Delta Showers are great products. Delta offers high-end, amazing looking Shower Systems, Tub and Shower Faucets, Shower Only Faucets, Diverters, Shower Control Handles, as well as many other Shower related fixtures. Delta Shower Faucets include a Lifetime Warranty on both the operation and the finish. They offer many different designs ranging from contemporary and modern to traditional Victorian.
Part of what makes Delta great is the wide range of options they offer. With many finishes and styles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect Shower Fixture for your home. Using our more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry we have written this guide to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about Delta Showers. You will learn about the different components that make up a Shower and learn how purchase what you need to get yours up and running. You will learn about different functions offered by different Shower components and this will help you make an educated decision when you are ready to purchase.
This guide is designed to explain the difference between various Delta Shower Types, Shower Valves, and Shower Cartridges. After you have read this article, you will understand how to properly select the perfect Delta Shower for you!
When it comes to the specific function and installation requirements, things can get a little bit tricky with regards to installing a Shower. There is often confusion about the differences between the various Shower Valves, Shower Trim Kits, and Shower Cartridges offered by Delta. At FaucetList.com we have over 40 years' experience in the plumbing industry and we can help you figure out what you need. We have worked with every major brand as well as with many other less well known brands. Delta is a clear industry leader. Their products offer a ton of flexibility with regards to style and design. More importantly, they have actually manufactured their products to offer an incredible level of flexibility which can really benefit you. For years plumbers have pushed brands like Delta, not only because their products are extremely reliable, but also as the components are designed to be interchangeable, making them much easier to install and repair.
As a normal person, it's likely you have never really had to think about how a shower works until you have to go purchase one. There are some fairly simple things that seem very confusing at first but with a little explanation will all make perfect sense. Delta's website helps a bit but their information is scattered around and seems to be written for professionals like us rather than end users like you. They seem to assume you already know a lot about plumbing technology and after reading through their documentation we felt it seemed a bit confusing. The goal of this article will be to try and put things in layman's terms to the best of our ability. If anything is still confusing, make sure to Contact Us for additional help.
Tub/Shower Faucets typically contain two parts: The Trim Kit and the Valve. The Trim Kit is the part of the shower you see. It includes the Shower Handle to turn the water on and off, the Escutcheon Plate that covers the hole in the wall, the Shower Head, the Shower Arm, and the Flange. It can also include the tub spout if you are purchasing a Tub and Shower Combination Faucet. Delta Shower Faucet Trim Kits include the Shower Cartridge. Delta Trim Kits are arranged into different series based on the Cartridge they include. Monitor 14, Monitor 17, and Monitor 17T Series refer to differences in the Shower Cartridge included with the Trim Kit. We will be discussing the Cartridges more in detail later. Please refer to the image on the left to learn more about the components of a Shower Faucet Trim Kit.
The second part of a Shower Faucet is the Valve. Sometimes referred to as a rough-in Valve, the Shower Valve is the part that installs in the wall and connects to the actual hot and cold water lines. The Valve is where the water from the hot and cold water lines inside your wall is mixed. Once the water has been properly mixed to a warm temperature it is ready to spray out your Shower Head for comfortable use. View the picture on the right to learn about the most common Universal Delta Shower Multi-Choice Valve. In the plumbing industry manufacturers typically make their Valves proprietary. This means Delta Trim Kits only fit Delta Valves. A Delta Trim Kit cannot be used with a different brand's Valve and a Delta Valve cannot be used with a different brand's Trim Kit. You may not mix and match different manufacturers as the Valve and Trim Kit are specifically designed to only fit each other when made by the same company.
Well it doesn't make much sense if you have a brand new construction project. If you are building a new home, you have nothing so obviously you need both the Shower Valve and Trim Kit. If you are doing an extensive remodel where you are ripping out the walls and tile etc. you also will likely be changing things in the wall anyway so it's not such a big deal for you to change the Valve. In this case, a Shower Valve and Trim Combination is what you need.
However, some people only want to change the look or function of their shower, but DO NOT want to rip out the tile and go into the wall. This is where purchasing the Trim Kit only makes sense. You don't have to pull out the inside Valve, all you need to do is change the Trim and it looks like a brand new shower! Buying a Trim Kit only works great if you ALREADY have a DELTA VALVE installed in the wall. You can save lots of money on parts and the labor needed to change them if you simply swap out the Trim Kit.
The reason for selling the Valve and Trim Kit separately is that it enables you to upgrade the look of your bathroom or change the function of your shower without having to undergo major renovations. Delta manufacturers their Shower Valves to be universal. This means you can simply remove the Trim Kit (which installs over the tile) and switch it out. This makes renovation work much faster and less expensive.
