I used Riobel Products for some bathroom renovations done about 15 years ago, and have been very happy with their performance. I am currently renovating those bathrooms again to update them, and I chose Riobel again for one of the baths. I have to say though that I am concerned by what appears to me to be a change in quality of the products. I will have to wait and see how they hold up. I have to say though that I am feeling a little uncertain about replacing the old product with what appears to be a product of lesser quality (lighter in weight, and a difference in finish quality) solely for the purpose of acheiving a fresher design look. The old product functioned without fail for fifteen years. The finish and the function held up beautifully. I am noticing that the company was sold in or about 2015. I am hoping that the quality has not deteriorated, and that I am getting the same quality product that I purchased when I first discovered the company. I will have to wait and see.

I talked to the plumber this morning to check this out and he said it is usually not a problem. Sometimes, it is, but usually it isn't. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that it all works. In my case, I don't need to change any valves, I just need a shower head and a valve cover for the shower. If I'm lucky and I have space they might be able to use the sprayer in the bathrub, but if they can't I'll just use the tub filler faucet and handles. I am pretty happy to hear it, I've got a 10% off coupon for Overstock. I recently ordered a chandy there that turned out to be great and I want to give them another try with the fixtures...and I found something I can afford!

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

probably easier to replace the diverter in the T&S valve