Delta Mixer Valves For Showers That Perform

Finding the perfect mixer valve to control the water flow and temperature in your shower can make all the difference between a frustrating and an invigorating shower experience. Delta offers an extensive selection of innovative mixer valves designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for showers.

We'll look at how they work, key benefits, what to consider when selecting one, proper installation steps, maintenance tips, and reviews of Delta's most popular mixer valves for exceptional showers.

Understanding Delta Mixer Valves

A mixer valve, also called a mixing valve, blends hot and cold water from your home's supply lines to provide a tempered, consistent flow of water at your desired temperature. Advanced thermostatic and pressure balancing cartridges inside Delta mixer valves maintain water temperature within +/- 3degF even if pressures fluctuate in the hot and cold supply lines.

Delta employs innovative technologies like Monitor(r) pressure balancing, TempAssure(r) thermostatic regulation, and Thermostatic AccuflowTM mechanisms to ensure exceptional temperature control performance across their mixer valve lines. Many of their cartridges feature patented designs tested to 500,000 cycles for longevity.

Here are some of the key benefits Delta mixer valves offer for showers:

• Precise Temperature Control - Their advanced cartridges deliver reliable output temperature regulation within a fraction of a degree.
• Energy Efficiency - Maintain your desired temp without wasting water waiting for it to adjust.
• Easy Installation - Universal inlets on many models simplify retrofits without extensive replumbing.
• Durable Performance - Solid brass bodies and sturdy cartridges withstand the test of time.
• Water Savings - Innovations like Temp2O(r) technology help conserve water.
• Reduced Scalding - Safeguards like MaxGuardTM limit maximum temp to avoid burns.

When selecting a Delta mixer valve, two of the most important features to consider are:

Thermostatic vs. Pressure Balance Cartridge

Thermostatic cartridges like Delta's Thermostatic AccuflowTM contain a wax element that senses water temperature at the valve inlet and expands or contracts to calibrate the ratio of hot and cold water accordingly. Pressure balance cartridges use a series of ports and springs to maintain the ratio of hot and cold water flow regardless of fluctuations in pressure.

While both thermostatic and pressure balancing technologies offer reliable temperature regulation, thermostatic valves generally react faster to changes and allow more precise control. However, pressure balance cartridges have fewer internal components for potentially greater longevity.

Finish and Style Options

Delta offers various finishes like polished chrome, Venetian bronze, metallic champagne bronze, Brilliance(r) stainless, and matte black to match your bathroom decor. Styles range from simple single-handle to elegant widespread two-handle designs.

Their widespread lavatory faucets feature hot and cold handles spaced 4 inches to 16 inches apart for flexible installation, while single-handle models allow effortless flow and temp control with one hand.

Choosing the Right Delta Mixer Valve

Selecting the ideal Delta mixer valve depends on factors like your shower type, size, features, water pressure, budget and more. Consider aspects such as:

Shower Type and Size

Pick a valve suitable for your specific shower setup - whether it's a rainfall showerhead, handheld, body sprays, combo shower with multiple heads, or a tub/shower. Also factor in the number of water outlets you need to supply.

Some Delta valves like the MultiChoice(r) Universal are compatible with different types of showers allowing easy upgrades. Select a valve rated for your showerhead's desired flow levels.

Required Flow Rate and Water Pressure

Match the valve's rated flow capacity to your home's static and flowing water pressure and your desired flow rate. Multi-FlowTM valves like the Trinsic(r) provide excellent pressure compensation and performance from 45-80 PSI.

For low pressure challenges, the H2Okinetic PowerDrench shower head paired with a MultiChoice valve provides an invigorating drenching shower. Touch-Clean(r) spray holes allow easy maintenance.

Desired Features

Consider specialized valves like the R10000-UNWS with useful features like temperature limiting stops, built-in volume control, diverter valves for multi-outlet showers, and more. The MultiChoice(r) Universal Valve offers incredible installation flexibility and options.

Finishes to Match Decor

Browse Delta's wide range of finishes like matte black, Venetian bronze, Brilliance stainless, venetian bronze, and champagne bronze to coordinate with your bathroom's look and feel. Certain finishes may cost more.

Opt for spot resist finishes like SpotShieldTM or Brilliance to reduce mineral spotting and fingerprints. Partner bold or metallic finishes with coordinating faucets.

Budget and Cost Considerations

Delta valves range from value-priced models under $100 to luxury smart valves over $700. Focus first on quality, features, reliability and durability rather than just price.

Even affordable Delta valves like the Peerless(r) P131LF integrate excellent pressure balancing temperature control. Investing a little more in the valve can enhance shower enjoyment and relaxation for years.

Installing a Delta Mixer Valve

Proper installation is key to getting optimal performance from your Delta mixer valve. Follow these general steps or consult Delta's detailed model-specific instructions:

Prep Work

• Turn off main and branch water supplies and relieve pressure.
• Remove old shower valve mounting plate, valve body, trim and supply lines.
• Cap off supplies. Flush lines to clean debris.

Securing the Valve Body

• Ensure valve body properly aligns with supply line positioning.
• Solder copper or use push-to-connect fittings to attach hot & cold inlets.
• Securely mount the valve body with provided screws.

Connect Shower Head and Trim

• Attach handle assembly and decorative trim plate/flange to valve.
• Connect shower arm to valve outlet and attach showerhead.
• Some require an elbow adaper for arm installation.

Finishing Touches

• Seal around valve with silicone caulk. Avoid getting caulk in ports.
• Restore branch and main water supply. Flush/test for leaks.
• Set high temperature limit stop screw as desired.

Getting valve positioning, inlet connections, trim assembly, and shower arm angles right the first time simplifies installation. Don't be afraid to call in a pro if needed.