Upgrading your bathroom? Installing a concealed shower valve mixer is a stylish and space-saving way to achieve a modern, clean look. While it involves extra work—especially with concealed pipework and mixer valves—the results are well worth it.
This guide shows you step-by-step how to install a concealed shower mixer valve. Whether you're an experienced DIYer or just starting out, you’ll learn how to carry out a concealed shower valve installation safely and efficiently.
We’ll cover everything from planning your hot and cold water supplies to building a secure false wall and mounting the concealed mixer valve. Plus, you’ll get expert tips to avoid leaks and achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Let’s get started on transforming your shower.
What Is a Concealed Shower Valve Mixer?
A concealed shower valve mixer is a sleek, modern fixture where the main components—like pipework, the valve body, and controls—are hidden behind the wall, floor, or ceiling. The only visible elements are the shower head, temperature control, and flow handle.
This setup creates a clean, minimalist appearance and is ideal for space-saving bathroom layouts. Most concealed shower systems also use a thermostatic mixer valve, which blends hot and cold water feeds to maintain a steady, safe temperature during use.
You can choose between fully concealed and partially concealed options:
- Fully concealed: The valve and all pipework are hidden. This offers a clean aesthetic but requires precise installation.
- Partially concealed: Often features an exposed or adjustable shower head on a riser rail, making it easier to clean and more flexible—great for families and pets.
Keep in mind, many concealed showers are power showers, requiring an electrical connection. Always have a certified electrician carry out or inspect any wiring during your shower installation process.
Benefits of a Concealed Shower Installation
Installing a concealed shower valve mixer offers more than just a sleek look—it brings practical, long-term benefits to your bathroom setup.
Clean, Modern Aesthetic
With all pipework, valves, and connectors hidden behind the wall, a concealed shower delivers a streamlined finish that enhances any modern bathroom design. You’ll only see the essential elements—shower head, temperature controls, and faceplate—giving your space a premium, uncluttered look.
Space-Saving Design
By housing components within the wall or a false wall, a concealed shower valve frees up valuable space—especially important in smaller bathrooms or en-suites. It's a smart choice if you're aiming for a minimal footprint.
Improved Temperature Control
Most concealed mixer valves are thermostatic, meaning they automatically balance hot and cold water feeds. This maintains a consistent water temperature and prevents sudden surges of hot or cold water—ideal for families with children or elderly users.
Reduced Noise
Since the mixer valve and pipework are concealed, there's less chance of hearing a metallic rattling sound or water hammering during use—especially when proper pipe clamps are used during installation.
Easier Cleaning
With fewer exposed parts, cleaning becomes simpler. A concealed unit reduces areas where grime and limescale can build up, especially when compared to traditional exposed valves and riser rails.
Before You Start: Preparation and Safety
Installing a concealed shower valve mixer requires more than just tools—it takes planning, precision, and a clear understanding of your home’s water system. Taking time to prepare properly helps avoid leaks, installation errors, and future maintenance issues.
Tools & Materials Checklist
Before starting the concealed shower valve installation, make sure you have:
- Spirit level
- Pipe cutter or disc cutter
- Adjustable wrench
- Compression fittings
- Drill and appropriate bits
- Marker pen
- Use pipe clips or proper pipe clamps
- PTFE tape or jointing compound
- Plasterboard or tile backer board
- Valve manufacturer’s instructions
- Safety gear: gloves, goggles, dust mask
If you’re working with both copper and plastic parts, confirm compatibility and select the correct fixing kit for transitions.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate and shut off your main water supply or isolate just the cold and hot water feeds to the bathroom. Then, drain the water system by running nearby taps—this reduces pressure and prevents spills during pipework.
Plan Your Valve Position and Wall Type
- Decide whether you’ll be fitting into a solid wall, plasterboard wall, or building a false wall.
- Measure the installation depth carefully, considering both valve depth and wall finish (e.g. tile thickness).
- If mounting into a solid wall, confirm you have the necessary depth and tools to chase into the brickwork.
- For stud walls, ensure the cavity is deep enough and reinforced for support.
