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Volume control for Pressure Balance valve?

8 years ago

I'm redoing my DWV system from scratch and I'm nearing the time for a pressurized leak test for the supply pipes (to be done before tiling the shower.) I'm planning to get a Hansgrohe trim/valve, but the thermostatic w/volume control is about $300 more.

I don't need the automatic temperature feature because I like different temperatures based on previous activity (working, running, sleeping, etc.), but I do want to be able to limit the flow rate coming from the shower. This is both for having a lighter rain experience and because my new 13 kW tankless water heater may not be able to keep up with 2.5+ GPM flow, especially during the winter.

I hear that pressure balance valves don't have volume control. Only on/off and temperature control. Would I not be able to control the volume by turning the valve partially on? Or would this cause premature wear/leaks on the valves?

Featured Answer

monicakm_gw

8 years ago

My husband can control the volume with his Delta In2ition shower/tub faucet. There are two controls. One for on/off/volume. The other controls temps. It's a pressure balanced system.

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Comments (6)

User
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks for replying. I don't think the point of my concern was clear. The one you have has a dedicated volume control knob. I was referring to
trim kits that have a single knob that controls on/off and temperature,
but lacks volume control.

The Hansgrohe Ecostat Pressure Balance Trim w/Diverter is the trim kit I plan to get.

Is there a reason I shouldn't install this and simply turn the knob to the "partially on" position in the event of too much pressure or not enough heat?
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This has discussion has a lot of great information. I'm not sure if everyone's questions have been answered but we have a very in depth article on our site regarding the difference between the Delta 17 and 17T series trim kits. It gets pretty heavy into the details. Others above have given a pretty good explanations in this discussion but I think some aspects may still be a little unclear. Here's a summary of the differences detailed in our article. 1) Water pressure: 17 Series cartridges operate using pressure balancing techniques as opposed to actually sensing temperature. This means that water pressure from a 17 Series trim will be less than a 17T Series. 2) Temperature limit stop: If you live in an area where seasonal temperature differences are greater, you may have to adjust the temperature limit stop in your 17 series shower periodically. You will never need to do this with a 17T series. 3) Accuracy: 17T keeps the temperature in a tighter range. If you adjust the temperature handle more often the 17T will give you more predictable results with less fiddling around required to get exactly the temperature you want. 4) Shower systems with multiple spray outlets: In the case of a shower system you will require more water pressure and a 17T will be better. You will also get better pressure from a standard showerhead with a 17T. These are some of the reasons the price is higher. For more info check out our article: https://faucetlist.com/blogs/buying-guides/delta-thermostatic-shower-faucet-trim-kit-cartridges-monitor-17-series-vs-17t-series-tempassure read the guide
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Thank you all for your help. The issue was going to cause me to have to buy a local faucet (verses the one I purchased many months ago while traveling) and a difference of a couple thousand dollars so they could get their inspection underway and not delay the whole project. I did make that call castoff (I was a bit worried it was like calling the police and asking if I could smoke just a "little" crack). They walked me through the issue and said it should be fine but also helped me out with a variance I could go through as well if necessary (they wanted to see the actual item before giving me a 100% go ahead). All that savings can go to cost over runs elsewhere heh heh Again, thanks so much!
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Also have the grohe. I was talked into the thermostatic by the sales person. It's okay, but I could have lived without it. She described it as a must have, but I honestly don't see the big whoopee. Also, I found I couldn't get really cold water or super hot water out of my faucet once it was installed. Maybe this was an installation error, but we like freezing showers in the summer and super hot baths in winter.
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My best guess is that the hybrid does not let you adjust the water pressure? But perhaps you can set the temp and leave it when you turn the shower off? But that is just a guess. I couldn't find any of that technical info on their site (I'm sure you looked as well) I would assume that whoever is selling you this manufacture should have that info. I have never heard of them, but I do see it is a Canadian company.
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Nancy in Mich
8 years ago
The ones with one knob, you are really adjusting for temperature only. The only way to get less water is to go cold. I have had a Delta Pressure-balance system with one knob for years. No volume control, really, unless you don't care about the temperature. The only other way to control the volume is to get a shower supply pipe with a T coming off of it for a handheld. I have a valve up there where I can choose the shower head or the handheld shower. If I choose the handheld, I have another valve on that head that allows me to turn the volume to whatever I want. None of that has anything to do with the Pressure-balance system, though. That is still set at the same setting through all of this.

My new system will be a Temperature balance system with three volume controls. I will be able to turn the shower head on full, off or anything in between, ditto for the handheld, and ditto for the rain head. The water heater will not support all three at the same time, but we are a house of grown ups and if we try that kind of shenanigans, we will suffer the consequences of finishing with a cold shower! I usually turn it all off to soap up now. I imagine I still will do that, and the rinse will be faster with the rain head. I am hoping to use less water with the new system, with less time fussing with valves.
User thanked Nancy in Mich
Nancy in Mich
8 years ago
Another thing occurred to me - we had plumbers in the house for a different reason, and figured that since they were down in the basement anyway, to have them install the circulation pump we need. Our hot water now circulates around the plumbing system. That means that the far bathroom gets hot water in an instant instead of several minutes. This helps the shower work better because there is no waiting for hot water anymore. It is the best plumbing dollars we have spent! No more brushing sensitive teeth with icy water, either.
cpartist
8 years ago
The water heater will not support all three at the same time, but we are a house of grown ups and if we try that kind of shenanigans, we will suffer the consequences of finishing with a cold shower!

Well that could put a damper on the shenanigans. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Nancy in Mich
8 years ago
I did leave that hanging out there!

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