Boxed kits are the simplest way into an Aquabrass shower, but the brand also lets you build a custom system. You choose a thermostatic rough-in valve, add shut-off or diverter valves, then pick a trim set from one of Aquabrass's design collections. This guide explains how the pieces fit, so the valve in your wall matches the trim on it.
Valve details come from Aquabrass specification sheets and our product pages. Browse the full range on our Aquabrass brand page or in rough-in valves.
How an Aquabrass Custom Shower Is Built
A thermostatic valve controls temperature. Separate controls, either shut-off valves or a diverter, control volume and send water to each outlet. Aquabrass offers both integrated and separate ways to do this:
- Turbo thermostatic valves with integrated shut-offs (T12001 to T12005): one rough-in body with 1 to 5 shut-off valves.
- A thermostatic valve without shut-offs (T12000), paired with separate shut-off valves (N1206) or an independent diverter (61934).
- A thermostatic valve with a built-in diverter (T12123), the valve used by the SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX and INABOX kits.
The Aquabrass Rough-In Valves
| Valve | What it is (per Aquabrass) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| T12000 | Turbo thermostatic valve; requires N1206 shut-off valve or 61934 diverter | Temperature control with separately located volume controls |
| T12001 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 1 shut-off valve | One outlet, e.g. a shower head |
| T12002 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 2 shut-off valves | Two outlets, e.g. rainhead and handshower |
| T12003 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 3 shut-off valves | Three outlets, e.g. rainhead, handshower and body jets |
| T12004 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 4 shut-off valves | Four outlets |
| T12005 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 5 shut-off valves | Five outlets |
| T12123 | Turbo thermostatic valve with 2- or 3-way diverter | Aquabrass shower kits and diverter trim sets |
| N1206 | 1/2" shut-off valve, ceramic cartridge, 10.5 gpm at 45 psi | Add a separate volume control |
| 61934 | 2- and 3-way independent diverter (shared and non-shared), 12 gpm at 45 psi | A separate diverter with a T12000 |
Shared features of the Turbo valves
Per the Aquabrass specification sheets, the Turbo thermostatic valves feature:
- a high-flow thermostatic cartridge
- universal inlets for 3/4" or 1/2" connections
- reversible service check valves with filters
- a flow rate of 12 gpm (45 L/min) at 45 psi
- shut-off outlets that can connect to the right, left or both sides at once
Several models also have a removable NPT plug on top to add an extra independent N1206 shut-off or 61934 diverter. The T12002 sheet lists a safety temperature stop preset at 38°C / 100°F, and a finished wall depth of 3-1/4" to 3-3/4" (the T12123 sheet lists the same range).
Shut-Offs vs a Diverter: Which Approach?
Integrated shut-offs (T12001–T12005) give each outlet its own volume handle. Any combination can run together, and you control the flow to each one. The trade-off is more handles on the wall.
A diverter (T12123, or a T12000 with a 61934) uses one control to switch between outlets. In a shared setup, outlets can run together; in a non-shared setup, only one runs at a time. The result is a cleaner wall with fewer handles.
Neither is right for everyone. Think about how many outlets you want, who uses the shower, and how much wall space you have for controls. For broader context, see our thermostatic valve comparison and rough-in valve types explained.
Matching Trim Sets to Valves
Aquabrass trim sets are made for a specific valve, and each trim page states which one, for example "Valve T12002 not included". The design collections we list with shower trims include:
- Alpha
- Aria
- Ariston
- C67
- Chicane
- Forum
- Marmo
- Montebello
- Montecarlo
- Tosca
Most of these offer trims for the T12000 through T12005, the 61934 diverter and the T12123. Examples:
The diverter trim sets include the Fluehs diverter cartridge, according to the listings. For a separate N1206 shut-off, each collection offers a matching "trim for shut-off valve", such as the Alpha shut-off valve trim.
Optional handles
Many collections also offer optional handles for thermostatic controls, such as the C67 optional handle or the Chicane optional handle. Check each handle page for compatibility and the finishes offered.
Completing the System
Once the valve and trim are chosen, add outlets that suit your layout:
- A handshower set, such as the round handshower set HSS364 or the magnetic handshower set HSS376, which has its own rough-in.
- A shower rail, such as the complete round shower rail.
- A tub spout from the matching collection, such as the Tosca tub spout.
Install Tips
- Plan every outlet first. Count your outlets, then pick the valve with the right number of shut-offs, or a diverter.
- Check finished wall depth. The Turbo valve sheets list 3-1/4" to 3-3/4", so account for tile and backer board.
- Keep the filters accessible. The check valves include filters. Your plumber should know how to reach them for servicing.
- Order trims by valve number. A trim for a T12002 won't fit a T12003.
- Use a licensed plumber. Aquabrass's warranty excludes installation by a non-accredited professional. If you have a leak later, see why a shower valve leaks.
Prefer a boxed solution? Compare the kits in our Aquabrass shower kits guide.
Three Example Builds
Rainhead and handshower, separate controls
Choose a T12002 with a matching 2 shut-off trim set, such as the Marmo RM02BC, plus a rainhead and a handshower set. Each outlet has its own volume handle, and both can run at once.
Rainhead, handshower and body jets
Choose a T12003 and a 3 shut-off trim from your chosen collection. Each of the three outlets gets its own control. Check your water supply and heater capacity with your plumber before running all three together.
Minimal wall, one diverter handle
Choose the T12123 with a trim set that includes a 2-way or 3-way diverter, such as the Marmo RM32BC 3-way shared trim. You get one temperature control and one diverter control. Choose a non-shared trim if you want one outlet at a time.
For a separately located diverter, pair a T12000 with the 61934 independent diverter. Aquabrass says the 61934 accommodates any wall thickness and includes a test cap.
Sources: Aquabrass specification sheets for the T12000–T12005, T12123, N1206 and 61934 valves and the Marmo trim sets (aquabrass.com), the Aquabrass warranty (aquabrass.com/warranty), and Plumbing Market product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Aquabrass valve do I need for a trim set?
Each Aquabrass trim set names its valve on the product page, such as T12002 for a 2 shut-off trim or 61934 for a diverter trim. Order the valve that matches.
What is the difference between the Aquabrass T12000 and T12002?
The T12000 is a thermostatic valve without shut-offs and needs a separate N1206 shut-off or a 61934 diverter. The T12002 has 2 integrated shut-off valves.
Can Aquabrass shower outlets run at the same time?
With integrated shut-off valves or a shared diverter, yes. A non-shared diverter runs one outlet at a time.
What flow rate do Aquabrass Turbo thermostatic valves have?
Aquabrass lists 12 gpm (45 L/min) at 45 psi for its Turbo thermostatic valves.
Are Aquabrass trim sets sold with the valve?
No. Aquabrass trim sets list the required valve as not included, so it is purchased separately.
