I’ve installed and repaired more showers than I can count—tract homes, historic remodels, high-efficiency multi-family, you name it. When folks ask me what separates a smooth DIY shower install from a headache, it usually comes down to two things: buying professional-grade components from the right source and following a methodical, code-conscious process. That’s where I come in—and where Plumbing Supply And More delivers. Whether you’re a serious DIYer, a property manager juggling units, or a seasoned contractor, I’ll walk you through the essentials I use daily, from picking the rough-in to the final trim, with clear steps and parts that are proven to work.
Before we dive in, a quick promise: I’ll call out the exact valves, drains, membranes, and fittings that I trust—and explain why. And yes, I’ll share a few “save your Saturday” pro tips from the field.
Start with the Rough-In: Valves, Pressure Balance, and Thermostatic Choices
Spend money where water meets metal. Cheap rough valves are the root of 80% of call-backs I see. For standard residential installs, a pressure-balance valve keeps temperatures steady when someone flushes a toilet. For multi-outlet showers or precise temperature control, thermostatic is the way to go.
- My go-to pressure-balance: Delta MultiChoice Universal Rough R10000-UNWS with 17 Series trim. It’s repairable, parts are easy to find, and the stops make service painless. Typical price: $65–$95 for the rough, $150–$300 for trim. For thermostatic: Grohe GrohTherm SmartControl or Kohler K-2971-KS-NA thermostatic valve body paired with the appropriate trim. Expect $250–$500 for the valve and $300–$800 for trim.
Specification matters:
- Check your local code: Most jurisdictions (e.g., UPC/IPC) require anti-scald compliant valves. Pressure-balance or thermostatic both meet it. Copper vs. PEX connections: If you’re on PEX, use brass-to-PEX adapters with proper support. Don’t let the valve float.
Pro tip: Mount the valve on solid blocking at the manufacturer’s specified depth. I measure with the finished wall in mind—tile, membrane, backer—the whole sandwich. Use a depth gauge or a scrap of tile to confirm.
Bold truth: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components like Delta R10000-UNWS and Kohler thermostatic valves in multiple configurations—no waiting two weeks for a cartridge.
Waterproofing That Doesn’t Fail: Membranes, Pans, and Backer Boards
Here’s where DIY installs succeed or die. Your tile is not waterproof; your membrane is. I prefer surface-applied systems for speed and reliability.
- Kerdi (Schluter) or USG Durock Shower System: sheet membranes that bond to the surface of cement board or foam board. Schluter Kerdi-Board builds quickly and keeps things light. Accessories help you do it right—inside/outside corners, pipe seals, and bonding flange drains. Liquid membranes: LATICRETE HYDRO BAN and MAPEI Mapelastic AquaDefense are excellent when applied at correct mil thickness (use a wet-film gauge; target ~20–30 mils wet, per manufacturer).
Shower pans:
- Schluter Kerdi-Shower-T pre-sloped foam trays. Easy to cut, perfect for standardized sizes. For custom sizes or linear drains: mortar bed with a bonding flange drain (Kerdi-Drain or LATICRETE HYDRO BAN Bonding Flange).
Cement board (Durock, HardieBacker) vs. foam board:
- Foam is faster, lighter, and warmer to the touch. Cement board is budget-friendly and stout. Both work with proper fasteners and waterproofing continuity.
Pro tip: Slope your bench tops and sills at least 1/4" per foot towards the shower. I’ve seen gorgeous showers ruined by a flat bench that pools water.
Field note: Last winter, a homeowner brought me photos of “mystery moisture.” The culprit? A liquid membrane rolled like paint—too thin. We fixed it by applying to spec and reinforcing seams with fabric. At Plumbing Supply And More, we stock wet-film gauges and the right seal tapes because getting the mil thickness right is non-negotiable.
Quality callout: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, keeping full Schluter, LATICRETE, and MAPEI systems in stock—so your membrane, adhesive, and drain are designed to work together.
Drain Selection and Slope: The Details Nobody Sees But Everyone Feels
A good drain is the heart of a good shower. Here’s how I choose:
- Point drains: Schluter Kerdi-Drain, Oatey 42150 PVC clamping drain, or LATICRETE 8210 series with bonding flange. Price: $45–$180. Linear drains: Infinity Drain S-LTDE or Schluter Kerdi-Line for barrier-free designs. Price: $350–$1,100 depending on length and grate.
