High End Moen Mixing Valves for the Shower and Tub

When we were on our third bathroom remodel, I got smarter and looked through the entire catalog of Moen fixtures for the tub and separate shower. I asked the plumber what he had for his own house, which he had just recently built. He showed me the ExactTemp valve with spa shower (multiple nozzles). He said that he didn't use the multiple nozzles, but that he really appreciated the ExactTemp valve. I ordered it, with the Monticello design for the escutcheon and levers. This has turned out to be my favorite single item of our entire bathroom remodel. It was expensive, but worth it.

The top dial controls the temperature. The maximum and minimum temperatures are adjusted from the factory, but it can be changed by the consumer or plumber. Within that range, it is aadjustable by turning the dial. The bottom lever controls the volume of water. The valve automatically, without the use of electricity, adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to be the temperature you have selected on the dial. It allows all hot water first until it gets hot, then it automatically begins mixing it with cold. If the hot water supply is getting cooler, the valve automatically adjusts the ratio of hot and cold water. It also regulates the pressure which means that if someone suddenly uses a lot of cold water, the temperature in the shower does not become extra hot. The temperature is constant -- even if the pressure changes. No more, "Don't use the sink while I am in the shower." My son James says that all shower valves should be like this one. I know other brands make this, but the plumber recommended Moen because he said that it would always be easy to get parts. I did change the shower nozzle to one that has arm that swings up and down. (I wish Moen would include this technology for their kitchen sink fixtures.)

Another nice thing we did for the separate extra long tub was to include a handheld spray nozzle. This great for washing your hair, washing the grandchildren, and rinsing the tub.