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Plumbing Bathrooms

Shower valve trim kits - what's the difference?

2 years ago

We're doing a walk-in shower in place of old tub/shower, and looking to have a set-up similar to this photo, with a Moen primary shower head plus a separate Moen handheld. There will not be any other water outlet (such as rain head or body spray.) My question is, what's the difference between the two valve trim kits below and which would be best for our setup? Does one have advantages the other doesn't? I ordered the first this morning (snagged the last one in stock) and then this afternoon came across the second, which at $86 less might be all we need. I'm in definitely in over my head with this one. Help, please? (Extra credit for plain English, lol.) Thanks so much, in advance.

Voss Posi-Temp with Built-In 3 Function Transfer Valve Trim Kit

OR

2 Function Pressure Balanced Valve Trim Only with Double Lever Handle, Integrated Diverter, Less Rough-in

New Shower Renovation · More Info

Featured Answer

recordaras

2 years ago

Okay I am no pro, but my understanding is that these are meant for different valves. One for the PosiTemp, and the other for the newer M-Core. I can’t recall whether PosiTemp is thermostatic or not (I believe not, and Moentrol was their previous thermostatic valve but could have that wrong), but the M-Core compatible trim should allow you to adjust temperature and volume independently (I just specified an M-Core valve and trim for our guest bath for this - you pull the lever towards you to turn on and set the volume and turn left and right to adjust temperature).

Comments (6)

Helen
2 years ago
If you have something that works with your Moen rough, just use it and move on.

Why go through the hassle of returning something and ordering something else to save a fairly minimal amount of money. If you factor in shipping costs plus time spent for the actual return of the item is it worth it - especially since you actually have an item in hand which is suitable for your purposes - style and finish and compatabilty with the rough.

I am not sure which one you have but it appears that one of these is out of stock anyway.
mimola thanked Helen
mimola
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, Helen. I think maybe I wasn't as clear as I could have been. You're right about the cost and hassle of return shipping, but I can cancel the order for the more expensive trim (3 Function) if I do it tonight. I wanted to make sure that the 2 Function would work just as well for my needs. I will only have two water outlets and I like the fact that the 2 Function's dimensions are smaller than the 3 Function. What I think I understand from your response is that either one would do the job just fine. Is that correct?
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In general, the threading on shower arms and shower heads are universal, they are all the same 1/2" threading. You can pretty much install any shower arm into the threaded union that is recessed inside the wall, and you can install any shower head onto the shower arm. There are always exceptions. But just look for the 1/2" threading. Valve trim kits? In general, they should be specifically matched to the valve body that is plumbed inside the wall. If you can identify the manufacturer of the valve and the specific valve model, that will be the best way to get a new trim kit that will fit.
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Like the others wrote, the trim kit is just the "pretty shiny parts" that you see. Based on your description you want either a pressure-balanced or a thermostatic valve. The PB or TS valve will be a brass valve body. A chunk of metal. That gets buried in the wall. The trim kit has the chrome or nickel (or whatever) knob, lever, escutcheon plate, etc, the things you put your hands on to turn on the valve or change temperature. For changing out the valve, if you have access to the back of the wall that the valve is on, often times you can cut an access hole there, install the new valve, and patch the drywall. Easy. Many shower valves have large escutcheon plates (the flat "plate" shaped thing that goes against the wall to hide the hole in the wall) that can hide the hole made if you need to go through the tiled side. A very decent and affordable pressure-balanced valve is made by Symmons, the Temptrol series. They aren't the most gorgeous by any means, but they have been around forever and will last forever. I have a few in my own house. You can get the entire setup (valve body, shower head, tub faucet, and trim for $100-$150. You can go higher than that too. The version below is less than $100. They have "prettier versions" too. You can use the included shower head, or substitute one you already have. But it's an excellent valve, and whenever I've needed replacement parts they get sent for free, no questions asked. The Symmons escutcheon plate is large enough where you can go through the tiled wall, change the valve, and the escutcheon plate will hide the hole. No retiling required. Just another idea.
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The Symmons valves are excellent valves, they've been around for years. But their trim kits are more functional than stylish. I don't have any broad knowledge regarding what trim kits can fit other manufacturer's valve bodies. What I've had to do on the past is to look at the dimensions on the valve and trim kit spec sheets and compare. Tedious for sure. If you have a simple valve you have more options than with a multi-function valve.
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Can any other brand trim kits fit with new Moen valve?
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Comments (1)
Nope. You own it as is.
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chispa
2 years ago
I hate shower heads that can only be on or off, so I always pick valve trims that have independent volume controls and temperature controls ... so those are the features that I would want.
mimola thanked chispa
mimola
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, Recordaras. This was exactly what I needed to know. I looked it up and you were correct; I had not caught that the "2 Function Pressure Balanced Valve" also controls volume, whereas the Posi-Temp does not. I agree with Chispa that being able to control volume independent of temperature will be very nice, so I ordered the "2 Function" and will return the PosiTemp. It was too late to cancel the order, but the cost and hassle of return shipping are minor compared to having the features we want for all the years we intend to use this shower. I had already ordered the M-Core valve for the PosiTemp, though now I'm not sure if it would actually have worked with the P-T, as you suggested it might not. But it does go with the 2-Function. Thanks again!
recordaras
2 years ago
You’re very welcome! I actually found everything that has to do with valves and trims to be one of the most confusing parts of our upcoming remodel. I looked at reviews of the trim you ordered and even though it’s called a “2 function” it looks like you can actually have both showerheads running simultaneously. Not sure if that matters to you, but I wanted that functionality and some manufacturers (Hansgrohe I think?) don’t allow it which was also not easy to find in the product description.
mimola thanked recordaras

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