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Shower valves -- can I get away with the $ option vs the $$$ one?

15 years ago

TIA --

We are collaborating with our GC on this project to keep costs down but I can't seem to get an answer from him on this...think the fact that I'm ordering online vs giving him his cut may be responsible for that.

Facts:

* reno 1905 house, 1st floor bath, water pressure seems ok but don't know PSI

* Shower only (no tub)

* Am putting in independently-controlled dual showerheads (each with flow valve); will usually be using one head, not both; but per seller:

*** "you cannot use this dual head set with a low-flow mixer valve" ***

This is where I get lost and I need to order the valve ASAP.

Is the "low-flow" one the $76 vs $300 option, or is a l-f mixer valve some other creature entirely? Google's not helping much!

Bottom line: can I use the cheaper Kohler valve for my situation and showerheads?

[Trim is Kohler Forte Rite-Temp Pressure Balancing Valve] Trim

Here is a link that might be useful: Valve trim with Valve options shown below

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Comments (4)

kevin1727
15 years ago
I'm not a plumber but I'll try to help since this sounds exactly like what I am doing.
If you are using independently controlled shower heads (each with its own flow valve) then I think the standard valve would be the preferred valve.
I looked at your links, but I don't know where you are seeing the warning "you cannot use this dual head set with a low-flow mixer valve".
I have two shower valves and two shower heads. It is NOT dual heads on one valve so I just ordered two sets of standard valves, trim kits, and heads. They will be plumbed in parallel with 1/2 inch lines.
Kevin
house_vixen
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks much, Kevin. I did unexpectedly get a chance to talk to the plumber and he agreed given our PSI ( ~ 60) and that they are independently controlled the standard valve should be fine (single 1/2 line). But should we use them both simultaneously we'll notice a def flow drop.

[I didn't include the link with the warning -- it was on the dual shower head supplier's page -- because they only had a few sets left right now and I hadn't had my order confirmed! Didn't want a lurker to get my longed-for shower heads, ha.]
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Sharron, it was faucets4cheap.com, oddly enough! I called them to report a problem with one part and talked to them about my trim options - they mentioned the restocking fee, although I might be able to wriggle my way out of it if I tried, I suppose. Their prices are so great that it's almost worth it to pay the restocking, though. The other question I have (which I forgot to mention in the first post): do I even need a volume control valve? We always use the shower on full power, so I'm not worried about controlling the flow. However, from what I understand, the thermostatic valve can't stop the water from flowing so you have to have a volume control just to turn it on and off. Correct? Argh!
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We're remodeling our bathroom and will be installing 2 separate shower heads - one fixed rainhead and one handheld. We'd like the option of having just the rain, just the handheld or both at the same time. I know we can get two separate valves and trim kits, but is there a single control unit that could do this? One valve, one trim and a diverter? If so, please direct me to a specific brand and model, as I can't tell from the descriptions given online. Thanks!
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Sorry to not answer, but have you made sure you have the water pressure and the correct tank needed to support this? If you have all on, you are pulling nearly 40 gallons in 5 minutes, or 75 gallons in ten minutes. A twenty minute shower would be 150 gallons. Water still needs to be heated up before transported to the shower, meaning a normal residential water heater won't give you a very long shower- unless you have a tankless heater capable of keeping up with the output. Combined with the steam, that is a lot of water usage to have happening. Just something to think about. The three volume controls would honestly be my choice. It would be an easier option.
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Thanks much and beautiful showers! I am confused about the thermostatic valve. Is this something that I can buy separate and have it installed in the wall so that anytime I change out the shower handle/trim/valve it will automatically be there and still be accessible if it breaks and I need to change it? I hate to have more moving parts and things to break inside the walls. LIke this (although it looks like part of this would stick out of the wall?-another hole?: https://www.amazon.com/Rozin-Thermostatic-Mixing-Temperature-Control/dp/B01FAGWKTC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006430&sr=8-3&keywords=thermostatic+control+valve#customerReviews Or does do certain valves come with it like this?: https://www.amazon.com/Hansgrohe-04231000-Thermostatic-Control-Diverter/dp/B07FDFK5SM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006430&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=thermostatic+control+valve&psc=1 I was wondering, also, it sets the temp but the initial issue of being cold while the water warms up since it has to run through the pipes would still be there, right? Problem is, I have chosen champagne bronze and if I need to get the thermostatic control valve built in I think that will be hard. I'm already having a hard time finding a handheld and shower head built into the same. I might have to get a separate handheld to divert water or I'm back to the initial question of do I just push the shower head over to shoot towards the wall before I turn on the H20 or go back to the idea of moving the control valve? Here's one of the options I was looking at for a showerhead before this discuss that I might need to adjust: https://www.amazon.com/58471-CZ-PK-H2Okinetic-4-Setting-Handshower-Showerhead/dp/B009MLXJN8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542006748&sr=8-2&keywords=shower+head+combo+with+handheld+champagne+bronze
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kevin1727
15 years ago
I expect I will also see a drop in pressure when both showers are going, but since most shower heads are now low-flow I am hoping the lines will be sufficient.
I forgot to ask you if your shower heads were those big sunflower ones that require a lot of water, but I'm glad your plumber confirmed it will be okay.
house_vixen
Original Author
15 years ago
Yeah, I wanted to be able to have both a rainshower (just a 5") and a superpowerful blaster without the guilt -- so being able to switch between the two seemed the best solution!

The blaster's supposed to be amazing even with very low pressure, so I'm psyched.

I bet your new set-up will surprise you; a friend has a new 3/4 line and can use SIX overhead showerheads plus three body jets without a noticeable difference!

Signed, Have Stupidly Kept My Crummy Showerhead for 6 Years Too Many

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