re: The most reliable shower pressure balancer system.

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Gramps

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I am redoing a basement shower and wish to add a pressure balancer. In the basement, the look of the finish is not of primary importance. I just want it to work well.

Is it better to install one separately to the shower head/handle assembly? or one unit that includes the balancer?
My concern is that I want a balance that is reliable. Who makes the most reliable pressure balancer or shower system with integrated balancer? Who to stay away from.
thanks
-g
 
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Gramps

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if the fixturs are pricey, is there anything wrong with buying a reasonably priced fixture (moen maybe?), but using a good grohe balancer?, or must both products be the same.
 

Guy48065

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Can I assume from these answers that there is no such thing as a "stand-alone" balancer that could be installed in the pipes before the shower valve? I would much rather buy a quality device like that and a cheap unbalanced valve than an expensive valve with a cheap plastic balancer built in.
 

Terry

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We haven't had problems with any of the new (if you consider twenty years new) pressure balance valves from Moen, Delta, Kohler, Price Pfister.
 

Reach4

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Would thermostatic temperature control shower valve be better than a pressure balancing valve?
 

Terry

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Would thermostatic temperature control shower valve be better than a pressure balancing valve?

I don't know that there is much difference.
The Thermostatic can be dialed for temperature, regardless of water heater temp.
With a non-thermostatic, you may need to turn the dial farther over, or less, depending on the water heater output.
Either way, they lock in pretty well.

In the 70's Installed the Moen 2620 single handles for my parents.
But then I was getting a few complaints when family came to visit. One day I took a shower there, while someone was using the kitchen, and that was enough for me.
I went back and installed Moen Posi-Temp.

That being said though, the home I'm in now has Moen 2620 valves, and the expansion tank in the garage helps to even the pressure quite a bit.
I've noticed in the last two homes, that adding an expansion tank makes a "big" difference in pressure balance issues.
 

DougB

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When I remodeled the 2nd bath (about 4 years ago) I installed a Grohe thermostatic valve.

It's really nice - you can preset the temperature (there's a stop). Just turn on the water - no fiddling, no mixing, the set temp all the time.

You buy a Grohe rough-in box, then the valve / mixer / diverter that you want.
 

hj

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When they work, all the systems are effective, but since they are all mechanical devices, they all can fail, but repair or replacement is usually fairly simple.
 

Guy48065

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OK to answer my own question I did a little Googling and found there ARE in-line pressure balancing valves. Would using one ahead of the shower valve--either just before it or under the floor--allow me to use standard 2-stem shower sets and pass code?
 

Terry

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An inline pressure balancer lets you use a two handle valve.
If you have a soaking tub, many places want to see a tempering valve to prevent scalding too.
 
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