Bathroom Basics: What is the best shower valve technology? Pressure Balance VS. Thermostatic

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teespring.com/respect-the-whisk As a homeowner it's incredibly important for you to understand the different technology choices you have to put into your shower and why you might or might not want to use it. There's a shower faucet out there for every situation, let me help you find yours.
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[@thereefaholic]

“ need more pressure try this valve”. You never answered that question.

[@hanaasalha978]

Thank you! very straight forward and easy to underestand!

[@RemodelMedia]

You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help 🙂

[@Erik-ie3xz]

holy crap, been to 3 different show rooms in the South no one explained this, this clearly

[@RemodelMedia]

This is a huge compliment thank you 😊

[@SneakyDogs]

This is so helpful to learn and now I know why my prior shower install always sucked no matter how many times I called the plumber to fix it. I like a strong pressure of shower and maybe want it hot but not necessarily burn myself. And even then they aren't usually strong enough spray and many don't get that hot. Drives me insane! I grew up in an old house that didn't have that pressure balance stuff and guess I was spoiled. And when looking for shower fixtures it seems most are pressure balanced.

[@jungshin87]

I have pressure b alance right now and it STINKS. took me hours to find out thermostatic exists, how can anyone tolerate pressure balance bullshit

[@RemodelMedia]

It’s why I do what I do. I want people to know their options, understand them, make an educated choice, and hopefully eliminate their regret.

[@bt-lt4os]

​@@RemodelMediamy shower handle pulls out to turn water on, and turns left for hot and right for cold. The tub faucet has separate handles for hot and cold, and no diverter. Can you tell me what type of valve it is? Thanks

[@ss5ekhon]

What would you say is a decent quality relatively inexpensive thermostatic system? I am looking at a rain can style shower, hand shower on a bar/rail and a tub spout. So far it seems the Grohetherm 1000 looks promising and just adding a diverter should make it work as per my needs (?). Must say that i do like your videos and your no nonsense style and has been quite helpful with planning our up coming renovation. Keep it up!

[@kokilalane916]

Can you recommend a shower mixer unit that supports the well-being of an air source heat pump, please?

[@Pifplafplouf]

Does the thermostatic shower valve, once set a the desired temperature, provides always the same temperature or does it fluctuates depending on how cold the cold water is (Seasonnally as an example). Also if there is fluctuation in the set water temperature currently during a shower with a standard valve(condo, shared water), what technology is best to alleviate those issues? there is no issues when flushing the toilet while taking a shower, but there is a temperature different sometimes during a shower for unidentified reasons.

[@edmondshahbaz6659]

hi why a shower single hndle valve can not work like a sink single handle valve which you can mix and adjust the valume

[@alanlight7740]

I'm wondering this too, as I have seen such shower controls as standard overseas, in places like Australia. They are simple to use - so why don't they seem to be available in the U.S.?

[@jeffpearson611]

thts the old way. two knobs. hot and cold. it is best. but people think this one giant handle is better? its always been a worse user experience not to mention the huge amount of fresh water being wasted when you just need a trickle. @@alanlight7740

[@francistremblay9316]

Is there any termostatic valve which is simple to instal and doesn't require to destroy a wall when upgrading from the first valve you have shown in the video to the termostatic one?

[@RemodelMedia]

A great question Francis! When changing out any shower valve (pressure balance or thermostatic) you have two choices. You can go in through the tile wall in the shower, or you can come in from behind, which is especially easy if there’s drywall on the other side. I’ve had many customers who have had a closet or a bedroom on the other side of their showers and it’s a lot easier to patch drywall than it is to patch tile. I hope this helps!

[@francistremblay9316]

@@RemodelMedia Thanks for the advice.

