How to Frame a Shower Valve

Mixer valves control the flow of water to the shower head.

Shower valves -- known as mixing valves -- control the amount of hot and cold water that reaches the shower head. Hot and cold water supply pipes are connected to either the bottom or sides of the mixer, with one pipe running from the top of the mixer up to the shower head. Most mixers are attached to the vertical wall stud frame with a horizontal piece of wall stud (either 2-by-4 or 2-by-6). Install the horizontal part of the frame in the correct position by following the shower stall specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Power saw
• Medium sandpaper
• 2-inch galvanized screws
• Screw gun
• Galvanized metal strapping
• Eye goggles

Instructions

1. Read the shower installation instructions regarding the proper height and positioning of the shower mixer valve.

2. Measure the distance between the two existing wall studs at the point where the horizontal stud will be installed. Cut a piece of wall stud to this length. Remove splinters from the cut using medium sandpaper.

3. Place the newly-cut piece of wall stud horizontally in the correct position between the vertical wall studs. Make sure that the horizontal stud is the correct depth from the drywall/wall covering that will eventually be installed onto the front side of the stud wall. Follow the shower installation instructions regarding the correct depth of the horizontal wall stud.

4. Install 2-inch galvanized screws at 45-degree angles through the horizontal stud ends, and into the vertical studs (screw both into the top and bottom of each end of the horizontal stud).

5. Hold the mixer valve in position against the vertical stud. Screw 2-inch galvanized screws through the installation holes, located in the mixer valve, into the stud. If the mixer valve has no installation holes, wrap galvanized metal strapping around the valve and horizontal stud, securing the strapping to the stud with 2-inch galvanized screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye goggles for protection when cutting the horizontal stud.

References

• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Benjamin W. Allen, Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995

Resources

• DIY Doctor: Welcome to Our Fitting a Mixer Valve Project