Pressure Balance Shower valve

Kind of confused. I keep hearing that the use of a pressure balanced/thermostatic shower valve is required for most building codes? I understand the value of this, but it really isn't a big deal to me.

1) is this one of those relatively new UPC things?
2) Does this mean I have to use this type of valve in a remodel? If so that's weird since I still see the non-pressure balanced types readily available.

THanks,
Steve

Not sure when it became a requirement, but it is. You can buy a shower pan using a 1.5" drain line which is not code anywhere, either. THe big box stores sell those things because people buy them - it is often easier to replace what was there vs redoing things to make it right - plus, it is cheaper and people are driven by price. There is no law that they can't sell it - it is against the codes to install it, so that is why you probably won't find it in a true plumbing store since the plumber won't (usually) install it because he is required to do things by code if he wants to retain his license.

pressure balanced valves

It came into law back about 1992 or so.....

The DELTA pressure balanced valves are about the

absolute best in the world.....

WE always used Delta but we pissed and moaned when

we had to change over to the Delta pressure balances

1500 -- 1700 valves in 92 .....but after about 5000

of them with no prblems --they are the absolute best


They dont care about code at the department stores...

it really only applies to the plumber....


the homeowner can mess up any way he wants to.....

As with many areas of the building codes, all existing installations are usually grandfathered. Only new construction, including remodels, are affected. In most places, you could replace a worn out shower valve with a non-pb type. But if you are remodeling the bathroom ( permits pulled) they will require the anti-scald protection.

Out here on the left coast, water heaters and toilets have a different rule: If you replace them, or usually if you sell the house, the new installation has to be up to code.

Last saturday I had to switch a 3 handle to a 3 handle due to cost limitations to the customer. I normally switch to a single handle pressure balanced.


When he gets the bill though and all the trouble I went through to put the 3 handle in, he'll wish he went with the single handle assembly.

That was first time I've installed a 3 handle faucet in 9 years. Every other one has been changed to pressure balanced. He went with a Delta so he won't have issues with seat washers going bad.

I average a 3 handle to single handle faucet conversion once every two weeks lately.

SWEET~!

Unfortunately, most of these low cost brands (Price Fister, Delta etc) are kind of cheap and ugly looking.

I really like to use high quality stuff like VOLA or Kohler with ceramic valves, but it looks like these guys make some of their stuff in pressure balanced, (but not all).

If you have the choice between pressure balanced and/or thermostatic ... go with thermostatic.

I've had Hans Grohe for about 10 years and I love them.

The Delta's are worthless IMHO. The Hans Grohe had great pressure and the Delta's barely delivered water. But, hey, I'm picky.