Why You Should Always Replace Your Shower Valve When the Plumber Recommends It — Even If Your Remodeler Says “It’s Fine”

When remodeling a bathroom or replacing a shower, homeowners often hear conflicting advice. A plumber might recommend 100% replacing the shower valve, while a general contractor, handyman, or remodeler might insist that “the existing valve is fine” or “you don’t need to spend the extra money.”

Here’s the truth: If your plumber tells you to replace the valve, do it. And here’s why.

You Only Open the Walls Once (or Twice) in a Lifetime

Shower valves are hidden behind your walls. Once your new tile or surround is installed, accessing that valve again would require ripping everything open — adding unexpected costs, stress, and damage to your finished bathroom.

If you’ve already invested in new tile, fixtures, and finishes, there’s no reason to leave an old, cheap, or partially worn-out valve in place.

The Risk of Cheap Valves

Many older homes — especially in areas like Park County and Summit County — have older or builder-grade plastic valves installed by the original builder or using big-box store parts (from places like Lowe’s or Home Depot).

These valves:

• Have shorter lifespans.

• Can be more prone to leaks and failures.

• Often use plastic cartridges that wear out faster and are harder to service.

By contrast, professional-grade valves from trusted brands (like Delta’s higher lines, Kohler, Grohe, or Moen professional lines) offer:

• Solid brass or metal construction.

• Better temperature and pressure balancing.

• Long-term durability and easier maintenance.

Save Money and Headaches Later

When a valve fails, you’re not just replacing the valve. You’re paying to:

• Tear out your new tile or shower surround.

• Fix any potential water damage behind the walls.

• Reinstall new tile or wall panels.

• Possibly fix additional plumbing that was affected.

What might cost a few hundred dollars extra today could save you thousands in repairs and restoration down the road.

Trust Your Licensed Plumber

In Colorado counties like Denver, Boulder, and Jefferson — where homes range from historic to modern — licensed plumbers know the water pressures, mineral content, and system quirks that affect plumbing longevity.

If your plumber recommends a new valve, they’re protecting you from a future failure — not just selling you an upgrade.

Don’t Let “Cost Savings” Fool You

Sometimes, remodelers or handypeople push back on valve replacement to keep your project cost lower on paper or to simplify their own timeline. But true cost savings come from investing in reliability and preventing future problems — not cutting corners on hidden essentials.

At Park County Construction, we work closely with licensed plumbers in Denver, Boulder, Summit, Park, and Jefferson Counties to ensure every shower remodel is built to last — from what you see to what you don’t.