Why Are The Showerhead And Valve On Different Walls? (Answered!) -

The most common setup in a shower is to have the showerhead and valve on the same wall.

In some cases, it’s possible to have the showerhead and valve on different walls. This can lead to a situation where you wonder whether or not this is possible and beneficial.

It’s perfectly fine to install the showerhead and valve on different walls. The most important factor to consider is usability, safety, and efficiency. A person should not get sprayed with water when accessing the valve.

It’s recommended to have the showerhead and valve on the same wall, but it is not the worst-case to have them on separate walls.

Here is a look at what to consider when installing a showerhead and valve on separate walls.

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Tips to Consider With Showerhead and Valve On Different Walls

1. Water Should Not Spray On You When Turning Valve

The reason most showerheads and valves go on the same wall has to do with usability.

If you are turning on the water, you don’t want to get splashed with it. This can create a situation where you won’t have enough time to keep the tub clean when turning on or off the showerhead.

It’s a minor inconvenience but usability is often what decides where a showerhead goes.

shower head and valve on different walls

2. Limit the Number of Fittings

Moving a showerhead to the opposite wall will often come down to the fittings.

When you do this, you cannot have an extended number of fittings. The distance makes it important to reduce the number of fittings ensuring water can flow freely.

If not, you might have a situation where the water does not flow correctly. This can create drain-related issues that are not as easy to overcome.

By installing a showerhead and valve on opposite walls, you will need to account for this part of the plumbing setup.

3. Location of the Shower Door or Entrance

It’s hard to have a showerhead on the wrong wall.

In general, you will want to look at where the shower door is too. If it is right across from the showerhead then that is going to create a watery mess outside into the main area.

The same goes for valves that are difficult to reach from the door.

The idea of having to step inside to turn on the shower is frustrating. You might want to let the water warm and that is impossible when the valve is out of reach. It will leave you wet even if you attempt to reach the valve.

To avoid such frustration, it’s always best to have an accessible valve in the shower.

How Far Can Shower Head Be From Valve?

A showerhead can be 2-3 feet away from a valve as long as it’s integrated into the plumbing. The water needs a controlled path to travel without the potential of a blockage. This is essential when it comes to maximizing the plumbing layout.

For the most part, the showerhead can be as far as you want it to be from a valve. If the plumbing is sound, the water will flow as desired.

It’s important to reduce the number of fittings when this is the case.

It will ensure the water does flow freely.

Where Should Shower Controls Be Placed?

Shower controls should be placed within reach of the shower’s entrance. This is more about usability and safety when it comes to regulating water flow in the tub. In most cases, showers have the controls close to the showerhead but this is not mandatory.

It is important to have all of the fittings in place when installing the shower controls.

If the controls are accessible, they can be anywhere inside the shower. This is the top priority when it comes to something like this.

Final Thoughts

Can the showerhead and valve be on different walls?

A showerhead and valve can be on different walls as long as the controls are within reach of the door. It’s also recommended to ensure the water can flow freely to the showerhead if the valve is on the opposite wall.

If everything is fine plumbing-wise, you are more than welcome to have the showerhead and valve on opposite walls in the tub.

It will come down to your particular shower and what the plumbing is like. In some cases, it makes more sense to have them on different walls.

Take your time to look into this and make sure the showerhead is in the right spot. This is essential.

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