You want to replace the trim and the handle? Answer from Carbonberg on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/homeimprovement › can i replace a shower faucet handle without replacing the valve?
r/HomeImprovement on Reddit: Can I replace a shower faucet handle without replacing the valve?
June 4, 2023 -
I just redid my bathroom surround and I am changing my hardware to black. However as per the pic the old glacial bay handle I currently have installed doesn’t seem to be compatible with any black covers or handles. Is it possible to change this or will I need to cut the drywall behind and install a new valve?
https://imgur.com/a/SyRcati
Top answer 1 of 4
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You want to replace the trim and the handle?
2 of 4
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This has the same general look with holes in the right places. Make sure you can turn off the water before taking apart, but I don't see any reason you shouldn't be able to take the current handle and the trim plate with you to the hardware store and compare with the stuff they have in stock https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Tub-Shower-Trim-Kit-Matte-Black-864910/318490028
Videos
06:10
How to Replace a Shower Mixing Valve | This Old House - YouTube
10:19
How To Replace A Shower Valve - YouTube
07:15
How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House
When to repair or replace your faucet or shower valve?
16:11
You Won't Believe You Can Replace a Shower Valve Without Breaking ...
11:25
Shower valve replacement - YouTube
Can I replace a shower valve on my own?
If you've got some handyman experience, sure. It's going to be a tall order for a lot of folks who don't work with their hands very often.
wikihow.com
wikihow.com › home and garden › home maintenance › bathrooms › showers › how to replace a shower valve: 12 steps (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Replace a Shower Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
Why are there two valves to shut off if there's only one water line?
One is for hot water and the other is for cold water. If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water.
wikihow.com
wikihow.com › home and garden › home maintenance › bathrooms › showers › how to replace a shower valve: 12 steps (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Replace a Shower Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
How do I get into the wall to access the valve?
Look on the opposite side of the wall where the shower is located. There are often access panels for this. If you don't have an access panel, you're going to have to remove that drywall, though. If your home is super old, you may want to get an asbestos inspection done first before you do anything.
wikihow.com
wikihow.com › home and garden › home maintenance › bathrooms › showers › how to replace a shower valve: 12 steps (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Replace a Shower Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
Speedway Plumbers
mrplumberindy.com › knowledge-center › how-to-replace-a-shower-valve
How to Replace a Shower Valve Like a Professional Plumber
September 27, 2023 - The assembly must be lubricated and reassembled correctly for the shower valves and faucet to properly function. First off, if you have a leaky shower, you want to replace a shower valve or install a new valve cartridge to stop this leak as ...
WELLFOR
wellfor.com › home › projects from the pros › projects from the pros
Can you replace a shower faucet without replacing the valve|WELLFOR
October 23, 2024 - When replacing a shower faucet, compatibility is critical. The new faucet must fit the existing valve. If it doesn't, you may face complications.
The Spruce
thespruce.com › how-to-replace-a-shower-valve-5197461
How to Replace a Shower Valve
June 25, 2025 - Located behind the shower handle, the shower valve cartridge controls the water flow and mixes hot with cold water. If the job goes beyond just replacing the valve, you may need to contact a plumber since accessing the entire valve body to replace ...
Select Home Warranty
selecthomewarranty.com › how to replace a shower valve: 5 simple steps
How to Replace a Shower Valve | 5 Easy DIY Steps
September 17, 2025 - In many cases, yes, you can swap out the valve cartridge or trim without damaging your tiles. Some homeowners even use a wider escutcheon plate to cover small wall openings. But if full valve access is limited, removing a tile or two might be ...
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
mrrooter.ca › home › about/blog › how to replace shower faucet
How to Replace a Shower Faucet | Mr. Rooter Plumbing
So, unless you need a two-handle system and you only have a one-handle system, you’re most likely fine with the valve you already have. To replace a shower faucet without changing the valve, ensure that your new faucet system matches your old one.
Wikihow
wikihow.com › home and garden › home maintenance › bathrooms › showers › how to replace a shower valve: 12 steps (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Replace a Shower Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
September 8, 2024 - If your shower valve is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it to prevent leaks. Removing your old valve and installing a new one can take time, but with patience, a novice handyman can do it without the help of a plumber. As...
Quora
quora.com › Can-you-replace-a-shower-faucet-without-replacing-the-valve
Can you replace a shower faucet without replacing the valve? - Quora
Answer (1 of 5): There are three - four distinct parts two of which can easily be changed, and the third is a lot more complicated. The valve (part #1) that has a cover & handle (part #2) attached to it. The shower head (part#3) and faucet head for filling tub (part#4). The cover & handle, shower...