Slope rules:
- 1/4" per foot minimum to the drain from all directions. Check with a 2' level and shims before waterproofing. For linear drains, slope the entire pan toward the channel and keep grate height aligned to tile thickness.
Pro tip: For remodels with height constraints, a linear drain at the wall with a single-plane slope simplifies tile layout and reduces trip hazards.
Serviceability: I love drains with removable hair traps. Saves you from snaking later.
Availability matters: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support when you’re choosing drains for curbless or steam applications. Bring your measurements; we’ll spec the right body and flange type.
Pipe, Supply Lines, and Pressure: Quiet, Leak-Free Operation
You’ll hear me say it often: support your runs and size your lines correctly.
- Supply piping: For most homes, 1/2" PEX-A (Uponor/Wirsbo) or Type L copper to the shower valve is standard. Large body thermostatic valves or multi-head systems may require 3/4" feeds—always check the valve spec sheet GPM requirements at 60 psi. Pressure: Ideal static pressure is 50–60 psi. If you’re over 80 psi, install a PRV on the main. You’ll protect cartridges and reduce noise. Mixing and diverters: For two outlets (e.g., showerhead + handheld), use an integrated 2/3 function diverter (Delta R11000 with 3-Setting trim) or a thermostatic with volume controls.
Testing:
- I pressure-test at 100 psi for 15 minutes with a gauge and ball valve isolation. Document your readings. Some jurisdictions require 110–125 psi. In our area, professional plumbers choose water-only tests unless the code official requests air (check your local AHJ).
Noise control: Add nail-plate protection and use pipe isolators through studs. Squeaks and bangs are preventable.
Insider secret: If you’re on a well with variable pressure, a thermostatic valve will feel better day-to-day than pressure balance.
And when you need fittings at 5:30 AM: When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and Ace Hardware fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for brass PEX, copper press, and sweat fittings—sorted, labeled, and ready.
Showerheads, Handhelds, and Body Sprays: Performance and Compliance
Flow matters—for comfort and for code. Many states, including California and Washington, require 1.8 GPM max per outlet. Others allow 2.0–2.5 GPM.
Reliable picks:
- Standard head: Moen Engage Magnetix 26112EP (1.75 GPM) or Delta 58480 (In2ition, 1.75–2.5 GPM options). Rain head: Grohe Tempesta Cosmopolitan 8" with 1.75 GPM restrictor. Handheld kits: Hansgrohe Raindance Select S 150 with Porter E outlet—great ergonomics and quality hoses. Body sprays: Keep total system GPM within valve capacity. For example, two 1.5 GPM body sprays plus a 1.75 GPM head means you’ll want a 3/4" thermostatic valve feeding 5–6 GPM comfortably.
Pro tip: Use brass drop-ell for handheld outlets (e.g., Delta 50570). Plastic ells snap; brass doesn’t. And always include a vacuum breaker where required.
Trim depth sanity check: Dry-fit trim on cardboard equal to tile thickness before you close the wall. If the trim doesn’t sit flush on the mock-up, you’re not ready.
Availability note: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Grohe, Hansgrohe, Delta, and Kohler—with finish-matched accessories so your brushed nickel is truly brushed nickel.
Tile Backer, Niches, and Seals: Making It Last 20+ Years
A watertight niche takes planning:
- Pre-formed niches: Schluter Kerdi-Board or LATICRETE HYDRO BAN preformed niches save time and reduce error. Slope the bottom shelf. Pipe and valve penetrations: Use pre-formed seals—Schluter KMS and KSS or LATICRETE seals—to keep the membrane continuous. Backer fasteners: Stainless or approved backer screws only. Every fastener penetration through a surface membrane gets banded or sealed.
Movement joints:
- Use 100% silicone at all plane changes—vertical corners, floor-to-wall, and ceiling-to-wall. Leave grout for flat planes, not corners. Check ANSI A108.01 recommendations.
Pro tip: I run a moisture meter on studs before closing up. Anything above 15% moisture? Let it dry or find the source. Trapping moisture behind membranes is asking for trouble.