As long as you are ok sticking with the Delta brand, your universal Delta rough-in Valve will fit any Delta Trim Kit. As mentioned above, this is the reason that the valves and trims made by different companies are not compatible. They do it on purpose to lock you into their brand. They know that once you have the Valve installed in the wall it will be very difficult to change. Rather than ripping out the wall and changing everything, they know it will be much cheaper and easier to just change the Trim. Therefore you will purchase another product from them rather than from a competitor. Judgement of this business practice aside, this makes it important that you choose a good product made by a good company because for better or worse, you will be kind of stuck with that brand. Ordering cheap imported showers from a no-name brand can have some pretty large consequences down the road if you ever decide to upgrade/change your shower.
Remember, it's not just about style and finish. With one Delta Shower Valve you can install any of their Shower Faucet Trim Kits. You can choose from any Delta Collection. You can change from a Modern design to a Traditional one. You can choose any finish offered by Delta. You can mix and match freely. But more importantly still, Delta's Universal Valve also offers you the ability to change the actual function of your Shower. For example you can change a normal Shower to a Thermostatic Shower without having to change the valve. The same valve can be used for a Shower only Installation and a Tub Shower Combination Installation.
This is because with Delta Shower Valves it is the Trim Kit that determines the function, not the Valve. This is NOT true with every manufacturer and the flexibility offered by Delta is a great benefit.
The Delta Multichoice Universal Shower Valve's biggest benefit is it's flexibility. By installing the MultiChoice rough valve first, you then can decide what type of shower you want. Whether you want to control just the temperature or keep temperature and volume controls separate for maximum flexibility, it’s not a problem. If you want the security of a pressure-balance cartridge or the precise temperature control of a thermostatic cartridge, MultiChoice Universal makes it easy. And with numerous style options for all functionalities, getting what you want has never been so simple.
Although Delta valves are Universal, there is some confusion as they do offer several model numbers on their website. Typically the valve you want will be R10000-UNBX or R10000-UNWS. These are the most commonly used and work for 99% of people. To be thorough in this guide however, we will outline the other valves and why you might use them. They are all universal and all Delta Shower Trim Kits will fit every single one of these valves.
All Valves feature forged brass bodies and Back-to-Back installation capabilities. They can be tested with air (200PSI) or water (300PS) without valve using a supplied test cap. Square plastic guard allows for right angle cuts. For use with Single or Dual Function Trim Kits. 1/2" Outlets and connections. Note: No tub outlet in the HF model. You should use proper the fitting with each type (copper tubing, iron pipe, and pex fitting). Make sure to use proper tooling with crimping pex fitting and cold expansion pex models. IP indicates female 1/2" threaded connections. UN indicates universal type fitting and is 1/2" NPT male thread with 1/2" CWT female sweat. Lifetime warranty on parts. Delta Valves Comply with all low lead regulations. Complies with CSA B125.1 and ASME A112.18.1.
The image to the left shows where you can find the shower stops in the Valve. Stops are unnecessary in some installations but make a lot of sense for others. Basically stops allow you to shut off the water to that specific Shower Valve but leave the water on in the rest of the house. This means if you ever need to change your Shower Trim Kit or repair a problem with that Shower Valve you will not have to shut off the water to your entire home. The stops act as a shut-off for that specific fixture.
So if you have a single family home and shutting off the water for a few hours is no big deal, shower valve stops are basically unnecessary. If however you are installing your Delta Shower in a multi-family complex like an apartment building where it would be difficult to get the building water shut off, a Shower Valve with Stops can save you a lot of hassle.
Stops are a simple open and close valve operated by a standard screw driver. Turning them shuts off the flow of water to the Shower Valve, allowing you to detach the Trim Kit or switch out a leaky cartridge.
Once you have the Universal Valve you can select any Trim Kit. Delta's Universal Shower Valve can even be used as a base for a full Delta Shower System. Different functions you can use the Universal Valve for are Tub and Shower Faucet Combinations, Shower Only Faucets, and Shower Handle Controls.
Additionally you may want to consider incorporating a Diverter into your Shower Design. Diverters USE A DIFFERENT VALVE from normal Shower fixtures as their function is different. Diverter valves do not mix water like a normal Shower Valve. They diverter already mixed water take in from the normal valve and send it to the peripheral shower systems (eg. Showerheads, Handheld Showers, or Body Sprays. The diverter valves are however all compatible with each and every style of Delta Diverter. Diverters are primarily used for when you want more than one spray option for your shower. For more information see: How to Build a Custom Shower System. If you want a more simple and less expensive solution, read more about our Easy Install Shower Systems.
A particular specialty of the Delta brand are their complete custom shower systems. Delta makes some of the best custom shower systems on the market today. Although it may seem a little complicated at first, Delta makes it easy to build your own shower system. Their modular design lets you to easily configure your system in thousands of different ways!
The basic principle of a shower system is that you get more spray outlets than a normal shower faucet. Rather than just a single showerhead, a shower system can have multiple shower heads, hand shower sprayers, body sprays, or even a ceiling mount rain showerhead. These additional spray outlets are not just for looks. They add amazing functionality and allow you to re-imagine what a shower can be.
Whether you have a new construction project or are doing a complete bathroom remodel / renovation, take a moment to consider adding a full custom shower system. While the walls are open it's a lot easier to run all the necessary piping. Once they are closed up and tiled over it will be a long time before you'll get another easy opportunity to install a full body shower system. Custom shower systems are a great addition to any master bathroom!
Get a spa style shower in the comfort of your own home! At FaucetList.com we make buying a shower system easy. We have literally thousands of pre-built shower systems ready for immediate shipment. Our systems are optimized with water pressure in mind and include all fixtures, handles, cartridges, and rough-in valves required for installation. Shower systems make waking up every morning easy! Be sure to take a look at all the great styles we have to offer.
In addition to the different types of Showers discussed above, you also need to consider the Cartridge. Delta's universal Valve design requires that the cartridge take on a larger role. The Cartridge will even affect overall water output. The cartridge can assist in raising your Shower's water pressure. Delta also makes cartridges that allow you to control the temperature and volume output of water separately. Their most high-end cartridge is the Thermostatic cartridge (Tempassure) which automatically adjusts the water mixture to maintain precise temperature control.
There are 3 Cartridges offered by Delta. The Cartridge is INCLUDED WITH THE TRIM KIT. When selecting a trim kit, make sure to consider the cartridge that comes with it so you will fully understand the features offered.
First you have to understand that ultimately the roll of the cartridge is to allow you to turn on the water using the handle and to control the flow of water from the valve up to the Shower Head. The cartridge also controls the flow of water from the valve and out through the Shower Head. If you are putting together a Full Custom Shower System, it is recommended you choose a Trim Kit with a 17T Tempassure cartridge as these put out the most water. For normal use of just a Showerhead or a Tub and Shower combo, all the cartridges are fine, but there are some slight differences between them.
This item your standard normal cartridge. At 80 PSI it puts out 7.96 gallons of water per minute. This cartridge functions as a single control for temperature only. As you rotate the handle the water comes on and as you turn it counter-clockwise, the water gets warmer. You do not have independent control over the amount of water volume that comes out of your showerhead. Consistent temperature (+/- 3.6 degrees F) is achieved by balancing the pressure of both the hot and cold water. This cartridge is offered with all Monitor 13 and Monitor 14 Series Delta Tub/Showers.
This item adds another level of functionality to your Shower. This cartridge allows the user to control the temperature and volume of water independently. The temperature can be set in order to remain consistent shower after shower but can also be adjusted as desired. Constant temperature (+/- 3.6 degrees F) is achieved by balancing the pressures of both the hot and cold water. Dual function cartridges come in all Monitor 17 Series Delta Tub/Showers. This cartridges allows for water flow of 6.98 gallons per minute at 80 PSI.
These are the most high-end cartridges offered by Delta. They put out 8.53 gallons of water per minute at 80 PSI. The Thermostatic Shower Valve cartridge is Delta's newest innovation, designed to keep water temperature consistent (+/- 3 degrees F) by measuring and monitoring the temperature of the water and then automatically adjusted the water mix to maintain a more precise water temperature. This cartridge also offers separate temperature and volume control. The temperature can be set to remain constant shower after shower. It is easily adjustable if desired. Thermostatic cartridges come in all Tempassure 17T Series Delta tub/showers.
So after reading the descriptions above, you may be thinking that the second and third options on the list seem awfully similar. They are quite similar but the Tempassure technology definitely offers a more luxurious shower experience. As noted above, the 8.53 GPM of the Tempassure cartridge is quite a bit more than the 6.98 GPM of the standard Dual-Function. If you are creating a Custom Shower System and want to power several Shower Sprays off of one valve, the higher water pressure can make all the difference. For more, read our in-depth explanation of the difference between the Delta Monitor 17 Series and 17T TempAssure Shower Trim Cartridges.
