Tub/Shower Rough In Valve

Hello Everyone,

I am new and I have 2 questions regarding tub/shower rough in valves.
I am currenlty remodeling my master bath and have gutted the space. I am planning on a deep tub, tile surround, shower, 2 or 3 handle controls.

1.) I noticed on an earlier forum a reference to Symmons valves as being a good choice for a universal valve.... do most of the current brand faucet trims fit this valve? Where do I find the Symmons valves?

2.) It seems to me everyone is converting to single handle valves (not sure why this so popular) I am planning to use a 2 or 3 handle valve (leaning towards 2 handles). Any opinions out there 2 vs 3? Any considerations 2 vs 3?

Thank you for a response!
Marlene

There is no such thing as a valve that accepts trim from other manufacturers. When a Symmons, or now also Delta, refers to a "universal rough in valve" they mean it accepts a variety of THEIR trim.

For example, the Delta R10000 will accept the 1300 series single handle trim, the 1700 series trim with separate temp and volume control, and the 17T trim which is thermostatic control. This works because the operating approriate operating cartridge come in the trim package.

valve

And people are converting to the single handle valve, because it is required in most cases, and also easier to use.

Thank you both for a reply. Looks like I need to decide on my brand first.
Do you know of any place online that gives rating for faucet brands, ie repair track record, quality, etc?

Thanks for your help.

Marlene

rating

Any information from a site like that would be essentially useless, because those statistics are subjective and will change depending on which plumber you ask.

Like hj said,
We did the poll before, and came up with all kinds of answers.
Pretty much all of them right too.

As to your first question on handle numbers,
Code now requires some sort of balancing, so single handle is pretty much it now.
If you go two handles, you need to add a separate balancer.
Instead of adding maybe $5 to the cost, think another $80 or so. Plus the time to install it.

balancer

Plus the reduced efficiency because most balancing valves have very poor flow because of the small ports involved.