What is the best shower valve? And how do you choose one?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- Are you confused about choosing a shower valve? I'll explain which one I chose and why. I'll also cover the different types of shower valves and the options from Kohler, Moen, and Delta.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
DISCLAIMER:
The information and opinions within this content are for information purposes only. Guidance is based on personal interpretations and in no way, represents legal or financial advice.
The shower valve and trim kit I picked: bit.ly/3eD4LMm
0:00 The shower valve I chose
0:22 What is a shower valve?
0:37 Why should you replace your shower valve?
1:40 Types of shower valves
3:13 How to shop for a shower valve
3:47 Kohler shower valves
3:57 Delta shower valves
4:45 Moen shower valves
5:38 Which shower valves should you choose?
6:15 Best budget shower valve
Note: As an Amazon Associate and a member of LTK, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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The shower valve and trim kit I picked: bit.ly/3eD4LMm
Can u get a kit without a tub faucet. ??
Great video! You say "Delta monitor 17", but this links to "Delta Faucet Stryke 17 Series Dual-Function Tub and Shower Trim Kit, Shower Faucet, Single-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head, Chrome T17476 (Valve Included)" - do you know which is correct?
I’m a master plumber and been doing this for 25+ years. I can confirm this mom is definitely knowledgeable and has very good advice. Nice job
Wow, thank you! What a wonderful compliment!
Question. My daughter is trying to find out what manufacturer valve the previous contractor installed in the bathroom a tub/shower unit. He left her hi and dry with the money and never finished it. Please help!
@@markvylonis First, I would try taking a picture of it and then doing a Google image search to see if that finds it. If that doesn't work, you could try taking the outer part off and see if the name is written on the inside somewhere. If THAT doesn't work, I'd post the picture on a plumber's forum.
@@markvylonis High & dry with no shower. 🤣 I know I shouldn't laugh ...
How do you feel about external thermostatic valves like the Grohe Grohtherm? Do you know of one with a good reputation?
External seems like the better bet, long term, since on the off chance something goes wrong, you can service it without opening the wall.
I was trying to understand Moen structure and got confused. You helped me a lot and a lot ❤
Thank you.
Good, thorough, and current information. My father owns multiple properties with Delta, Moen, Price Pfister (that's an old school system used into the 50s).... We've decided to switch everything to Moen Positemp. When you're maintaining over a dozen units, you don't want a different system in every unit.
Long term we've found that the Delta valve breaks down often (once it broke down a year after i installed a new one), and switching out the mixing valve is a cost unto its own. The Moen positemp lasts 10-15 years and is easier to switch out. Its a bigger, sturdier valve. I thought I'd share because single-home-owners do not usually see the patterns that arise over decades, nor do they have experience dealing with all the various valves.
Ur comment was very helpful 🙏
10-15 years doesn't sound like a long time to me, considering that switching to a new one is a major project. There must be valves that last longer than that.
Wow! That was a masterclass in simplifying a complicated subject. Seriously amazing. Thank you. All the info you need and nothing you don’t. Boom!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome straight to the point, comprehensive video. I’m glad yours was the first one that popped up. Thank you, mom.
Love the format of your review: straight forward with no fluff! Thank you!
What a great overview! You saved me a great deal of time researching this stuff. Thanks
Excellent advice and knowledge. It's just what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.
I'm so glad I could help! I made the video I wished I could have found!
This cleared up a lot of questions in a short time. What a great presentation!
Very helpful video that answered a lot of questions I couldn't find just the right answer to elsewhere. Thank you!
Thank you, I had been researching for awhile but this really helped me and I wish I had seen it a bit earlier. Lots of information presented clearly and quickly.
Thanks for this great, articulate video! My bathroom is tore down to the studs for a complete overhaul in addition to re-doing the pipes throughout the house. My contractor wanted to know what shower/tub hardware we'd be using and I realized I knew NOTHING about my options. Your video was like an answer to prayer... I'm not overwhelmed anymore. Subscribed!