Robinsplumbing
robinsplumbing.com › home › tips and information › signs that you need to replace your shower valve
Signs That You Need To Replace Your Shower Valve
August 7, 2025 - To prevent any further damage it’s essential to address the issue promptly. If you’ve had shower valve repairs more than once in the last 5 years, you have hard water or high water pressure. With either one of these conditions, it may be wiser to invest in a replacement rather than continuing to make repairs that won’t hold.
Lowe's
lowes.com › home › diy projects & ideas › how-tos › plumbing
How to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Faucet
December 11, 2023 - Once the pipes are cut, use a reciprocating saw to detach the stringer from the studs. The valve, which is attached to the stringer, will come with it. ... Many shower faucets come with an included valve, so you don’t have to worry about ...
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › diy projects & ideas › home decor ideas › bathroom ideas & projects
How to Replace a Shower Faucet - The Home Depot
September 7, 2023 - Cut the pipe going up to the shower, as well as the hot and cold lines below. Once the pipe is cut, use a reciprocating saw to take out the stringer with the old valve still attached. Now, it's time to choose a new valve. Make sure you purchase the correct valve for the faucet you’re planning ...
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › lqi4e-replace-shower-valve-without-removing-tiles.html
Replace Shower Valve Without Removing Tiles? Expert Guide
If there is drywall that can be taken out to reach the shower valve, that is the recommended method for replacing the valve since it provides access to the water lines and the shower head riser pipe.
Cinch Home Services
cinchhomeservices.com › homeowners › blog › how-to-replace-a-shower-valve
How to replace a shower valve in 11 steps
Faulty shower valves need replacement when the damage is irreparable. It’s not as easy as changing a shower head, but the right guidance (and some patience) can help you replace the shower valve whether it has a single-handle or double-handle ...
This Old House
thisoldhouse.com › home › how to replace a shower valve
How to Replace a Shower Valve This Old House
A single-handle shower faucet typically consists of the following: ... The cartridge is the heart of the valve, controlling water flow and temperature. Over time, mineral deposits and wear can cause damage, and you may need to replace this piece.
Published July 8, 2025
DIY Home Improvement
diychatroom.com › home › forums › home improvement › plumbing
Do I need a new shower valve? | DIY Home Improvement Forum
I replaced old 3 handle valve with grohe. I like its soft close feel compared to other brands. If replacing from front, you will need big cover made for such repairs. Amazon.com Above is just a sample. It's chrome, so make sure you find same finish. Best if stick with same brand but no guarantee. ... I think the OP is doing a renovation, which I interpret to mean he is taking down and putting up. Should be an easy change out. ... I don't know if you "need" a new shower valve without looking at it, But you sure sound like you "want" a new valve.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › r58ll-shower-valve-replaced-simply.html
Shower Valve Replacement: Trim Kit or Full Swap?
If the valve body is intact and functions properly, replacing only the trim kit can save time and cost. However, if you notice dripping, difficulty in controlling water temperature, or visible damage, valve replacement is necessary.
Pioneer Industries
pioneerind.com › home › should i repair or replace my shower faucet?
Should I Repair or Replace My Shower Faucet?
January 23, 2025 - If you need to replace your shower faucet altogether, it is best to call a professional plumber for assistance. *Don’t forget to read up on which finishes are currently trending! Pioneer’s accessible and easy-to-use website allows you to quickly and efficiently search for the parts you need, like water pressure regulators and shower mixer valves.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › adding new shower valve. something i can do myself or need to call a plumber?
r/Plumbing on Reddit: Adding new shower valve. Something I can do myself or need to call a plumber?
July 7, 2024 -
Bought a new bathtub hardware kit as old one was corroding. I have installed the tub faucet and shower head with no problems. Of course the lever handle in this kit does not work with the old shower valve. It did come with a new valve to install. I thought I could just unscrew the nuts on all 4 sides and remove the old valve, but they won’t budge. Probably answered my own question but should I call a plumber for this or does anyone have any tips on removing?
Top answer 1 of 23
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I’d keep the valve, just replace the cartridge and buy a new trim kit. Moen posi-temp
2 of 23
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The two here that said call a plumber or replace the valve cartridge are spot on. You are not going to have a fun time trying to replace the valve on your own with out a bit of prior experience. Ask me how I know.
Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air
andersonplumbingheatingandair.com › home › shower valve repair and replacement 101: solutions and expert tips for your san diego home
Shower Valve Repair and Replacement 101 | Expert Solutions for San Diego Homes | Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air
October 8, 2025 - Shower valves are built to last, ... attention over time. Understanding how your shower valve operates and the signs of trouble can help determine whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement....