Shower valve height is probably not something you think about–unless yours is inconvenient or uncomfortable to use. Shower valves regulate water temperature and flow rate to your shower head and in many cases to your bathtub filler spout. The handle or handles should be safe and easy to reach and use.
Why Shower Valve Height Is Important
Shower valves should be conveniently located to provide ease of access and safe operation. Too high and the valve is difficult for children to adjust–increasing the possibility of scalding. Everyone using the shower should be able to reach the handle without straining–from both inside and outside the compartment.  Shower valves should be located directly below the shower head. Shower heads, shower valves, and filler spouts usually form a plumb vertical line for ease of installation and use.  Shower valve placement depends on various factors:
- Building Codes. The International Residential Code (IRC) does not regulate shower valve height. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends 38” – 48” from the shower floor. Your local building regulations may be more specific.
- Shower Users. Ensure every person in the house who uses the shower can safely reach and operate the valve handle. Mark the proposed location on the wall and have everyone stand in the shower or tub to check their reach.
- Type Of Enclosure. Shower-only enclosures have different suggested valve heights than tub/shower combination units.
Typical Shower Valve Heights
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for how high to locate shower valves but there are standards that plumbers usually stick to during installation.
Shower Stall Valve Height
The standard valve height for shower stalls is 48” from the floor of the shower. This is an easily accessible height for anyone standing or sitting in the shower–on a built-in bench or a stool or chair.  Valve heights usually vary between 30” and 50” above the shower floor. Some people prefer to have the shower valve centered between the shower floor and the shower head. Standard shower head height is 72” off the floor but 80” or more is acceptable for taller users of rainfall shower heads.
Bathtub/Shower Valve Height
The standard valve height for tub/shower combos is 28” above the floor of the bathtub. It may be a little bit of a stretch when showering but the handle is accessible to someone sitting in the tub. Some older or retro tubs have valve holes drilled into the wall of the tubs. Some have valves located on the side of the tubs. Neither of these affects shower operation–just the ease of access.
There are rarely hard and fast rules for shower valve height. Make sure it is located in the best place for you and your family–safe, usable, and convenient so everyone can use it comfortably and it is not an obstruction in the shower.
