What type of mixing valves should supply shower heads?

The appropriate type of mixing valves that should supply shower heads are pressure-balanced, thermostatic, or combination pressure-balanced/thermostatic types. These valves are specifically designed to maintain a consistent water temperature, even when there are fluctuations in the supply pressure.

A pressure-balanced valve works by balancing the pressure of hot and cold water to prevent scalding or sudden changes in temperature, which can occur when other fixtures are used simultaneously. Thermostatic valves, on the other hand, automatically adjust the water mix based on the selected temperature, providing an added layer of safety and comfort. Combination valves integrate both pressure-balance and thermostatic functions, offering the benefits of both technologies, which further enhances user safety and consistency.

While manual valves, single lever valves, and digital mixing valves may offer temperature control, they do not always provide the same level of safety against temperature fluctuations and pressure changes that are critical in shower applications. Therefore, the recognized standards and best practices in plumbing highlight the importance of using pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valves for showers to ensure safety and comfort for users.