Oh wow I'm so glad I could help! I know how stressful that is!
If I could like this twice (make that thrice) I would, excellently thorough explanation for a complete beginner like myself who realized he might be a bit in too deep midway during the remodel. Thank you so much for sharing, liked and subscribed!
Just the information I needed to understand. Very well articulated! Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Best explanation I've seen. Outstanding! Thank you.
Thanks for this. I’ve been researching and trying to understand all the choices in the same context. Your video confirmed the stuff I believed I understood about Moen, while bringing me up to speed on Delta’s product line. Outstanding job!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Nice volume. Straight to the point. Covers all three big companies. Great advice and education on the subject.
Glad you liked it!
Wow... Thank you for this current, succinct and tremendously useful review of shower valves. Just what I needed!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video. Very informative and thorough while being concise and to the point.
I'm so glad it helped!
Love it when people get to the point. thank you
You are welcome. 😁
You don't know how hard I have looked for a volume control valve. Many thanks for this video!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for this info! So very helpful to watch this in my state of confusion after researching shower valves all day today!!
Glad it was helpful!
bravo. thank you. i just spent the past 2 days reading about all this and you summed it up very well.
Thanks! It's so confusing! I made this video because I wished someone had explained it to me!
Dear Mom- Thank you oodles. This is an excellent and comprehensive explanation and just what we needed. Thank you for your knowledge, your insights and your having taken the time to share ! Bravo- bravo!
Glad it was helpful!
This video was so insanely helpful! I am designing my "dream shower" and working with my handyman to install it (semi DIY if you will), and this clarified so much for me. I am researching every detail down to the plumbing and waterproofing materials so I can make sure I get a great shower that was built to last.
Glad it was helpful! 😁
This video was the answer that I needed! Thank you. You concisely made sense of it all.
Glad it was helpful!
great VIDEO!!... one of the best I've seen.
Excellent presentation, valuable information presented in a very detailed to the point format. Big time saver for me. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Another excellent video jammed packed with information it took me many hours to compile and learn before I found your channel. Great work!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Glad to help!
Great tips, thank you! Delta 17 pressure balance with volume control, coming soon. Exact information I wad looking for.❤
Best video on shower valves, incredibly helpful!!!!!
Wow, thanks! Glad it was helpful!
God bless you for giving the punchline at the beginning. Thank you!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Best video on rough in valves and your format was great. I just finished my solo remodel. I had to have a crash course on rough in's during the process. I'd wish I saw your video prior to my journey, it would have made my problem, and the solution easy. Rather than being lost. My rough in was Delta, but I bought a Moen trim kit (clueless). I should have kept the delta rough in and replaced the trim kit. Instead I cut the copper and cc-ed in a moen posi-temp. Didn't realize it didn't have volume control until after the walls were up QQ . The Moen trim has bad action and I feel like it needs replacing already. Hahah homemoanership! Thanks again and best wishes
Oh man! I feel your pain! I made this video because it's what I wished I could have watched before we started down our journey. I'm glad it was helpful, even if a little late for you too. :)
So helpful, thanks for making this video!
I have been bouncing between several models. Your video was timely for me and particularly helpful with regards to the series 17 features. Thanks
I am so glad I could help! The features are definitely confusing. Are you remodeling a bathroom yourself? We are still working on ours 6 months later. 🤦
@@MomCanFixIt I'm replacing shower hardware in my vacation home in the Sierras. The current valve is 43 years old and not to code plus despite replacing cartridge it is difficult to adjust temperature. So time for new hardware. Since night time temps get into the 10-20F range I am switching to pex. This way I might not have to have the faucets drip all not long during fall and winter.
@@jimc386 sounds like this will make a big improvement for you! I hope it goes smoothly for you.
We are building a house and the decisions that are needed come quickly! Thank you for this video to help me navigate this! I will be checking out your other videos as well.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the advice & a great video. Much appreciated.