Tempassure technology also keeps the water within a slightly stricter range - 3 degrees vs. 3.6 degrees. That may not seem like a lot but it is actually a 20% difference, making for a fairly decent bump in the accuracy of control. The Tempassure cartridge also features an adjustable high-temperature limit stop that when properly set helps ensure the handle cannot be turned to a position that is too hot for comfort. Because the Tempassure actually measures the temperature of the water, the handle limit stop will not need to be adjusted for seasonal ground water temperature changes.
When you are shopping for different cartridges, you need to pay attention to the series number of the Delta Shower Trim Kit. The Delta 1300 and 1400 Series Trim Kits include the single function cartridge. The Delta 1700 Series Trim Kits include the Dual-Function Cartridge. The 17T Series Trim Kits all come with the Dual-Function Thermostatic Valve Cartridge. Remember from before, ALL TRIM KITS USE THE SAME VALVE. This information should help illustrate just how many variations can be delivered from the same rough-in valve. This is a huge benefit to the Delta brand.
The point of the Monitor technology is that it prevents sudden and possibly unsafe changes in shower water temperature. In the old days, flushing a toilet or turning on the washing machine might change the water temperature if someone is taking a shower at the same time. Delta Monitor Faucets are designed to avert these problems.
Delta Monitor faucets feature pressure balance valves to keep water temperature in a safe +/- 3 degrees Fahrenheit range. This protects you from sudden changes in hot or cold water pressure. Monitor Faucets feature Anti-scald technology which prevents you from being burned by hot water should a change in water temperature occur. In fact, most local building codes these days require Showers to be Anti-scald in new home construction.
Monitor Faucets also feature an adjustable high-temperature limit stop that when properly set helps ensure the handle cannot be turned to a position that is too hot for comfort. This however may require seasonal adjustment unless you have a 17T series thermostatic cartridge trim kit. For more information on Delta cartridges read our guide to Delta 17 and 17T series Shower cartridges.
So this might feel like information overload. Here's the long and short of it. To build a Delta Shower you need a Rough-in Valve and a Trim Kit - both made by Delta. That's it. Period. Remember though, the cartridge that comes with the Trim Kit you choose does have some effect on the function of your shower so take that into consideration. If you want to see some Pre-Built Delta Shower Packages sold COMPLETE with the valve and trim get started by clicking here. We have taken out the guess work so if you simply want to order and be done, take advantage of our 40 years' experience and buy your Delta Shower with Valve and Trim Kit Package today! With tons of styles in stock, fast shipping, and a 30 day easy return policy order today and join thousands of happy FaucetList.com customers and order now! Thanks for reading :)
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Co-founder, FaucetList.com, Plumbing Industry Experience: 25+ years
Nick Kuzmin has been working with or around plumbing products for over 25 years. This lifetime of experience has given him a large amount of useful and practical knowledge on almost all plumbing related topics which he freely writes about and shares online. Nick co-founded FaucetList.com with his father Jim in 2011.
After a week of trying to figure my shower out I found your sanity saving article. I believe what I have is a 600 series the little pipes going to the cartridge are shot so I bought the universal valve and noticed the ball assembly that goes in was a lot smaller. Well after reading your article I think I have it figured out, (🤞 ). So now I ask, I have a pull down spout that sends the water to the shower head. Do I have to buy a kit that has a spout with it or can I buy a shower only kit for just the handle and cartridge? I’m thinking from all of what I’ve read it might not work like that
Thank you so much for this article. It was incredibly helpful reading as I was trying to figure out plumbing choices for a remodel. Really appreciate it!
Hi James, thanks for your comment. You are correct that no new trim kits will fit an old style Delta rough-in valve. Notice however the language Delta uses. The valve is called “universal”, not the trim kit. Only once you have a universal valve, can you install any Delta trim kit. The reason Delta made such a major switch in 2006, is that prior to the introduction of the R10000 universal rough-in valve, you would need to know the specific valve, cartridge you had before you could establish compatibility with any trim kit you wanted to buy. This made updating your shower faucet even more difficult. As we have been around long enough to see that era, things were genuinely much worse. With the introduction of the Delta R10000 universal tub/shower rough-in valve, things are greatly improved…provided you already have the new style valve. For example, you can switch a pressure balanced trim to a thermostatic trim, without changing the valve. This was not possible before the introduction of the universal valve. As time goes on, the benefits of this change will become great and greater, however I understand your frustration and know this doesn’t do anything to help your specific situation. You may want to try contacting Delta to see if they have any retrofit kits, however unfortunately none of the new style trim kits you purchase will likely fit your existing rough in valve. Thanks again for your comment, it makes a very good point about the universal compatibility that people should be aware of. I will mention one more thing for other customers. The valve is “universal” but it will fit Delta ONLY. I think this part of the terminology should definitely be mention as in the plumbing industry, valves are basically never compatible between different manufacturers.
