Parts and Problems with Showers: A Beginner’s Guide

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice soothing shower after a long day? Feel your stress wash away as the water from the shower head makes contact with your skin. You let out a peaceful sigh when you notice a growing puddle of water starts to form at your feet.

What was supposed to be a relaxing shower becomes a nightmare when you realize you have a slow drain and the water pressure is decreasing. To make matters worse, the water is starting to accumulate and flood. Suddenly, a bath became a race to make sure your whole bathroom doesn’t flood because of a bad shower drain!

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we know the importance of a functioning shower because we rely on them to keep us clean too. In our years of experience, we’ve seen how important it is to have a shower that works well. Showers are one of the essential fixtures in a home, and we’ve accumulated knowledge to help you stay on top of maintaining it.

In this article, we combined research with our years of experience to come up with a guide to help you be prepared for a shower replacement. This valuable knowledge at your disposal will assist you in making sure your shower assembly and drain issue is resolved without minimum concerns. Now, let’s dive in!

What Are the Parts of a Shower System Called?

When you think about the parts of a shower, you might only identify the shower head, faucet, and tub spout. These parts make up some of the overall shower assembly.

It can be overwhelming to understand what shower parts are and how they work in conjunction. Fortunately, we replace these parts all the time and will provide you with a breakdown of each one, from top to bottom, and what they do.

• Shower Head: Shower heads are where the water is sprayed out from. Shower heads come in different sizes and designs, with some designed to alter the flow of water that comes out.
• Shower Arm: The shower arm is an extended pipe fitting connected to a wall flange. It is responsible for supplying water and providing an extension for the shower head.
• Shower Flange: The shower flange is another way to call the pipe hole cover where the shower arm sticks out. These covers are available in various designs to compliment the shower head and provide a decorative appearance.
• Shower Pipe: The shower pipe is a long vertical pipe connected to the diverter valve and extends into the shower head assembly. It is located behind the shower wall and can be made of copper, galvanized iron, or plastic.
• Faucet Set: The faucet is the shower part that allows you to turn the water on or off. It also allows you to set your water temperature between hot and cold. It is connected to the diverter valve and is one of the most customizable shower parts, with different designs available.
• Diverter Valve: The diverter valve is hidden behind the faucet and is a key part of a shower assembly. It is responsible for controlling the water flow. It is where the hot and cold water lines connect and mix before being transported to the shower head or the tub spout.
• Tub Spout: The spout is located under the faucet and provides a large water flow in shower tubs. It usually contains a diverter that can switch the flow of water from the shower head or the spout.
• Shower Pan: This base is where all the water is collected and flows toward the drain. It is an integral part of the shower because it protects your home from leaks.
• Drains: Another critical component of a shower is the drain. It helps direct waste water from showers into your home’s drainage system.

All these parts come together to ensure you have the best shower possible every day.

Common Issues With Showers

If your shower assembly is old or experiencing an issue, the best thing to do is replace it. A plumbing professional has the knowledge and tools to access the pipes connected to the shower valve and replace it. A plumber can use a snake—not the animal—but a device that helps clear clogs in your shower drain pipe.

Besides the shower diverter valve, a plumbing technician can also replace the shower pipe assembly. This will help improve water flow from your hot and cold water lines to your shower head and tub spout.

In most cases, replacing the valve and pipe assembly will resolve any issues with your shower. Any recurring problems with your shower drain could mean a problem with your home’s sewage line, which requires further inspection from a plumber. By addressing a home’s main line issue, your shower drain should be more effective at getting rid of wastewater.

Is your shower taking a long time to provide hot water? Then it could be an issue with your water heater instead of the shower valve itself.

It is crucial to keep in mind that plumbers will only work on shower drains, valves, and pipes. If you want a complete overhaul of your shower appearance, then it is best to consult a bathroom remodeling contractor. They may also be another helpful resource when learning about the parts and problems with showers.

How Do I Know If I Need to Replace my Shower Assembly?

Shower assemblies can last 25 to 50 years, depending on their quality and maintenance. These fixtures are built to last and handle repeated use, but there comes a time when you need to replace them.

Through our experience, we’ve replaced shower assemblies across homes all over Los Angeles. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different issues that can occur in your shower.

• Leaks: Shower leaks can come from the shower heads and tub spouts or even appear as mold. Your shower might leak if the water pipes and valves aren’t connected or get old.
• Old Age: Shower assemblies are durable, but like everything else in your home, they will eventually give out to old age. Old shower pipes can rust and affect water flow or lead to leaks.
• Clogs: I’m sure you know how horrible clogs are. If your shower is clogged, consider snaking the drain. You may also use clog-clearing formulas like Drain-o but do not overuse it or it may damage your pipes.
• Foul Smell: If you notice a sewage-like smell coming from your shower, it could signify a much larger problem, such as a broken clean out or cracked main sewage line.

Some of these issues can be fixed on your own, but it’s best to consult a plumbing professional. They can help you better understand the parts and problems with showers and what to do about it.

How to Ensure a Smooth Shower Assembly Replacement?

For most people, a shower is a place where you can escape. You can close your eyes and pretend you’re on a getaway vacation as the water hits the top of your head. This getaway can be ruined if there are issues with your shower, such as a slow drain or lousy clog.

Don’t let shower drain and assembly issues ruin your bathing experience. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re not just plumbers by day; we also rely on showers to wash away dirt and stress. We understand how frustrating it is not to have a working shower, so we developed this guide to help you understand the parts and problems with showers.

If you start experiencing concerns with your shower’s water flow, hot water, or drainage, don’t just sit by and do nothing. Keep your shower running to its best capability and contact Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric at (818) 213-1773 or book an appointment online.