Great intro video! Exactly what I was looking for when I did this kind of search. =) Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
This is the most useful video I've ever watched 😲
Oh wow that's such a compliment! Thank you! I'm so glad I was able to help.
You have my respect, u gave me what i was looking for in less than 10 seconds, like, sub and share.
Thank you!
Wish I had seen this video before I DIY closed the wall and tiled it. I did not change the valve not knowing that it is a discontinued valve by Moen. You are the one to tell me that it is a Moenflow. I had a hard time looking for handles and ended up with a Danco aftermarket ones. My set now are different fixtures from different makers. Thank you and more power to you.
Ugh, yeah, these plumbing companies make it difficult on us. I do believe Moen themselves sells some handles for the discontinued valves.
Well detailed video. A choice without a doubt, love it 👏💯👍
Glad you liked it!
This video is amazing. Thank you!
I started a new job with a plumbing company and this was so easy to follow!!!
Oh boy, I'm not sure if I'm ready to advice plumbing companies. Haha.
Thank you so much! Just what I needed to understand and pick the right shower valve. I was trying to figure out what brand and how to get a pressure balanced volume control valve.
You are welcome!
Thank you for giving the answer first. More people should do that.
Glad you liked it!
This is a very helpful video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great presentation/resource!
Glad you liked it!
Fantastic video!!
Please branch out and cover the basics in ALL the areas we are all struggling to figure out. haha I don't know what industry giant would do it (since you're busting their grip on restricting easy consumer knowledge) but someone should monetize you based on this video alone. What a breath of fresh air in DIY youtube.
Aw, thank you this comment made my day! Yes, that's exactly what I would like to do! What other things would you like to see videos about? Oh, and I'm REALLY close to being able to monetize with ads - I have to get to 1,000 subscribers so please subscribe if you haven't!
Very informative, thank you!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Great video, Thank you!
I've learned so much in less than 10 minutes. Thank you for taking the time to share and for spending my money. :) Now I have to get a valve with both controls.
🤣 happy to spend anyone's money! I am so glad I could help though. 😁
Thanks for making my choice easier for me!
Glad I could help! Good luck with your project!
This was excellent. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
my goodness, this was a masterclass, I learned more in this video than I have been able to do on my own reading from other sources and videos.
Thank you for summarizing and doing a such a great job!
Glad it was helpful!
This video is the bomb, thank you so much!
You're welcome! 😊
Thank you, very helpful
Wow!!! Amazing! Thank you!!!
Great content. Thank you!
Glad it's helpful! Please subscribe if you haven't yet. 😊
Excellent video
Thanks! 😁
Good advice, but I would also be open to other brands -- even if you haven't heard of them. We got a Remer system from Italy for our renovation and found the quality to be superior to the Moen, Delta, and Grohe systems we tried. No frills, no gimmicks, just solid build quality.
I'm glad you found a good one!
Good and accurate info!
Thanks!
Thanks a lot very helpful video explains everything
Glad it was helpful!
Wow, this was invaluable and timely for me! Can I bring you to my Fergusson appointment next week?? I'm building a new custom home and will have to settle by checking out all your videos. I'm so impressed with your knowledge and how you explained this confusing topic succinctly. Thank you!!
Glad I could help! I'd probably annoy your salesperson at Fergusson. Haha
I just replaced this same delta diverter for a client, he had problems with this diverter after 3 months after we did the initial job 8 months ago. Constantly dripped after 3 months of minimal use. I replaced it with a morning diverter.
Great video, thank you 🙏
You're welcome!
Shoot - this answered my question! I am not changing my 7-year-old shower Kohler valve so.. looks like I am gonna have to pick from Kohler! Thanks.
Glad I could help!
nice job.
Thanks!
Great video but im suprised no one is talking about MY favorite...Symmonds. i guess its personal preference
Thank you! This was super helpful. I have an approx. 20 year old Delta dual function shower valve and trim kit. The rough in valve is probably the same age.. I want to replace it with a newer Delta 17 series trim kit. Is it likely that the cartridge that comes with a new Series 17 kit will fit the existing rough in valve?
