We're doing both in our primary bathroom (is a small house) and a handheld only for the extra basement bath. I can't speak to actual function since it's not done yet. When DH and I discussed it, we agreed we both prefer a regular showerhead for daily use (mounted high since we're both tall) with the handheld mostly for kids/dog/cleaning. I admit I was also biased since my folks have a handheld and I *hate* it--the spray is narrow, the angle is weird, and it gets knocked off its holder occasionally and sprays water every which way. When we were shopping, the sales guy did say that the designs have improved significantly since the parents put theirs in 10 years ago, and he's probably right-- they are probably much better now, and would work just fine. For us, since the walls were open already, and the plumbing/tile is all new, we decided not to chance it and just put in both with a diverter. (we put the handheld on the opposite wall) The cost differential wasn't huge since the hansgrohe 3 way valve was not much more expensive than the 2 way. The spare bathtub doesn't get daily use, we opted for a handheld on a bar, since it seemed to offer the most flexibility. Hope that helps and good luck with everything!

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

Warranty Information: American Standard http://www.americanstandard-us.com/companyinfo/contactus.aspx? Contact Us. We're here to listen. Feel free to contact us anytime youÂd like. American Standard experts are standing by. Our customer service phone number is listed here along with our hours of service. Drop us a line. Call: 1-800-442-1902 Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST Write: Customer Care at American Standard P.O. Box 6820 1 Centennial Plaza Piscataway, NJ 08855-6820 ______________________ Kohler Company http://www.us.kohler.com/general/contact.jsp Call the KOHLER Answer Center at Phone: 1-800-4KOHLER (1-800-456-4537) Hours: 7:00am  6:00pm (Central Time) Monday to Friday ________________________________ Manufacturers know their products best and have setup toll free numbers for customers to call whenever they have a problem. Take Care, Dan Martyn

Thank you, brickeyee. Does a cartridge have to be special ordered to fix this? Do you think the plumbing guy is just trying to do a cheap fix rather than doing this right? We do have a wall on the other side of the shower that could be opened up to get at a defective valve and now I'm starting to think that the contractor just wants to cross this off the punch list without doing the right thing. Am I being too suspicious?