How do you tell what kind of shower stem you have?

Check behind the shower handle at the center of the trim plate to find the manufacturer’s symbol or brand name. “K” is for Kohler, “M” for Moen while Price Pfister, Delta, and American Standard have their full names on the faucet. You can also use the cartridge length to find the brand name.

Are shower valve stems universal?

Do not try to mix and match with manufacturers when it comes to shower faucet and valve parts. The different brands’ faucet and valve types and sizes are not interchangeable.

What are the different types of shower valves?

  • Mixing Valves. A traditional type of shower valve is the mixing valve, designed to draw water to the shower head from the hot and cold taps. …
  • Pressure Balancing Valves. …
  • Thermostatic Valves. …
  • Diverter Valves. …
  • Transfer Valves.

How do I identify a faucet stem?

Can you replace a shower valve with a different brand?

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.

How do I know what cartridge my shower faucet is?

Use a caliper or ruler and measure the cartridge. Do this by measuring from the base to the tip (from seat to splines). Pay attention to the length tier of your cartridge (Lengths range from 1–12). Next, identify the broach pattern with the broach chart (see page B-5).

What is the difference between a faucet stem and cartridge?

The Difference Between Stem & Cartridge

A stem is used in two-handle faucets, where one handle is responsible for cold water and the other is responsible for hot water. A cartridge is used in faucets to control hot and cold water through just one handle. It can be repaired quite easily.

Is there a difference between hot and cold faucet stems?

The only difference between the two are how they operate. The cold side stem turns on by rotating clockwise. Where as the hot side would turn on by rotating counter clockwise. So you could use a hot side stem on the cold side and vice versa.

Are shower valve cartridges interchangeable?

Cartridges aren’t interchangeable among different faucets, so if you decide you need a replacement, you need to know its part number so you can order it from your plumbing supplier or online. That number is usually available on the manufacturer’s website in the online version of the owner’s manual for your faucet.

Can you mix and match shower parts?

You can coordinate the same style and finish across all components, trim and fittings, as well as faucets and accessories, or you can mix and match. Explore the Shower Components Guide.

Are Moen shower valves interchangeable?

Moen has manufactured many types of shower rough-in valves including four types single handle shower valves. The trim kits are not interchangeable. It is important to identify which valve is currently installed by looking at the escutcheon screw location and the handle operation.

Are Delta shower trim kits universal?

Delta manufacturers their Shower Valves to be universal. This means you can simply remove the Trim Kit (which installs over the tile) and switch it out.

Are Moen and Delta shower valves interchangeable?

Delta and Moen valves are not interchangeable because they use different types of fittings.

Can you replace shower trim without replacing valve?

The handle and trim for the tub/shower controls can also usually be replaced without redoing any plumbing by using a universal replacement kit (available for most brands at home centers and plumbing supply stores).