Review Manufacturer Guidelines
Every concealed mixer valve is slightly different. Before cutting or drilling, always read the valve manufacturer’s instructions. This will clarify:
- Minimum and maximum wall depth
- Inlet/outlet positions
- Compatibility with your cold and hot water pipe setup
- Recommended tools or assembly aids
When to Call a Professional
If your system involves:
- Electrical wiring (e.g., for a power shower)
- Major structural changes to the wall
- Complex plumbing rerouting
It’s best to consult a certified plumber or electrician. Some tasks are DIY-friendly, but others must meet UK Building Regulations.
Understanding Shower Valve Types (Twin, Triple, and Diverter)
Before starting your concealed shower valve installation, it’s important to identify which valve type you’re working with. This affects how many outlets you can connect, how you control hot and cold water feeds, and how the mixer valve operates.
Here are the main types you’ll encounter:
- Twin (Dual) Concealed Valve: Two controls: one for temperature, one for water flow. Best for single outlet setups like a basic shower head.
- Triple (Three-Way) Concealed Valve: Three controls: temperature, flow, and a diverter to switch between two outlets (e.g. overhead and handheld shower). Some allow both outlets to run simultaneously.
- Diverter Valve: A control that redirects water between multiple outlets. It can be integrated into twin/triple valves or used as a standalone unit.
Always consult your valve manufacturer’s instructions to confirm how your valve works and how it should be installed.
Fast Fixing Kits for Concealed Showers and Valves
Many concealed mixer valves come with optional fast-fixing kits designed to simplify the connection between the valve and your hot and cold water feeds. These kits speed up the shower installation process and help ensure a watertight fit.
How Fast-Fixing Kits Work
- Allow quick connection to pipe tails—often in a single motion.
- Ideal for both copper and flexible plastic pipes, using:
- Compression fittings for copper
- Push-fit connectors for plastic
Dual and Twin Shower Valves
These kits are commonly paired with twin or dual concealed shower valves, which have:
- One control for temperature
- One for flow or outlet direction
Some versions are called two-way valves, where one handle controls temperature/flow and the other diverts between two outlets (like a shower head and bath filler).
Why Use a Fast Fixing Kit?
- Speeds up installation
- Reduces risk of leaks
- Ensures proper alignment behind walls
- Compatible with a wide range of modern bathroom setups
Always verify your valve manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the fixing kit is compatible with your system and wall type.
Also Read: Sealing a Shower DIY Guide
Wall Types and False Wall Construction
The wall type you’re working with plays a major role in how you install your concealed shower valve mixer. Whether it's a solid wall, plasterboard, or a newly built false wall, each requires a different setup based on space and access.
Solid Walls
With solid brick or masonry walls, you’ll need to cut or “chase” into the surface to make room for the current shower valve and pipework.
Use a disc cutter to score the wall and a chisel to remove material for the hot and cold water feeds and outlets. Always check that the depth is sufficient for the valve body to fit snugly, accounting for tile thickness and wall finish.
Stud and Plasterboard Walls
Plasterboard walls often provide enough space to house the valve, but reinforcement is important. Add timber battens to anchor the concealed mixer valve and prevent shifting. Secure all pipework using proper pipe clamps to avoid vibration and the risk of a metallic rattling sound during use.
False Walls
If your wall lacks depth, building a false wall is an effective workaround. Construct a frame using timber or metal studs to create space for the valve and pipework.
Once installed, the wall can be closed with plasterboard or tile backer board, ready for tiling. This is ideal for modern setups with larger valves or multiple outlets.
Planning Pipework and Hot/Cold Feeds
Before installing your concealed shower valve, it’s essential to plan the layout of your pipework. This includes deciding where your hot and cold water feeds will enter the valve—commonly from the bottom, top, or sides—depending on both your valve design and wall type.
Check your home’s water system to determine where the nearest supply lines run and whether you’ll need to add T-junctions to branch off. Use proper pipe clamps to secure copper or plastic pipes firmly in place, preventing movement and avoiding any future metallic rattling sound when the shower is in use.
