September 9, 2026 Easy Plumbing

What's in the Box: Shower Valves, Trims and What You Buy Separately

Plumbing fixtures are sold as components far more often than shoppers expect. The single most frustrating way to discover this is on installation day. Here is what typically is — and is not — in the box.

Showers: the trim does not include the valve

This catches more people than anything else. A "shower trim kit" is the visible hardware: handle, escutcheon, and often the showerhead. The valve body that goes inside the wall is a separate purchase, and it has to be bought before the wall is closed.

For a new or fully renovated shower you generally need:

The rough-in valve — pressure-balance for a single outlet, thermostatic if you are running more than one.
The trim kit matched to that valve family.
A shower arm and flange, if the trim kit does not include one.
A diverter or volume control for each additional outlet.
A slide bar or handshower holder, plus a hose, if you want a handshower.
A drain and, for tiled showers, a waterproofing system.

Faucets

Pop-up drain — frequently sold separately on bathroom faucets, especially at the higher end. Check before ordering.
Supply lines — usually not included. Buy new ones; reusing old braided lines is a false economy.
Deck plate / escutcheon — included with some single-hole faucets, optional on others.
Mounting hardware is included, but thick stone counters may need an extension kit.

Toilets

The seat is very often not included, particularly on two-piece and premium models. One-piece and skirted models more often include one.
Wax ring or waxless seal, closet bolts and the supply line are normally not included.
Two-piece toilets may ship as separate bowl and tank cartons. Confirm you have both.

Tubs

The filler is separate. A freestanding tub needs a floor-mount or deck-mount filler, which is often the more expensive half of the purchase.
Drain and overflow are usually separate, and need to match the tub's drain location and the finish of your filler.
Alcove tubs are handed — left drain or right drain, defined as you face the tub. Getting this wrong means the drain does not meet the plumbing.

Sinks and vanities

Undermount sinks do not include mounting clips or the countertop cutout.
Vanity cabinets and vanity tops are frequently separate line items.
Sink grids, cutting boards and colanders are accessories, not standard.

The simple check

Every manufacturer publishes a spec sheet listing exactly what ships in the carton and which accessories are required or optional. If you would rather not read four spec sheets, send us the model numbers and we will tell you what else the job needs — before it arrives, not after.

Browse our selection: Shower Systems | Rough-In Valves