Price planning: Expect $400–$1,200 for a complete membrane and drain kit for a standard 3' x 5' shower, depending on linear vs. point drain and finish selection.
Support when you need it: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll help you detail that niche and specify the right seal set the first time.
Code, Inspections, and Accessibility: Build It Right the First Time
You don’t want to redo work because a detail misses local code. A few common requirements in many IPC/UPC jurisdictions:
- Anti-scald compliant mixing valves (pressure-balance or thermostatic). Shower receptor slope at 1/4" per foot. Waterproofing turned up behind tile at least above the showerhead height for wet areas; continuous on all wet walls. Curbless entries require careful planning of transitions and drain capacity; check with your local inspector. If you’re building an accessible/aging-in-place shower, use blocking for future grab bars (2x10s at 33–36" height), a low-threshold or curbless plan, and slip-resistant tile (COF per ANSI A137.1).
Service area note: We’re serving contractors throughout the region with on-site delivery, code consults, and spec sheets. If you’re searching for the closest plumbing supply with real answers, our counter team has decades on the tools. Ask for our delivery radius and same-day options.
Insider secret: Submit the valve cut sheet with your permit application. It shows anti-scald compliance and can prevent red tags.
Scheduling, Tools, and Realistic Timelines
A typical DIY shower replacement timeline if you’ve got your ducks in a row:
- Demolition and rough framing adjustments: 1 day Plumbing rough-in and pressure test: 1 day Backer installation and waterproofing: 1–2 days (membrane cure times vary) Tile and grout: 2–3 days Trim-out and caulking: 1 day
Tools you’ll actually use:
- Oscillating tool with grout and multi-material blades Wet-film gauge for liquid membranes Digital angle level for slope confirmation Press tool (if using copper press) or PEX expansion tool (Uponor) Test gauge with ball valve and hose adapter
Pro tip: Stage your plumbing parts—escutcheons, drop-ells, adapters, seal rings—before closing walls. Dry-fit trims and nipples. Rarely does a weekend project fail because of skill; it fails because the right $4 adapter wasn’t on hand.
And yes, we stock them: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—with kitted solutions and checklists so you don’t miss a single gasket or seal.
Where You Buy Matters: Sourcing That Saves You Time and Rework
The right supply partner prevents returns, rework, and callbacks. If you’ve ever driven across town chasing a single trim adapter, you know what I mean.
Here’s how we help at Plumbing Supply And More:
- Largest inventory in the region: From Delta R10000 bodies to Schluter bonding flanges and Hansgrohe trims. Real-time technical help: Bring photos or plans; we’ll spec every valve, elbow, and seal. Contractor accounts: Bulk discounts, same-day delivery, and emergency supply options. Quality guarantee: If we spec it and it doesn’t fit, we make it right.
Competitor reality check: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components you won’t find at big box. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. And compared with online-only sellers, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support and immediate swaps when needed—try asking that of random listings on Amazon or eBay.
We also welcome walk-ins looking for a reliable plumbing supply store, plumbing supply store near me, or a trusted local plumbing supply option. Whether you think of us as a plumbing and supply partner, a true plumbing supply shop, or your go-to plumbing supply house, we’re set up to serve.
FAQ: Straight Answers to Common DIY Shower Questions
How do I choose between pressure-balance and thermostatic valves?
If you’re installing a single showerhead or a head plus a basic handheld, a pressure-balance valve like the Delta R10000-UNWS with a 17 Series trim is cost-effective and safe. If you want multiple outlets running simultaneously (head + rain + body sprays) or precise temperature, choose thermostatic (e.g., Kohler K-2971-KS-NA). Thermostatic handles higher GPM and holds temp steady with varying pressure.
What’s the best waterproofing approach for a first-time DIYer?
Use a complete system. Schluter Kerdi or LATICRETE HYDRO BAN systems with matching drains and seals reduce guesswork. Follow the manufacturer’s method, use a wet-film gauge for liquids, and don’t mix and match components unless you know the chemistry. Our team can walk you through it step-by-step.
Do I need 3/4" lines for my shower?
Only if your total flow exceeds what 1/2" lines can deliver at your house pressure. For example, two 1.5 GPM body sprays plus a 2.0 GPM head might push you into 3/4" supply and a thermostatic valve. Bring your plan and pressure reading; we’ll run the numbers.