Take measurements carefully and mark your valve installation area before cutting. Proper planning at this stage ensures everything aligns cleanly once the wall is sealed and tiled.
Fitting the Concealed Shower Valve
Once you've chosen your concealed shower valve, the next step is installation. By now, your wall cavity or false wall should be ready, with enough space for the mixer valve and connected hot and cold water feeds.
Use flexible connectors or pipework fitted with the correct compression fittings or fixing kits, depending on whether you're using copper or plastic pipes. Position the valve according to the manufacturer’s depth guidelines, and use pipe clamps to keep everything stable.
Secure the copper tails through a backboard to mark their location before closing up the wall with plasterboard or tile backer board. If you're unsure at any point, consult a plumber to ensure safe and leak-free installation.
Also Read: Shower Pump Problems
Step-by-Step: Installing a Concealed Shower Valve
Installing a concealed shower valve mixer requires careful measurement, accurate cutting, and secure connections. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and watertight setup.
Step 1: Measure installation depth
Check the valve manufacturer’s instructions for the minimum and maximum depth from the finished wall surface, typically around 75–95mm. Make sure to include the thickness of tiles, adhesive, and plasterboard when marking your installation area.
Step 2: Prepare pipe connections
Determine where your hot and cold water feeds (also referred to as the hot and cold feed) will enter the valve—either from the top, bottom, or sides. Attach the appropriate compression fittings or push-fit connectors. This step helps you measure how much wall material needs to be removed for the pipes.
Step 3: Mark the wall
Hold the valve against the wall and trace its outline with a marker, including the lines for the pipe channels. Use a spirit level to ensure everything is aligned properly, then extend your markings to guide the cuts.
Step 4: Cut the wall
Use a disc cutter to chase out the wall, following your markings. To determine the correct chase depth, multiply the pipe width by two and add 5mm for the clip space (for example, 15mm x 2 + 5 = 35mm). Use a hammer and chisel to remove the material.
Test fit the valve and make any adjustments as needed.
Step 5: Fit the valve and pipes
Trim your pipes to length and fix them into place using pipe clamps. Apply PTFE tape or jointing compound to the compression fittings. Secure the valve in position with screws, making sure it's level and set to the correct depth. Push the pipes into place within the channels.
Step 6: Final checks and finishing
Check the valve is secure and aligned using a spirit level. To protect copper pipes from contact with cement, wrap them with insulation or use expanding foam.
Once the foam sets, cut and sand it for a flush finish. You can then close the wall with plasterboard or a tile backer board. After tiling, fit the faceplate and control handles, sealing with silicone if needed.
FAQ's
Q: How Many Types Of Concealed Shower Valves Are There?
A: There are five main types: manual, thermostatic, twin, triple (three-way), and diverter valves. Most modern systems use thermostatic concealed valves for reliable temperature control and safety.
Q: What Does Hot And Cold Feed Mean?
A: The hot and cold feed refers to the two separate pipes that deliver hot and cold water to the concealed mixer valve. These feeds are blended inside the valve to create your chosen shower temperature.
Q: Can I Install A Concealed Shower Valve On A Plasterboard Wall?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to reinforce the wall with timber battens or construct a shallow false wall. This ensures the valve and pipework are securely supported and properly aligned.
Q: Why Does My Shower Make A Rattling Sound?
A: This often means the internal pipework wasn’t secured correctly. To avoid vibration and noise, use proper pipe clamps during installation to keep all pipes firmly in place.
Q: Do I Need To Turn Off The Water To Change The Shower Head?
A: Not the main supply—just make sure the shower valve is fully turned off before removing or installing a new shower head to avoid sudden bursts of water.
To Conclude
Hopefully, this guide has been able to teach you more than just how to install concealed shower mixer valve, and you have learned a lot more about how they work as well as what they are made up of.
Having a concealed shower might seem like a lot of work at first, but with this guide, we are able to ease you through the process so that you can achieve your dream bathroom without too much stress and hassle.
What did you think of our concealed shower valve installation guide? Did it have everything you expected, or are there areas that left you feeling stuck? We love hearing from you, so feel free to leave us a message in the comments below.
