How to Install a Concealed Shower Valve

Keep bumping into your shower's large exposed valve? Want a cleaner, minimalist look? Switching to a concealed shower valve could be the answer. Learn how to fit a concealed shower valve here.

How to Install a Concealed Shower Valve in 5 Steps

Have a penchant for DIY? Keep on reading for a concise guide on how to fit a concealed shower valve yourself. Below we’ve broken down the process of fitting a concealed shower valve into several easily digestible steps. Be aware, concealed shower valve installation is not the simplest of DIY jobs!

Before you start, we advise taking a look at our huge shower plumbing section for anything you may have missed. You’ll find everything from concealed shower valve mounting brackets to flexible outlet pipes.

*Installing a concealed shower valve requires prior knowledge of plumbing and will require you to create a false wall in order to hide pipework. Use a qualified plumber if you are not confident in doing so.

1. Prep Your Water System

To avoid any dramatic scares, it is crucial that you turn off your water supply and flush your home’s water system before attempting any work.

2. Measure a False Wall

Here’s where the fun begins! Remove your current shower valve and strip the wall behind it down to the brick. Then, use highly accurate measurements to map out your false wall, with channels to house your hot and cold supplies as well as the concealed mixer valve itself.

3. Route Your Plumbing

Install tee junctions for your hot and cold feed if your piping does not already have them. Next, make sure that your copper tails and pipes pass through the backboard to help keep them in place when it comes to placing plasterboard over them.

4. Stabilise Your Work

Ever heard a metallic rattling sound while showering? This will have likely been due to poorly stabilised plumbing. It’s essential when installing a concealed valve to ensure that all copper and plastic parts are unable to move. Use the proper pipe clamps for your specific pipes and check that everything fits snugly before installing your plasterboard wall. A number of valves come with their own concealed shower valve mounting brackets; be sure to use them if yours does.

5. Concealed Shower Valve Installation

Once you have installed your plasterboard wall, follow your valve manufacturer’s instructions to fit your concealed shower valve. Once you’re satisfied that everything is in working order, you can finish the plasterboard wall with stylish wall tiles or one of our bathroom wall panels.

Though exposed shower valves have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, concealed shower valves will always be the preferred choice of those keen to cut the clutter.

Hidden behind the wall of your shower, the only visible parts of a concealed valve are its controls which are usually mounted to a sleek faceplate. This makes them the ideal valve for particularly tight spaces and provides a tidier, seamless look.

Choosing a Concealed Shower Valve

Need to make a choice on a concealed shower valve for yourself? We’ve listed a few of our recommended valve choices below.

With hundreds of stylish concealed shower valves available on site, we’re certain you’ll find one to suit your tastes. However, as you’re spoilt for choice, we thought it’d be best if we recommended a handful of our favourites to help you out:

The Trafalgar Traditional Twin Concealed Thermostatic Shower Valve

With its single crosshead temperature handle and a classical lever for adjusting the flow, this concealed shower valve from Trafalgar simply epitomises the decorative yet functional designs of traditional bathroom style.

A thermostatic valve, the Trafalgar provides precise control of your showering experience. We particularly love how good it looks when combined with traditional wall mounted shower heads.

The Arezzo Square Modern Concealed Twin Shower Valve

Over the past few years, matte black tapware and showers have swiftly started to replace chrome in stylish, modern bathrooms. The on-trend finish offers a unique dark accent to standard bright bathrooms. It’s just as easy to keep looking clean too.

The elegant temperature and flow dials of the Arezzo valve offer the same precise control as traditional crossheads, allowing you to find your favoured setting with ease. For peace of mind, the entire valve is constructed of dependable solid brass.

The Hudson Reed Tec Pura Plus Concealed Triple Valve with Diverter

Effortlessly blending both traditional and modern design cues, this Tec Pura Plus concealed valve is a standout option for those concerned with achieving a high-end look. The sleek mirror-finished faceplate is equipped with two standard controls and a dedicated crosshead valve for adjusting the temperature.

A triple valve, this designer choice gives you extra functionality allowing you to switch between two separate shower accessories, use them simultaneously, or even switch to a third option. This additional valve does, however, make installation a little more complicated. So, if opting for a triple valve we recommend leaving the job to a qualified plumber.

Found our guide on how to install a concealed shower valve helpful Ready to pick out your own? Check out our comprehensive range of concealed valves, with designs to suit all manner of stylish bathrooms. Want more bathroom tips? Try our guide on How to Identify Your Home's Water System & Pick the Right Shower for It.