Thank you
You are welcome! Please subscribe if you haven't. 😁
You rock, thanks ma!
You are so welcome!
Delta is a good valve just make sure it has shut off valves on the valve it self.But I do recommend delta
I'm remodeling two bathrooms. If for example a choose a kohler valve, will that valve fit with any kohler trim kit as long as the trim kits are matched, say volume control trim with volume control valve, thermostatic valve with thermostatic trim etc. And if so does this apply to Moen and Delta. Is there any benefits of the Delta universal rough valve vs a Kohler. I was at a Kohler showroom and got quotes and it was outrageously priced. I just want to make sure if I go with Kohler I can later use other Kohler trim kits, and not just a specific trim kit for that valve.
Question do you know the cartridge in for water test or can you test water test. As in for leaks with the plug that comes with the valve?
That was a great video from the beginning to the end. Thank for not starting out with music, jokes and other nonsense. That was the facts and nothing but the facts and enjoyable to watch.
Thank you for being upfront -- I watched the full video anyway, but it was helpful to get some basic knowledge upfront from a product listing and then reinforce it with your information. Out with that clickbait stuff and in with your format.
Question: I'm a bit unclear on the rough-ins. Do cartridges from all modern trims fit a rough-in from one or another manufacturer, or does the value of a delta valve/rough-in lay in its ability to accommodate all future trims *from Delta*? I currently have a Price Pfister trim kit from the early 2010s with a thermostatic mixing valve, but cannot tell if my rough-in can take a different trim manufacturer without replacement. Thanks again!
Unfortunately, they're all very brand specific. So, the Price Pfister will probably only take the Price Pfister trim kits (if they're even available). I've seen a couple "universal" trims, but they seem pretty terrible. So, if there's no Price Pfister option out there, you'll have to replace the valve to update the trim (which feels ridiculous, I know!). Thank you for the video compliments. :)
Also, please subscribe if you haven't! I'm trying to hit 1k! 😀
That is the best rundown on ANY topic that I've ever heard!!!
Wow, thank you!
Can’t picture my wife making this video….your a keeper, great video! I already bought the Delta anyway, but STILL doing the research after the fact…lol
We don't know what valve we have in our shower and the plumber we hired suggested changing out the valve. I was told it is easy to do without cutting any tile- wondering if anybody might know.
I'm really confused about this. I want to install the monitor 17 but I don't know what valve body to buy. Are all the same? Is the cartridges the difference in the series.?
Thanks for the great video. I'm still a little confused. When you refer to the Delta monitor 17 are you referring to the rough-in valve or the trim kit? I have a Delta Multi-choice R10000 UNBXHF rough in valve but have not bought the trim kit yet. I want temperature and volume control. Is there a Monitor 17 trim kit that will work with my Multi-Choice rough in valve? Also I have read some reviews where some people were having problems with temperature and volume control valves that when they changed the volume the temperature would not stay the same. Could that be caused by using the cheaper pressure balanced valve instead of a thermostatic valve? You have the most comprehensive video by far that I have found. One thing you might add is (it took me awhile to figure this out) if you buy a Delta rough-in valve you have to use a Delta cartridge/handle/wall-plate component, but could easily screw a Moen or Kohler head onto the shower arm. Just because you have a Delta rough-in valve body doesn't mean you are stuck using Delta heads. Maybe some of the more expensive thermostatic models might require all matching components, I don't know. I wish they would standardize the terminology. If i'm understanding your video correctly, the term pressure balanced is referring to the method by which the temperature is controlled. When I hear or read the word pressure I think of volume control, not temperature. Wow, no wonder this is all so confusing. Is there an actual name for the cartridge/handle/wall-plate component? If there is I haven't seen it. All these things can be purchased separately but I have no name for them because all the nomenclature is different. Wow, figure it out shower people! Sorry for my rant. I guess the issue i,m most concerned about is the temperature changing when adjusting the volume and if that is just an issue between a mixing valve, pressure balanced valve, thermostatic valve or all three. Am I right in stating that all three of these have nothing to do with the rough-in valve and everything to do with the cartridge/handle/wall-plate component? Thanks again for the great video!!!!