So, basically, the so called universal valve is not even universal to Delta. It’s quite frustrating to have a customer think their new trim kit will fit their old rough in valve. And, as for ask a plumber… please…
I tried to put an Ashlyn trim kit into an existing valve. The cartridge doesn’t fit, and is physically different at the base. I’m surprised to see there’s not really good guidance online to let buyers beware they may need to change the valve.
Hi Nick, thanks for your comment! The section you are referring to is talking about all of the various R10000 series (new style) valves. In that section you will see there are many variations of the same valve, made for specific applications (e.g. thin walls or PEX). All R10000 series valves are designed to work with any NEW style (made after the year 2006) Delta trim kit. I see how that statement could be a little confusing, but basically everything in the article applies only to new style valves and trims. If you have an older style valve, none of the new trim kits will fit unfortunately. To update the trim kit, you would have to also change the valve.
To answer your specific question, if you have an older 1500 series trim kit, it is likely you do not have a new style R10000 Delta valve. Therefore you would most likely not be able to use the BT14496-OB without changing the valve. You could ask your plumber for help determining which valve part number you actually have, but I’m pretty sure the 1500 series trim kits were discontinued a long time ago. The simple answer is that with an old style valve, you will not be able to use any of the new style Delta trim kits unfortunately.
It may be that Delta makes some kind of retrofit kit that will work with your current valve, but my guess is the styles and finish options are very limited. We do not carry any retrofit items like that ourselves. It would be our recommendation to upgrade to the new style R10000 series shower valve if you plan to change your shower trim.
If you have questions about retrofit kits or any other technical questions, you should give Delta a call as they will better be able to help you identify which valve you have exactly.
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Mon – Frid : 8 am – 8 pm EST
Sat: 9 am – 6 pm EST
Thanks and good luck with your project!
Hello,
Thank you for the through and well-put together guide. I do have a few concerns however, particularly this statement: “To be thorough in this guide however, we will outline the other valves and why you might use them. They are all universal and all Delta Shower Trim Kits will fit every single one of these valves.”. According to this, as long as you have a Delta Rough Body, you should be able to use ANY trim kit, but based on some of the comments, that does not always seems to be the case. I am currently replacing an old Delta 1500 series system and wanted to exchange to a 14 series BT14496-OB. Is my model of valve rough body what indicates what type of trim I can use? If so, is there a way to identify what type of valve rough body I have (SS#, PN#, etc)? I am able to fully remove the trim, but am hesitant with purchasing until I know what is compatible. Appreciate your time.
Hi Alex, I am not 100% positive about whether or not your old roman tub valve will be compatible with a new Delta roman tub trim kit.
To answer the compatibility question, we need to actually know the model number of the valve you have. That may not be something easy to determine without taking off the faucet trim kit and might require a plumber to assess.
I believe you will likely need to change the valve, however I understand that is a lot more work.
It might be worth giving Delta a call to confirm and see if they have any ideas for how to adapt a new roman tub filler trim to an old style valve. They may also have ideas for how to figure out which valve you currently have.
Here’s their number:
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Mon – Frid : 8 am – 8 pm EST
Sat: 9 am – 6 pm EST
Thanks!
Hi I’m trying to change an older delta Roman tub faucet with a new one. Do I need a rough in kit or will it work with the existing one now house was built in 98
Hi Ana, the R22000 valve is closed at the bottom and will not support the addition of a tub spout. Delta does not recommend you run a tub spout off a diverter port because the water flow rate will be restricted. While this restriction doesn’t matter for a showerhead or body sprays, the flow rate of a tub spout is supposed to be much higher. This means it is not a good idea to plumb a tub spout from a diverter port. The correct way to do this is to get a standard Delta tub shower valve with an open bottom port and use a tub spout with diverter. You can see some pre-built systems we have here: https://faucetlist.com/collections/shower-system-with-tub-spout
If you have any questions you can email sales@faucetlist.com Thanks!
Hello
New bathroom Reno’s. If I bought valve R22000 And trim kit Ara T27967 with 6 settings could I have a shower head, a hand held and a tub faucet? I figure the tub faucet would be like the body sprays.
Hi Kym, the the 52664-BL you plan to purchase can simply be screwed on to your existing shower arm and no changes will need to be made to the valve inside the wall. As long as your current shower arm is the standard 1/2" size, this is a very simple change. Just unscrew the old showerhead and screw on the new one.
The only reason you would need to change the valve is if you were also planning to change the existing control knob/lever. If you have an old style Delta valve and plan to upgrade the control handles, then it would be necessary to also upgrade the valve.
