I really like the California Faucets thermostatic valve i used recently - well built, separate controls for two outlets, both with higher than typical flow rate, and a large central temperature control lever or knob surrounded by embossed numbers for ðF styled as if it were a fine watch. They also have a huge selection of styles, finishes, and either round or rectangular bezels. I've also used one of the Hansgrohe thermostatic valves that used their universal box - also quite nice, though I think a chrome-plated plastic bezel is a bit cheap for something priced as an upscale item, and I'd like temperature markings (isn't that part of the point of having a thermostatic valve, knowing what temperture the water will be?) This one uses a single lever to control 2 outlets, but it still works well and incorporates water volume and a diverter into the same control, and yes it can send water to both outlets at the same time at any proportion. It's designed so the innards of the valve are all accessible from the front, and can easily be serviced or replaced without ripping out tiles or the back of the wall. The Kohler and Grohe thermo valves I used a few years back have both been discontinued, so not much point discussing them here (there were both good).

I think its normal. My master bathroom is farther from the HWH and takes much longer to get hot than the other bath which is virtually on top of the HWH. Just to be safe though call Grohe customer service at 1-800-444-7643 and discuss it with them.

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

Thanks for the comments. It seems to make sense to go in from the back through the closet. Only one other problem that I forgot to include in the first post. The size of the trim plate for the new valve is smaller than the opening that was cut in the tile for the original valve. (No one makes a plate as wide as the current opening - 9 inches) So some how going to either have to fill in the gaps or replace that one tile.