, a rain showerhead could be your best friend. These are either ceiling-mounted or connected with a long wall arm so the water falls straight down. The key consideration is splash—rain heads need enough space inside your enclosure so water doesn’t escape, and your water pressure must be sufficient to feel satisfying.

Then there’s the handheld option, which adds flexibility. Mounted on a slide bar with a hose, a handheld is fantastic for cleaning, rinsing pets, or assisting with mobility. Many homeowners choose a dual setup - a fixed head paired with a handheld - so they get the best of both worlds.

Total Bath Pro Tip: If you’re in an area of Connecticut with hard water, consider a showerhead with an easy-clean nozzle system to avoid mineral buildup.

The Valve: The Unsung Hero

Behind your wall lives the valve, which is basically the brain of the shower. A pressure-balancing valve is the standard option in most remodels. It keeps your water temperature steady, even if someone flushes the toilet or starts the dishwasher, but it only controls temperature with a single handle and is best suited for a shower with one water outlet.

For more control, a thermostatic valve is a game changer. It allows you to set an exact water temperature that won’t fluctuate, and a separate control handles the water flow. If you’re planning multiple shower features—like a rain head and a handheld sprayer—this setup gives you the flexibility to run them one at a time or together, without any sudden temperature surprises.

Directing Water Flow with Diverters

If your shower has more than one feature, you need a way to direct the water. A simple diverter lets you switch between, say, a fixed head and a handheld. A transfer valve goes a step further, allowing multiple outlets to run at the same time. For homeowners dreaming of that “full spa experience” with multiple sprays running together, a transfer valve is almost always the way to go.

Behind the Scenes: Installation and Technical Considerations

Here’s where things get real. Your shower might look clean and polished on the outside, but the plumbing rough-in during construction determines everything about how well it works. Your valve is installed between the studs, and its depth is critical - manufacturers provide exact specifications so the trim sits perfectly flush once the walls are finished. In many remodels, we also add wood blocking behind the wall to give the valve and any future grab bars or slide bars a secure anchor point.

When it comes to the pipes, a simple single-head shower can run just fine on ½-inch PEX or copper lines, which is what most homes already have. But if you’re adding body sprays or a large rain head, upsizing to ¾-inch lines might be needed to keep everything running strong. Positioning also plays a role: rain heads generally work best 80 to 84 inches off the floor, while handheld slide bars are usually placed around 48 to 52 inches high for easy access.

How Long It Lasts & What to Expect

Once installed correctly, your valve can last 15 to 20 years with little to no trouble. Trim pieces like handles or decorative plates can be swapped out without opening the wall, so updating your style later is easy. Multi-feature setups do take more time to install—often a full day for plumbing rough-in—but they reward you with a truly custom shower experience.

Bringing It All Together

When it comes to walk-in showers, the fixtures and valves are where form meets function. The right combination of valves, diverters, and showerheads transforms a plain enclosure into your own spa retreat.

At Total Bath Systems, we help homeowners across Connecticut plan and install shower systems that feel amazing and work flawlessly. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all-in on a multi-head spa shower, we’ll make sure your plumbing is as beautiful behind the wall as the fixtures are on the outside.

👉 Contact Total Bath Systems now for a free consultation and let’s build something beautiful together!

🔜 Coming Up Next: Part 5 – Storage, Seating & Accessibility Features

Next time, we’ll cover the finishing touches that make a walk-in shower convenient and safe, like built-in niches, corner shelves, folding seats, and grab bars. These small details often make the biggest difference in your daily routine.