Thanks!
If I but just a new showerhead Delta 52664-BL H2Okinetic 5-Setting Raincan but have the old rough and will use the old knob/lever does it matter that I have the old rough? Meaning does the shower head above have to have the new after 2006 rough?
Hi Karen, 1300 Series refers to a Delta shower cartridge (included with the trim kit). It does not give enough information for us make a recommendation, because first you must figure out what rough-in valve you have.
If you have a new style (installed after the year 2006), R10000 series Delta Multichoice rough-in valve, you can use any Delta trim kit, and will not be limited in any way.
The only way to know for sure what trim kit will be compatible will be for you to know what valve you have. So I recommend asking your plumber for the valve model number or contacting Delta Faucet to get help identifying that. Once you know the valve model number you have, you will be able to figure out what trim kit will fit. Thanks!
Here’s Delta’s contact info:
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST
We are replacing out trim kit. Our plumber told us to get one that is compatible with 1300 series. How do I know which one is compatible? Could you explain what I need to be looking for?
Thank you.
Hi Liz, so happy you found our Delta shower faucet guide helpful! Thanks very much for your kind words :)
THANK YOU! This guide was exactly what I needed to understand the choices for my bathroom remodel. I was utterly confused coming in, but feel confident I can choose the right pieces for my shower now.
Hi Jennifer, without changing the valve in the wall, you will not be able to update the shower control itself. In 2006 Delta made a major change to their valve and cartridge so the new trim kits will not fit a 600 series valve.
However, changing the tub spout and showerhead (without touching the shower control) is possible without changing the valve.
The tub spout and showerhead simply attach to pipes coming out of the wall so those parts could be changed.
I recommend discussing this with your plumber to see what is best for your job.
Thanks!
I have the delta 600 series, would like to update shower head and tub spout without going in the wall and changing the valve. Which Delta kit can be used with the old 600 series valve.
Hi Matthew, unfortunately you will not be able to upgrade the trim kit wihtout changing the valve inside the wall. Delta made a major change to their valve in 2006 and the new style trim kits will not fit the old style valves.
The cartridges are also not going to be compatible between the new trim kits and old valves or vice versa.
So in your case, you have 2 options. 1) Change the valve in the wall and install a new trim kit or 2) contact Delta and see if they will send you a replacement cartridge under warranty (and simply fix your existing shower)
Here’s Delta’s contact info:
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST
Thanks!
I have a Delta Monitor shower trim kit and cartridge from 1997 (I believe the 1300/1400 series). It is dripping, and instead of just replacing the cartridge, I thought I might upgrade the kit. From research, I understand the cartridge I need is the RP19804 for the current setup. If I want to upgrade, will the valve in the wall accept an updated catridge, or can I only use a trim kit that works with the old cartridge? And, are there any such trim kits?
Hi Randy, sounds like you have a good plan and I wish you success on your project!
First off it is almost impossible to get a good plumber in my part of ETN. Most of the good ones shut down their businesses and went to work at Dollywood. The ones that are left, except for one, look at me like I am trying to achieve the impossible. If you ask them to install a mixing valve most of the time the answer is a blank stare. My experience allows me to do my own repairs or mods with out having to explain what I want and I will achieve my final goal of reducing the stress on my well and septic. The remaining item on the mod list is the Cash Acme shower mixing valve and the adjustment of the Delta shower valves for the master shower. I will prevail.
Hi Gabriella, Based on what you are describing, unfortunately I think if you want to upgrade the trim kit you are going to have to change the valve in the wall. Delta no longer makes trim kits with a push-button diverter on the mixing valve plate like what you are describing.
Delta made a major change to their valve in 2006 and old valves are not compatible with new trim kits. It could be that Delta has some kind of retrofit solution (which might be what your plumber suggested).
Based on your description, my guess is you have an older style valve and it won’t be able to easily upgrade the trim kit without changing the valve inside the wall.
I know that’s not really the ideal solution but perhaps there is a way to access the valve that would not cause too much damage to the tile. Sometimes it’s possible to access and change the shower valve from the back (if there’s a normal wall on the other side).
Another option is to try and break as little tile as possible and use a renovation cover plate:
https://faucetlist.com/products/delta-shower-valve-renovation-cover-plate-in-chrome-162057
It would be a good idea for you to discuss these options with your plumber. Additionally, you might want to give Delta a call directly just to see if they have any ideas for how you can keep your current valve.
Delta’s number is: 1-800-345-DELTA (3358) Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Thanks!