OK, I will do my best to answer your question. The confusion is partly because these companies used do things differently. It USED to be that the rough-in and valve came as one unit. Now, generally the rough-in is separate (or sometimes called a universal rough-in valve BODY) and works with any valve from that brand. So, the universal Delta rough-in you have will work with any of the valves and trim kits from Delta and you can still choose pressure balancing OR thermostatic. The 17 series is pressure-balancing and 17T is thermostatic and yes, both of those terms are related to temperature control. Pressure-balancing means balancing the hot water pressure with the cold water pressure. 17 (pressure balancing) and 17T (thermostatic) both allow the control of VOLUME of water too. Series 14 does NOT allow control of volume. Also, most of the time, the trim (outside visible metal parts) are sold together with the valve (the part that actually controls the water) but you could buy just the trim if you ever wanted to change the LOOK of the shower components. Does that all make sense?
Yes that makes perfect sense. Thanks for the quick reply I really appreciate it. I now have a lot better understanding of what I need to shop for. Thanks again you've been a huge help. God Bless!
The multichoice universal valve comes in either high flow or standard. Would both of those work with the Monitor 17 series trim? What is the difference in the valves?
I'm not sure the difference between the high and standard flow but I would imagine they'd both work with any trim - they are meant to be universal.
I want to replace my moen shower valve with a delta. Do you know if the pluming in the wall is the same configuration?
Moen and Delta are completely different. The part inside the wall would need to be changed, unfortunately.
I watched the video, followed your recommendation and now I am quite surprised with very, very, very low water flow. Some TH-cam videos mention that the problem is inside the cartridge- the holes for the water in the original Delta cartridge are too small. Now that I am stuck with this Delta 17 System after remodeling our bathroom - I really need your help to improve the things:
1)do you know of a solution to improve the water flow?
2) do you know of a cartridge that allows for a better water flow.
PLEASE HELP!
Thank you!
remove the flow limiter screen from inside the shower head
If you had to do Thermostatic what would you have picked?
I am not sure. Which are you leaning towards?
The delta monitor 17 didn’t get very good reviews though. Are you happy with it still and has it been reliable?
We've been using it for over a year now and it's been fine for us but I can't say how it'll be long-term. It was still pretty new when I made this video so I didn't have many reviews to go by.
All good until you want something above their standard pressure balance cartridge. According to Delta's website their 17 series thermostatic cartridge is List Price $482.00 with online Price $385.60 USD. One would be better off with the American Standard Flash universal rough-in a.k.a. Grohsafe Universal Pressure Balance Rough-In valve (same rough-in) allowing for either A.S. or Grohe trims. Other option would be the Pfister thermostatic TX9 series rough-in which is less than $140 only negative is lack of thermostatic trim options.
Why is volume control even a concern in a world with "water savers"?? I missed the answer on whether the shower valve models are separate or specific to whether it is a shower over tub or shower only.
I have moen valves and the plumber said to change them to delta ones because delta is better. But I keep hearing that moen is actually better. Does it really matter?
I think Moen and Delta are both quality brands. The thing that surprised me was how not interchangeable they all are, though. You're stuck with the same brand for a very long time based on what's inside the wall. A quality brand is fine but I certainly wouldn't use a generic Home Depot or Lowes brand though.
Great video (for a girl... lol). Seriously, you provided great information. In fact, I trusted your review so much, I just purchased two sets of these and will be anxious to see how they turn out. Thank you for such informative research! I happened upon you and I will be checking out your other reviews. p.s. I also subscribed to your channel!
