Choices, Choices...

[ClassicTVMan1981]

When it comes to choosing a new (or used) tub/shower faucet, there are several choices out there, but which of these are the most trouble-free?

There are combination tub/shower valves that have the following features:
* Single-handle or two-handle units; tub filler with pull-up or pull-down diverter (cf. Delta 642/644, 1646/1648)
* Push button diverter on single-handle units (cf. Delta 636/638, 1636/1638) and some two-handle units (cf. Delta 2836)
* Three-handle units where the center handle acts as the diverter (cf. Delta 2683, 2885)
(Two- and three-handle units are no longer permissible by code)

Which of the above would be the most trouble-free?

~Ben

 

[Reach4]

(Two- and three-handle units are no longer permissible by code)

The ones not permitted by newer code, of course. Balancing and thermostatic parts are going to have more to go wrong.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

A single-handle design that has an integral pressure-balance spool valve verses one that has it as a separate item. That way, when something fails, you only have to replace one part, and with many of them, the parts are free.

That being said, my thermostatically controlled valve is now about 11-years old and still works as new.