What valves and other parts does one need to buy to install a showerhead and handle(s) in a new shower?

It varies a bit by manufacturer, but not a lot.

I just installed a showerhead and trim in my shower. I bought a Delta valve -- not the most expensive or necessarily the best. I purchased the "cartridge" (including the handle and trim) and the "body" separately, but at the same time and from the same place. I found that at Home Depot and Lowe's, they sell the body along with the cartridge. There are sometimes different options in the cartridge, so purchasing everything in one box may be convenient, but it may not be exactly what you want.

The showerhead is a single part except that there's usually a decorative piece of pipe coming out of the wall. At Lowe's and Home Depot, they also sold these in the box along with the valve and body. (I didn't purchase from these places).

Of course, there are pipes and fittings behind the wall -- and shut-offs. The shower cartridge had the option of having screwdriver shut-offs in the body. Since I had a more convenient set of shut-offs already installed, and readily accessible while the valve body was going to be behind drywall, I chose the body without the shut-offs.

There are a lot of plumbing supply places that sell these things. Just Google "shower valves" or "shower trim and you'll find enough information to keep you going for a while.

Thank you, Perito. So, I need a valve, the showerhead, the wall extension, trim, and..

carmenmiranda

Showerhead, pipe to the showerhead, connecting pipes and fittings, shower valve including cartridge, body, trim, handle and that's about it.

I think if you go into a home improvement store (Lowes or Home Depot) and see what they have, you'll see everything that there is to see. Open a box and look inside. It's all there except for the pipes (I have 1/2" copper in my house).

If you go to Home Depot, Lowe's or Menards they will sell a boxed unit which contains all you need. The mixing valve and trim kit will be there along with the shower extension and even the shower head. I highly recommend Moen products for easy installation and super warranty.

I agree with Ballengerg1 (Bob), Thanks.

John