I had read about the Hansgrohe valve, but I didn't care much for it. Can't understand exactly how I could control temperature, volume and diverter with only 2 handles... We recently installed a new shower with a rainshower head and handheld head, run by one of the Hansgrohe controls. It's very simple to operate. The temperature is controlled by the smaller handle on the outside. I think I've touched it once; after putting it on a temperature both my wife and I apparently find desirable, we never touch it. The larger, inner handle controls volume and diverter. With the Thermobalance II, shown above, you turn the handle left of center to use one shower head, or right to use the other showerhead. Want to be able to use both at the same time (as I did)? For a few more dollars, you get the Thermobalance III valve and trim... This unit could control three different showerheads, or the plumbing can be configured to control two showerheads -- which is what we did, and what I think you're saying you want to do. Turn it left to the for one showerhead, turn all the way to the left and the second showerhead runs; in between, both showerheads run. It's easy to adjust the volume between the two, although I have to say I just go mid-way and let them both run full force. I like the simplicity of having only one control and one handle on the wall. You can certainly configure it with three different handles if you prefer; I just wanted to explain how the Hansgrohe works if you're interested. -- Eric

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!

i truly dont get the dual shower heads, someone explain advantages please. In our 28 years of marriage, only time we were in shower together is when we got frisky ;-)) If we both needed to take a shower, i being the man would just go to our other bath, take my shower and go....

Glad the threads you read were of help. Easiest, and often times the most user-friendly, is two supply valves, one for each head. With two bathers, each can select their own water temp. In general, that can be achieved most economically by using two two pressure balance valves at an economical price. Diverter valves and their trim can often be as expensive as a supply valve and its trim. Obviously you can price things out through the manufacturer of your choice: -Two individual supply valves and their trim. -A single supply valve and its trim plus a diverter and its trim. When you get into diverters, then you have all sorts of choices...the diverter can supply one head OR the other, but NOT BOTH simultaneously...OR it can supply one head OR the other, as well as BOTH simultaneously. As you wrote, with a PB valve you may not get temperature control at any volume. Volume control at any water temp can be of value, it depends on how you use your shower. To do that, you're right, it can be accomplished with a thermostatic valve. To be fair, there are some PB valve that offer that as well, you'd have to shop around to find one. But for the most part, PB valves at low flow will only give you cold water. My own shower, we have two PB valves that supply two individual heads. I do like the ability to have different water temps out of the two different heads. You're certainly on the right track. It's simply a matter now of balancing features versus budget, etc.