I have a delta 1400 shower/tub trim installed that I want to upgrade. My plumer said with this kind of push button diverter I can only go with the same kind (the diverter is in the plate not in the spout) After reading this article I am questioning his recommendation. Is there any other kits that would go without having to replace the valve?
I have been searching everywhere to find at least a non chrome kit but seems like there is only one kind available.
Hi Randy, thanks for your kind words. I will say that overall Delta customer service, if you call them, is quite good. Once in awhile you might get someone new, but many of their reps have worked there for years. We even sometimes call them with questions.
Ultimately with plumbing products, and showers in particular, jobsite experience is going to be better than any knowledge you can learn by studying. I am not a plumber, and neither are most Delta customer service people. Really there is no substitute for the hands on experience that comes from seeing how products install and perform in the field under many different circumstances. There are a lot of variables to consider. Therefore a professional plumber is often going to be the best resource to get everything performing the way you want. Good luck with your project!
I guess my water saving is still an ongoing experiment. I will adjust the temp to full hot and see how everything reacts to the mixing valve. Thanks for your quick reply and I would like to also thank you for the very informative and necessary service you provide with this Q&A. If you could, please figure out a way to expand it and make it more accessible. It is really great resource and much more helpful than Delta’s CS department.
Randy
Hi Randy, Due to anti-scald regulations, all Delta shower trim kits are going to cycle through the cold water first and then heat up. It’s actually the cartridge inside the wall that will adjust to keep the temperature in a safe range. I understand what you are trying to accomplish by saving the wasted cold water.
Basically the sooner the warm water reaches the valve, the sooner the shower temperature will be ready to use. In apartment buildings / hotels where they have hot water constantly circulating, it will not take more then a few seconds for the shower to reach a suitable temperature. If you can mimic this in your home with your tankless water heaters, there should be very little cold water wasted. In a typical home where the water heater is far away from the shower faucet, you literally have to wait for the warm water to pass through the pipes. A tankless system could put warm water closer to the shower valve so it will be ready to use more quickly.
Further questions might need to be directed to the tankless water heater company as they will likely know more details here. Hope this helps! Thanks
In an attempt to take some stress off of my well and septic system I have added 2 auxiliary tankless water heaters above the master bathroom. They probably have cut the cold to hot wasted water by 70%. Yes, my main tankless is installed as far away from the master bath as is humanly possible without installing it in one of the out buildings. I have put 4 port Watts mixing valves on the vanity sinks and they work great. Turn on the hot full tilt and forget about it. I have a Cash Acme 3 port mixing valve that I am going to put in the hot side after the shower auxiliary water heater so we do not have to be quick on the draw when the main water heater water finally arrives and the thermo change over valves bypass the auxiliary water heater. Should I just set up my Delta Leland shower valve to as hot as it can go? I just want to turn the shower valve to full hot and let the CA mixing valve do the rest. Again, the purpose of these changes is to to limit the amount of wasted cold water coming out of the shower valve to destress the well and septic and if I can limit all of the cold water from the shower valve on initial start that is perfect.
Hi Melvin, I recommend you talk to your plumber as they may have some suggestions on how you can adapt the Delta tub spout for your situation. A good plumber will usually have knowledge about different fittings that might be available to convert a pipe so it will meet the requirements of the fixture you have. Unfortunately these things can sometimes be a little tricky but an experienced plumber will often have ideas how to solve a situation like you described. I personally don’t really have much to offer here I’m sorry to say.
You could also try contacting Delta directly to see what they recommend for your job.
Here’s their number:
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
The Delta Help Line is available:
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST
Thanks!
I tried installing a Delta universal fit bath tub spout but it did not fit my water feed pipe. I need a spout that has a one inch diameter threaded female interior that screws onto a one inch male receptor water feed assembly. My water feed has a standard 1/2 inch pipe soldered inside of a 7/8 inch outer pipe that has a one inch male receptor. The spout’s one inch threaded female interior screws onto the water feed’s one inch male receptor. So it is crucial to know the diameter of the Delta spout’s threaded female interior. But those specs are not available in descriptions.
Hi Melvin, unfortunately all new delta tub/shower valves are now single handle. They don’t sell any 2-handle trim kits any more due to newer anti-scald regulations. Furthermore, the major change made to the valve in 2006 means anything going back to the 70s is definitely not going to be compatible with current handles/trim kits made by Delta today.
Therefore I am quite certain you will not be able to use a new Delta tub shower trim kit or new Delta handles with your existing valves.
This basically means you have 2 options. 1) Change the valves inside the wall to the new style Delta universal valve and switch to a single handle style trim kit, or 2) consider your idea of re-plating and continuing to use your old fixtures.