[@RemodelMedia]

Happy to help 👍🏻

[@TheNYgolfer]

Francis Tremblay- There is a kit you can use that makes it possible to install a new shower body without having to re-tile the shower. It does require you to cut an oval opening into the existing tiles but that's relatively easy compared to re-tiling. I use a cutting wheel on an angle grinder . Here is the kit www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-Single-Lever-Remodeling-Cover-in-Chrome-80000/202251674

[@illinialumni]

HELP! I have a AXIA thermostatic valve that does not work consistently and does not change temperature. So even when water flows through, the temp is set. Sometimes, the water completely stops altogether. I think the model is 9101 for the valve.

[@RemodelMedia]

I’m not familiar with the brand but can you send me a photo? Twitter or IG @remodelmedia

[@RemodelMedia]

In general a thermostatic valve needs very little service. Generally a therm cartridge can be removed and soaked in vinegar and water overnight.

[@illinialumni]

@@RemodelMedia Tweet sent. Water will flow at times and then after a shut off won't re-start. Trying to get a professional in. General Contractor who installed it is at a loss. Water stopping is very abrupt and complete and on new cartridge, so I don't think it's scaling. Hopefully just alignment, or then who knows.

[@debk800]

Excellent video thank you! I wish you were in the Bay Area!

[@RemodelMedia]

Deb K thanks for watching. I’m more than happy to help. 951-834-4172

[@debk800]

Hey Dave: 2 questions. 1. I read on some chat rooms that the Hansgrohe valve only allows a small window of temperature. So you can’t get cold cold and hot hot. I of course want a nice hot shower but I also like having a brief cold shower at times. Any way around this with Hansgrohe or do I need to look to other brands? 2. I’m in CA and hear that I can only have the pressure valve for the bathtub (I have separate bath and shower). Does this mean I can’t use this style for my bath? www.brizo.com/bath/product/T70475-PC

[@RemodelMedia]

I’ve installed the hansgrohe on multiple projects and never received that feedback from a customer who purchased the HG thermostatic valve. I have heard it about their pressure balance valve. Yes this Brizo faucet is perfectly acceptable for use in California when the tub 🛁 is separated from the shower 🚿. Whoever told you it’s not has misread the building code. I’ve installed many that have passed inspection, including several this year. Would you like me to email you a price. I can usually get it better than you can buy online. Call me 🤙 or Email 📧 me at: [e-mail]

[@andrewunderwood5293]

I read somewhere that thermostatic valves struggle maintaining hot water in multi-shower homes. Is that true?

[@rpinarreta]

Only when multiple water sources being used simultaneously.

[@aconsideration]

My old mixing valve allowed me to control the temp and the pressure. I pulled it out for pressure and turned left and right for temp. Do they not make those anymore? My brand is Pfister that I newly installed and I hate it :( I don't have the ability to control the pressure. I need that ability back, but I want it all in one handle.

[@martyvanord984]

as best I know take a look at the Moentrol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWnPgJKDh7uDfsk

[@alanlight7740]

I've seen those overseas, and am astonished now that I am looking for one that the internet does not seem to know of any - at least, not in the U.S.

[@JoshNoss]

Here's the real problem: the EPA! They're mandated 1.5-1.7gpm mixing valves suck.. 3.5gpm is like the minimum, 4.5-5gpm would be like WAY BETTER

[@DavidKlausa]

Do you mean showerheads? I think the valves themselves are rated higher.

[@JoshNoss]

@@DavidKlausa no if you look on the newer valves some have chokers inside that limit the output before it even gets to the showerhead or tub.. pretty sure in CA 1.7gpm is max you can get

[@DavidKlausa]

@@JoshNoss Yikes, I'll have to watch out for that.

[@jamescole3152]

Temperature adj only is horrible tech. They had better showers 70 years ago.

[@JoshNoss]

Blame the EPA they made it law to limit flow to first 3.5gpm and now it's like 1.5gpm in California and 2-2.5gpm in other states.. old ones let out as much as your pipe and pressure allowed

[@guloguloguy]

IMHO: I HATE these crappy faucet systems!!! I want something simple, easy, problem free, intuitive, affordable, repairable, NO Thermostats, No motion sensors/"presense" sensors, NO Electronics!!!!, No batteries, No Displays,