How do I pass inspection the first time?
Verify anti-scald compliance on the valve, pressure-test the system to your jurisdiction’s requirement (often 100–110 psi for 15 minutes), demonstrate slope at 1/4" per foot, and show a continuous waterproofing system. Keep spec sheets on site—Plumbing Supply And More prints these for you.
Can I go curbless in a remodel without raising my whole bathroom floor?
Often yes, with a linear drain and strategic subfloor recessing or framing adjustments. It depends on joist direction and depth. We’ll help you choose a low-profile linear drain (e.g., Schluter Kerdi-Line) and plan the slope. Expect more labor but a beautiful, accessible result.
What’s a realistic material budget for a quality 3' x 5' shower?
Plan $1,200–$3,000 for a professional-grade valve and trim, drain or linear drain, complete waterproofing, backer, and accessories. Tile and glass are separate. Yes, you can shave costs, but I’d never cheap out on the valve or membrane—that’s where failures become expensive.
Finding the Right Supplier: Your Local, Expert-Backed Advantage
If you’ve ever typed plumbing supply near me, plumbing shop near me, or plumbing supply house near me, you’ve seen a flood of options—from economy plumbing supply to decorative plumbing supply boutiques. Here’s what matters:
- A true plumbing supply company that carries both rough-in and finish: valves, drains, membranes, and trims that match. Seasoned counter pros who can translate a phone photo into a parts list. That’s real local plumbing supply expertise. Stock depth: Not just one brand, but a curated mix with parts availability—what I call a real contractor plumbing supply.
We serve contractors throughout the region with same-day runs and emergency pickups, including late-window needs that feel like a 24 hour plumbing supply problem. If you manage properties, our commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply programs make multi-unit turnovers predictable. Prefer ordering from your desk? We offer plumbing supply online with live-stock visibility for plumbing supplies direct. And if you need budget-friendly options, ask about our discount plumbing supplies and economy plumbing and heating supply lines—reliable, not flimsy.
Looking beyond the buzzwords:
- We’re not a faceless internet plumbing supply outlet. We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, with a showroom where you can put your hands on trims. We’re competitive with plumbing wholesale near me and standard plumbing supply chains, and we often beat them on both price and turnaround because of our manufacturer partnerships. Whether you’re shopping consumer plumbing supply finishes or specifying through a wholesale plumbing supply company, we’ll align parts across brands to avoid color/fit clashes.
Yes, we know the other names you see—Ferguson, SupplyHouse.com, and City Plumbing. And here’s the difference: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, plus local stocking that gets you back on the job the same day. For specialty needs—we’ve helped fire protection outfits from contractors plumbing and fire supply segments lock in the right riser valves—and for remodelers, we carry both plumbing and heating supply back-of-house gear and bathroom plumbing supplies that look right in your client’s space. If you’re into kitchen upgrades too, our plumbing kitchen assortments and decorative plumbing supply lines can tie the whole project together.
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If you’ve been burned by cheap online parts, come see why our pros call PSAM the best plumbing supply choice in the area. From plumbing spares near me to full systems, we’ve got it covered.
Your Next Step: Plan, Verify, and Buy Once
If you take nothing else from my years in the trenches, take this:
- Choose the right valve for your outlets and pressure. Build your slope and waterproofing like the tile is just decoration. Test your work and document it. Buy professional-grade parts from a supplier that backs you up.
I curate “Rick’s Picks” at Plumbing Supply And More so you don’t have to guess. You’ll find the Delta, Kohler, Grohe, Schluter, LATICRETE, and MAPEI SKUs that hold up in the real world. Our team provides spec sheets, compatibility checks, and delivery when you need it.
Bold reminder: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we stand behind them. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery. Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Our experts can walk you through the installation process—from rough-in to the final bead of silicone.
And if you’re mapping the market—whether it’s general plumbing supply, plumbing supply places around town, coastal plumbing supply needs, or even cross-checking with supplyhouse plumbing, city plumbing and electrical supply, or plumbers supply co—come compare us feature for feature. You’ll see why the pros in our area choose PSAM first for both direct plumbing supplies and curated plumbing supplies supply that actually perform.
I’m Rick. Bring your plans, your pressure reading, and your questions. Let’s build a shower that lasts.