Tub/shower faucet

[cavalierowner]

I have a question for the plumbers out there. The original 3 handle tub/shower valve, probably 50+ years old, is going through washers every 6 months or so. It's time to replace it. A friend gave me a Delta Renovation Plate so I don't have to worry about the impossible task of matching the old ceramic tile. So my question is: what do I look for in a quality Delta valve? I seem to recall that ceramic disks are supposed to be the best, but I've been away from the industry for too long to be sure of that. Comments?

[nobody05]

buy the delta rough in valve probably 30-40 bucks and many many possiblities of trim can fit on it. Pretty much all delta use the same valve in the wall nowadays... unless your into showers that have to spray from every possible angle. All the trims use the same "guts". If your cartdrige wears out 10 years down the road you will not have to worry about a replacement for it sense it's incredibly commom. unlike some of those off brand menards specials

[schmoe147]

Go with a 1700 series

[delcecchi]

I have a question for the plumbers out there. The original 3 handle tub/shower valve, probably 50+ years old, is going through washers every 6 months or so. It's time to replace it. A friend gave me a Delta Renovation Plate so I don't have to worry about the impossible task of matching the old ceramic tile. So my question is: what do I look for in a quality Delta valve? I seem to recall that ceramic disks are supposed to be the best, but I've been away from the industry for too long to be sure of that. Comments?

Any particular reason you chose Delta? Just wondering...

[cavalierowner]

The ONLY reason I chose Delta is that a friend gave me the renovation plate. Frankly, I'm not a big fan of Delta as I think there are better manufacturers out there. If I read between the lines, you might feel the same way?? Lately I have also been thinking about replacing it with a new 2 or 3 handle faucet; then, worse case, I would only have to cut one additional hole in the tile. The nice thing about this project is that I have access from the back side. All I have to do is either patch in some sheetrock or make an access panel.

[delcecchi]

For some reason, not sure exactly why, I have used Moen stuff for years.

I had to look up what a renovation plate is. Shows what I know. So you are replacing a two valve thing with a one valve control?

The job is painful enough, I think I would get the valve that you think is best and buy an appropriate trim piece/renovation plate to go with it, unless you are really trying to minimize expenses.

Looks like a renovation plate for a Moen goes for like 33 bucks in several finishes, based on quick look on amazon.

I know I don't really want to replace that shower valve again.

[Tom7227]

I bought a Moen shower faucet and was disappointed in that you can only control the temp, not the flow. It's on full blast and I would prefer to be able to cut it back. Too late now for me.

[cavalierowner]

I bought a Moen shower faucet and was disappointed in that you can only control the temp, not the flow. It's on full blast and I would prefer to be able to cut it back. Too late now for me.

That sounds like the Moen valve I installed a couple years ago in my other tub. I don't get why there's no volume adjustment. But, as you say, too late for me now.

[delcecchi]

I bought a Moen shower faucet and was disappointed in that you can only control the temp, not the flow. It's on full blast and I would prefer to be able to cut it back. Too late now for me.

They make two styles. One you just turn. The other goes in and out to control the flow and turns for temp. I don't remember which name is which.

Just looked it up. Posi-Temp is the all or nothing, Moentrol has the "volume control"