Lifespeed
Member
I am just about to embark on a whole house repipe. I have chosen a good contractor who has done satisfactorily for some friends. I need to choose the shower valves.
I had often thought the thermostatic units would be nice. I have looked at models by Grohe (paraffin cartridge) and Toto (bimetallic spring or memory metal) with different mechanisms. I am hoping to hear from people who have actually used their valves. Support and being able to replace the guts of the valve without re-ripping the walls are a must. I understand I may not be able to get a new valve at Home Cheapo, but I want to be able to order it and get it within a week. I think it goes without saying that a brass valve body is required also.
For the shower/tub combo bathroom I am considering a separate pressure-balanced valve for the tub fill, with a thermostatic valve for the showerhead. I don't think I want thermostatic for the tub is it is common to add fully hot water to warm a cooling tub. Something the maximum setpoint of a thermostatic will preclude, I believe.
Any valve experiences to share?
I had often thought the thermostatic units would be nice. I have looked at models by Grohe (paraffin cartridge) and Toto (bimetallic spring or memory metal) with different mechanisms. I am hoping to hear from people who have actually used their valves. Support and being able to replace the guts of the valve without re-ripping the walls are a must. I understand I may not be able to get a new valve at Home Cheapo, but I want to be able to order it and get it within a week. I think it goes without saying that a brass valve body is required also.
For the shower/tub combo bathroom I am considering a separate pressure-balanced valve for the tub fill, with a thermostatic valve for the showerhead. I don't think I want thermostatic for the tub is it is common to add fully hot water to warm a cooling tub. Something the maximum setpoint of a thermostatic will preclude, I believe.
Any valve experiences to share?