What Height Should a Shower Valve and Spout Be Set At?

Tub Valve Height

• Tub valves are used with shower units installed in bathtubs. Albert Jackson and David Day, authors of the book “Popular Mechanics Complete Home How-To,” recommend installing valves for a tub shower unit 28 inches, or 2 feet 4 inches, from the bathroom floor. Jackson and Day further recommend installing the tub spout 4-1/2 inches below the valve while Merle Henkenius, author of “Ultimate Guide to Plumbing,” suggests placing the tub spout 6 inches below the center of the valve. If your tub already has a spout, simply leave it in place.

Tub Spout Height

• Authors Albert Jackson and David Day recommend installing a shower spout for a bathtub 44 inches from the height of the valve. If you install a tub valve 28 inches from the floor of your bathroom, install the shower spout 72 inches, or 6 feet, from the floor of the bathroom. Author Merle Henkenius recommends the same height for bathtub shower spout installation. Using Henkenuis’ measurements, this places the shower spout 50 inches higher than the tub spout. With Jackson and Day’s measurements, the shower spout sits 48-1/2 inches from the tub spout.

Shower Stall Valve Height

• Measurement specifications for shower stall valve installation differ from those for tub valve installation because you do not need to consider the bath spout. Merle Henkenius recommends installing the valve for a shower stall at a height of 48 inches above the floor of the bathroom. If your shower has separate handles for the hot and cold water controls, place these handles 8 inches apart from one another on a straight line -- one 4 inches to the left of the valve and one 4 inches to the right of the valve.

Shower Stall Spout Height

• Though shower stall valve installation heights differ from those recommended for tub valve heights, shower spout heights remain the same. The standard installation height for any shower spout is 72 inches, or 6 feet. Using Henkenius’ standard 48-inch, or 4-foot, installation height for a shower stall valve, the spout in a shower stall sits 24 inches, or 2 feet, higher than the valve. Henekenius cautions to always install shower stall spouts on a side wall to avoid water spilling onto the bathroom floor in the event that the stall door opens while showering.

Additional Information

• In his book “Ultimate Guide to Plumbing,” Merle Henkenius points out that while shower installation follows standard heights, you can adjust these heights if desired. For instance, some homeowners may install shower spouts at heights of 76 to 78 inches to accommodate people taller than 6 feet. Ultimately, you can install a shower valve and spout at any height with which you feel comfortable. Check with your local laws and plumbing codes, before installation, for any pertinent regulations for your jurisdiction.