Riobel R23 vs R45 Rough-In Valves: Piping & Shower Kit Guide
Choosing a Riobel shower rough-in comes down to two decisions: match the valve family to your shower trim, then match its connections to your piping system. R23 has two outlets; R45 has three. Both families are offered with standard NPT/sweat, SPEX crimp PEX and EX expansion PEX connections.
This guide compares the six rough-in options and shows three Riobel shower kits from our catalogue. Start with the exact kit and trim code—not simply the collection name or finish.
What is a rough-in valve?
The rough-in is the concealed valve body installed behind the shower wall. The trim is the visible control and finishing assembly. A trim-only kit needs the specified rough-in to complete the installation; the showerhead and handshower alone do not determine compatibility.
Riobel identifies R23 and R45 as Type T/P systems, combining thermostatic and pressure-balance technology when completed with the correct trim. Decide on the concealed valve before closing the wall, and keep the selected trim specification with your plumbing plan.
Riobel R23 vs R45: outlets and functions
| Valve family | Plumbed outlets | Compatible trim families | Shared-function operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R23 | 2 | 23 or 44, as specified for the exact trim | 23 trim: outlet 1, outlets 1 + 2 together, or outlet 2 |
| R45 | 3 | 45 or 47, as specified for the exact trim | 45 trim: 1, 1 + 2, 2, 2 + 3, or 3 |
“Up to 3 functions” does not mean three outlets, and “up to 5 functions” does not mean five outlets. Those counts include shared positions and exclude OFF. Riobel’s 44 and 47 trims provide individual outlet selection without shared positions. The trim therefore matters as well as the rough-in.
For example, a showerhead and handshower can form a two-outlet arrangement. Adding a separately controlled tub spout creates a third outlet in the Riu 1345 example below. R45 is not an automatic upgrade for an R23 trim: follow the manufacturer’s required rough-in for your exact model.
R23, R23-SPEX and R23-EX: which piping connection?
The suffix changes how the pipes connect. It does not add another shower outlet. Riobel’s specifications identify 1/2-inch connections for these models.
| Model | Connection system | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| R23 | 1/2-inch male NPT or sweat | Threaded connections or a copper sweat connection plan; two outlets |
| R23-SPEX | 1/2-inch crimp PEX | A compatible PEX crimp system; two outlets |
| R23-EX | 1/2-inch expansion PEX | A compatible PEX expansion system; two outlets |
| R45 | 1/2-inch male NPT or sweat | Threaded connections or a copper sweat connection plan; three outlets |
| R45-SPEX | 1/2-inch crimp PEX | A compatible PEX crimp system; three outlets |
| R45-EX | 1/2-inch expansion PEX | A compatible PEX expansion system; three outlets |
How to choose between standard, SPEX and EX
Ask your installer which joint system they are using at the valve. “We have PEX” is not enough information: crimp and expansion are different connection methods. Confirm the tubing, fittings and tools are approved together. Avoid choosing from pipe colour or assuming that the PEX-A/PEX-B label alone settles compatibility.
For a copper sweat or threaded installation, review the standard version. For a PEX crimp installation, review SPEX. For an approved expansion installation, review EX. Mixed-material plumbing may involve adapters, so the final choice should follow the installer’s connection plan.
Three Riobel shower kit examples and their required rough-ins
These examples use specific chrome trim-kit codes. Other finishes, handles, shower arms and package options can have different codes; check the selected variant and what your order includes.
| Shower kit | Control trim | Required rough-in family | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riu 323 — TKIT323RUTMC | TRUTM23 | R23 / R23-SPEX / R23-EX | Showerhead + handshower |
| Equinox 323 — TKIT323EQNC-6 | TEQ23N | R23 family; select the connection version for your piping | Rain showerhead + handshower, with ceiling shower arm on this -6 model |
| Riu 1345 — TKIT1345RUTMC | TRUTM45 | R45 / R45-SPEX / R45-EX | Showerhead + handshower + tub spout |
Example 1: Riu 323 with R23
Riobel’s Riu 323 specification pairs the kit with TRUTM23 trim and lists R23, R23-SPEX or R23-EX as the required rough. Once that family is established, choose the connection version for the installation. A crimp PEX plan points to R23-SPEX; an approved expansion plan points to R23-EX.
Example 2: Equinox 323 with R23
The TKIT323EQNC-6 specification includes TEQ23N trim and calls for an R23 rough-in, sold separately. Its ceiling-mounted shower arm changes the showerhead location; it does not create a third controlled outlet. Check the exact connection variant with your installer.
Example 3: Riu 1345 with R45
The Riu 1345 kit uses TRUTM45 trim and adds a tub spout to the showerhead and handshower. Riobel specifies R45, R45-SPEX or R45-EX. Choose among those three connections after confirming the piping system. Follow the outlet assignments in the installation instructions for the intended shared positions.
Before ordering your shower kit
- Record the complete kit SKU and the valve trim code.
- Confirm the required rough-in family in the manufacturer’s specification.
- Confirm whether the selected store package includes the rough-in or is trim only.
- Choose NPT/sweat, crimp PEX or expansion PEX with your installer.
- Check shower-arm style, finish, wall depth and the complete component list before installation.
Browse our Riobel collection and shower kits, or contact Golzar Home with the complete kit code and your connection type for help choosing the matching rough-in.