She didnt mention grohe that invented the shower and pressure balancing valves
Excellent as far as it goes, but you have left off the entire question of "transfer",. By that I mean where does the water go when it leaves the valve? Not only do we need to control the temperature and the volume but we need to control where the water goes. In the simplest case the choices are tub or shower but it can get more complicated such as tub/fixed shower/hand held shower and any combination of those. This function is sometimes called "transfer" and valves are made with "internal" transfer valves or transfer valves can be purchased separately from temperature and volume control. It would be nice to know what words to use to find valves with integrated transfer on those three companies web sites and avoid valves that don't if you need that function. I could agree 100% to avoid store brands, and I agree that the three companies identified have excellent US based customer service departments. I am curious where American Standard and Grohe rate vis a vis the three that you mention. I have no personal experience with american standard customer service but they have the same pedigree as the other three companies and may be worthy. I do have experience with Grohe customer support and I can share that even though they claim to have the same lifetime warranty as the three you mention, that is lip service only. They did not stand behind a lavatory faucet the failed, catastrophically. I never expected them to pay for the flood damage, but they would not even replace the part that failed. They are a German manufacturer. The company (division?) that imports them into the US was not particularly helpful wanted a lot if money for the part. I threw the faucet away and replaced it with a moen because I can not afford another $1,800 in damages 8 years from now when the Grohe faucet failed again.
I think Moen is slightly better than Delta
what is the delta monitor 17s series ?
Best Shower Valve? - The one that delivers a refreshing deluge of water. Unfortunately all US manufactured valves now severely restrict the flow (gallons per minute / GPM) in order to comply with current EPA rulings. In California its 1.8 GPM. Some water saving models "brag" they can bring your water consumption down to 1/2 gallon a minute! and/or recommend needle using needle jet shower heads that deliver a forceful stinging blast of water to convince (i.e trick you ) into thinking you are getting a refreshing shower. Yikes! Granted this may be great for Southern California or other areas requiring water conservation but I live on a private well and thoroughly enjoy my 40 year old Delta diverter that can provide 8 gallons a minute! Truly its like standing under a waterfall. I remodeled one bathroom 2 years ago and simply rebuilt the valve and installed a new trim kit to side step new EPA restrictions . I then discovered I can get valves from overseas suppliers that do not have to comply with the EPA and still deliver high volumes of water. The possible downside is lack of warranty and/or repair parts. I used one from China in my second bathroom remodel. Nice quality material, no plastic. Its been 3 years now and still looks new, no problems yet, fingers crossed... still holding my breath.
Any overseas suppliers in particular you can recommend?
The restriction is in the head or handheld, not the valve. And it's removable.
@@miguelp4812 As far as an actual mechanism, that's true. But water flow can also be restricted in other parts of the system, like using 1/2" instead of 3/4", or using Pex B (which requires crimping and reduces the diameter) rather than Pex A. And I would guess that some pressure-balancing valves do reduce the diameter too.
@@miguelp4812 Note: This video is about "Shower/Bath VALVES not shower heads. " l wasn't referring to the intake washers or filter screens or little restrictors which "can" be removed from some shower heads or handhelds. In regards to "valves"... the point I was trying to make is with many major US manufactures Delta, Moen, American Standard etc, the "restrictors" are now built into the valve unit, placed deep inside during the manufacturing process for the sole purpose of preventing homeowners from altering the gpm output. When such internal restrictors are designed into the valve as part of the manufacturing process they are either molded or cast internal to the body of the valve and are NOT removable. NET: Example: If the VALVE is rated at 1.5gpm... and the restriction device is internal... for the most part there is nothing the homeowner can to do to modify the output.
@@eltonnoway7864All of the delta multichoice valves and Moen M series valves are rated above 5 gpm. If you want closer to 10 gpm the multichoice high flow and the moen thermostatic can easily meet that requirement.
car wash like shower with water from all directions?? hmm tell me more!
The best shower valves are the ones not listening to the EPA.. they made it a rule to only allow 1.5-1.7 GPM flow.. good ones are 3.5 GPM and before '93 you could get em where they were essentially unlimited flow and the mixing valve was designed to let out max amount of water not to limit it
😵💫