Shower System Buying Guide: Planning a Brass Shower
A brass shower is built from several parts that have to work together: a valve that mixes and controls the water, the outlets it feeds, the trim that finishes the wall, and the drain below. Planning those parts in the right order is what makes a shower comfortable to use and straightforward to install. This guide explains the main decisions. Patinaty offers complete solid brass shower systems in two styles, built-in shower systems and exposed shower systems, along with freestanding tub fillers and individual parts such as valves, hoses, face plates, handles and shower drains.
Decide what the shower needs to do
Start with how you want to shower, because that determines how many outlets the valve must control.
- A single fixed shower head only
- A fixed head plus a handheld shower for rinsing and cleaning
- A rain head, a wall head and a handheld
- A tub spout in a combined tub and shower
Each separate outlet you want to control is often called a function or a way. Think about who uses the shower. A handheld is useful for rinsing hair, bathing children or pets, and cleaning the enclosure, while a rain head gives a gentle, wide spray that many people enjoy for a relaxed shower. Combining outlets adds comfort, but each one adds connections, cost and planning, so choose the combination you will really use. Our shower systems are offered as head only, head with handheld, head with tub filler, or head with handheld and tub filler, so you can match the system to the way you shower.
Match the valve to the number of outlets
| Valve type | Outlets controlled | Typical setup | Patinaty option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 way | 1 | Single shower head or single outlet | Solid Brass 1 Way Valve, 2 Handles |
| 2 way | 2 | Shower head plus handheld, or head plus tub spout | Solid Brass 2 Way Valve, 3 Handles |
| 3 way | 3 | Rain head, wall head and handheld, for example | Solid Brass 3 Way Valve, 3 Handles |
If you choose one of our complete shower systems, the valve and handles are part of the system, so check its product page for what is included. Check the product page of each valve for its connection details and how the handles operate, and share them with your plumber before rough-in. Our article 1-Way, 2-Way and 3-Way Shower Valves Explained goes deeper.
Exposed or built-in
In an exposed shower, the pipes that carry water to the head are visible on the wall, which gives a strong vintage or industrial look and can simplify some renovations. In a built-in (concealed) shower, the pipework runs inside the wall and only the trim, handles and outlets show.
| Consideration | Exposed | Built-in |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Visible brass pipework as a design feature | Clean wall with only trim visible |
| Wall work | Usually less opening of walls | Pipes routed inside the wall before tiling |
| Planning | Pipe positions must line up neatly | Valve depth and rough-in must suit finished wall |
| Access | Pipes accessible on the surface | Plan an access route for future service |
Browse exposed shower systems or built-in shower systems, and learn more in Exposed vs Concealed Shower Systems.
Temperature control
Shower valves manage temperature in different ways. Thermostatic valves hold a set temperature, while pressure-balance valves compensate for pressure changes in the hot or cold supply. Many plumbing codes in the US require some form of anti-scald protection in showers, so ask your plumber what applies in your area and confirm how any valve you choose meets it. See Thermostatic vs Pressure-Balance Shower Valves, and our Shower Valve and Plumbing Compatibility page.
Plan heights and positions
Heights are personal and depend on the people using the shower, the ceiling and the type of head. Mark them on the wall with your plumber before rough-in.
- Shower head height, considering the tallest regular user
- Valve and handle height, comfortable to reach from outside the spray if possible
- Handheld holder position, reachable when seated or standing
- Distance between outlets so spray patterns do not clash
- Position of any niche or shelf relative to the spray
A simple test helps: stand in the space with your arms raised and mark where the spray should fall, then check that the handles can be reached without stepping fully under cold water when the shower first starts.
Components checklist
- A complete shower system, or a valve with the right number of ways (we offer 1, 2 and 3 way brass valves)
- Shower head and arm, included with our shower systems or available as separate shower heads
- Handheld shower and a brass handheld hose
- Face plates or escutcheons to finish wall openings, found in hardware
- Spare handles and cartridges for future maintenance
- A shower drain, linear or square, from bathroom accessories
- Accessories such as a wall-mounted brass soap dish or robe hooks
For drains, a square drain usually sits in the center of a floor sloped from all sides, while a linear drain sits along one edge and lets the floor slope in a single plane, which suits large format tile and curbless entries. Agree on the drain type with your tile installer before the floor is prepared. Choosing all visible brass parts in the same finish, from handles to drain, gives the shower a coherent look as the metal ages.
Work with your plumber
- Bring the product pages for every component to the first meeting.
- Confirm the valve suits your supply pipe sizes and water pressure.
- Agree on finished wall thickness before the valve is set.
- Pressure test before closing the wall.
- Check all local code and permit requirements.
Related guides: Fixture Installation Planning Guide, Fixture Measurements and Compatibility and Replacement Parts and Support.
Need help?
If you are unsure about any detail, we are happy to look at your plans, photos or measurements before you order. Reach us through our contact page or email contact@patinaty.com, and include the product you are considering so we can give you a precise answer.