Can I replace my shower faucet with any brand?

MongoCT. Showerhead threading is pretty much universal, you can swap one for most any other. Shower valve trim kits are the exact opposite…you may have luck by staying within a certain manufacturer, but for the most part trying to swap a trim kit onto an existing valve may or may not work.

Can I replace my own shower faucet?

If your bath or shower faucet drips, you can fix the old shower valve and faucet with a few inexpensive replacement parts. (If the spout and handles are worn, you can change them out, too.) But if it’s a new style you’re after or features like preset temperatures or anti-scald protection, it’s time for replacement.

Is it hard to replace a shower faucet?

Even if you’re not very experienced with bath or plumbing projects, many of the steps necessary for replacing an old or damaged shower faucet are relatively simple.

How do I identify my shower faucet brand?

Look at the center of the trim plate behind the shower handle to find a brand name or manufacturer symbol. If you see a “K,” the faucet is a Kohler unit; an “M” signifies Moen. American Standard, Delta and Price Pfister typically print their entire name on the faucet itself.

Are all shower valves universal?

Shower valves are mostly sold separately from shower trim and accessories. Not all shower trim sets come with valves. Because they work in tandem, both the shower faucets (the shower trim) and the shower valve must be made by the same manufacturer and be the right pairing to ensure a proper fit to work correctly.

Can you replace shower fixtures without removing tile?

While your plumber will take great care to cut or remove only enough tile as necessary, you could face some minor tile repair depending on the size of the opening. Most tile repairs under these circumstances can be addressed by installing an oversized escutcheon to cover the larger opening in the tiled wall.

Can you replace shower faucet without removing tile?

This may require some cutting or removal of the tile around the shower valve opening to access the leak. While your plumber will take great care to cut or remove only enough tile as necessary, you could face some minor tile repair depending on the size of the opening.

Are shower valves interchangeable?

In most cases, the cartridges will be interchangeable even with other brands, but there may be some exceptions. But if you’re not sure whether your cartridge is compatible with another brand of shower valve, it’s best to consult a plumbing professional.