Pressure-Balancing vs. Thermostatic Shower Valves

The purpose of the shower goes beyond simple hygiene – it also offers comfort and relaxation. However, if you want to maintain a safe and enjoyable shower experience, you’ll need to make sure the water temperature is exactly to your liking. You can do this by choosing either a pressure-balancing or thermostatic shower valve. But which one is actually the better choice? 

Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve

The valves are responsible for balancing the mix of hot and cold water in the shower. They basically safeguard you from possible thermal shock or scalding caused by a sudden – or even extreme – change in water temperature. A pressure-balancing shower valve allows you to reach the desired water temperature using just one lever handle. It makes this possible by sensing and responding to changes in water pressure. When you turn the handle closer to the “hot” side, for example, the pressure-balancing valve will increase the hot water pressure and decrease the cold one.

Thermostatic Shower Valves

Unlike the previous option, thermostatic shower valves use two handles to bring water to a specific temperature. One of the handles controls the volume while the other controls the temperature. Instead of sensing and responding to water pressure, thermostatic shower valves react to the temperature. This allows you to manipulate and change the flow volume without affecting the current setting for hot or cold water. 

Which Option to Choose

Most reliable plumbers would suggest picking thermostatic shower valves and here’s why:

• They provide more precise and consistent water temperatures thanks to their two handles. 
• You can just turn the water temperature handle at the most comfortable position and leave it set like that for years. No need to worry about it because it won’t affect the shower flow volume at all.
• Thermostatic shower valves limit the maximum temperature that reaches you, ensuring a safer water temperature.
• They prevent other water-utilizing appliances like the toilet from affecting water pressure in the shower.

Call Us Today

Look no further than Handyman Connection® of Mason for the highest quality plumbing solutions. If you need a pro to add or replace mixing valves to your shower, we’re at your service. Call us today at (513) 733-3777, or fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve the areas in and around Mason and Blue Ash, OH.