Hope this helps! Thanks
I have a really old (circa 1970) Delta 2-handle wall mount tub and shower installation. The finish is corroded. I want to upgrade the handles. Will post-2006 Delta handles mount to my old assembly, or would it be best to take them to a metal plating shop for re-plating, and continue to use the old ones?
Hi Sheila, if you wish to add a handheld shower you will need to add some type of diverter. You would either need an in wall diverter or a shower arm mount diverter.
It might be helpful for you to take a look at another article we have written on Installing a Shower System with Showerhead and Hand Shower Sprayer: https://faucetlist.com/blogs/buying-guides/installing-a-shower-system-with-showerhead-and-hand-shower-sprayer
If you have specific questions, you can email sales@faucetlist.com Thanks!
I am redoing master walk in shower no tub. . Got new universal rough in with Dryden shower head and trim kit. Decided to add handheld. Do we need to change the rough in valve or will universal cover both the shower head and the handheld?
Hi Elias, in order to upgrade a pre-2006 Delta shower faucet set you will need to change the rough-in valve inside the wall. Basically, this means your plumber will cut out the existing valve and attach the new valve to your hot and cold water lines inside the wall. Once you open up the wall to change the valve, you can literally choose any fixture you like.
Once you install Delta’s new universal rough-in valve, changing the outer trim kit will be much easier, but for now, since you have the old style valve there is really no easy way to upgrade.
It sounds like you want a tub and shower combination, so take a look here to see some of the Delta tub/shower faucets we carry that include both the valve and the trim kit: https://faucetlist.com/collections/tub-and-shower-combination-faucets/complete-fixture-includes-rough-in-valve
Hope this helps, you can always email sales@faucetlist.com with additional questions. Thanks!
If I want to upgrade a pre-2006 Delta shower faucet set, spigot, control, and showerhead, what specifically do I need to do? Is there a specific valve I need to purchase before doing this upgrade?
Hi Kelly, with regards to your question about the cartridge it’s really impossible to say for sure what the problem is unfortunately. It’s possible the cartridge was installed incorrectly, it’s possible you purchased the wrong cartridge, and it’s also possible it’s simply defective.
The best next step for you would be to contact the manufacturer of your shower for help. If this is a Delta shower only faucet, you should call them at 1-800-345-DELTA (3358) and they will likely replace the cartridge for free under the product’s lifetime warranty. They can also help you troubleshoot the installation. Their customer service representatives are very helpful and knowledgeable.
If you have a different brand of shower faucet, you should find that manufacturer’s contact information online and start there. Most big plumbing brands have very good product warranties and customer service departments. Contacting the manufacturer will probably be the quickest way to solve your issue.
Another option would be to call a professional plumber as they will also be a good resource when troubleshooting a problem with your shower cartridge like this. Hope this helps and good luck!
Thanks!
My shower only faucet froze and the cartridge cracked and broke . Bought and installed new cartridge but now shower won’t turn off . Did I get the wrong cartridge or could I have installed it wrong or could the cartridge be deficient from the factory . Hopefully just improper installation since I have thrown away the package already . Any suggestions would be appreciated , thanks Kelly
Hi Brian, I am not sure exactly what you mean when you said you have a vertical spa. If you can provide more details about your shower and clarify your question a bit I’d be glad to try and help. You can always contact us by email at sales@faucetlist.com Thanks!
I have a vertical spa should I be able to have the main head only
Hi Sarah, if you have a pre-2006 Delta valve unfortunately you will not be able to install a new Delta trim kit.
The change Delta made is actually a good thing going forward, as it makes their valve truly “universal.” The new style valve allows you to use any type of Delta of trim kit because it will fit any Delta cartridge. This means that with the new valve, you can change not only the look of your shower, but also the function without needing to change the valve.
However, since your valve was installed before the 2006 cut-off you will have no choice but the change out the valve to the new style if you want to update your trim kit.
If your existing shower has some type of problem you might try giving Delta a call to see if they have any solutions so you wouldn’t have to switch everything.
CALL US: 1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST
I have not heard of any plans from Delta to make additional changes to the valve so it might be worth it to update to the new style valve – especially if you are in the process of some type of bathroom renovation. Sometimes the plumber can access the valve from the backside and not have to rip out the tile.
Hope this helps! Thanks
My house was built in 2000, so pre-2006 universal valve. Do all the post 2006 trim kits only fit the universal valve? The only way for me to update my trim kit is to switch out my 2000 valve?
Thankfully, I found this site to explain the differences between the valves and cartridges. When purchasing the shower or shower/tub trim kits online, there often isn’t any recommendation which to use. Thanks for having this information available!
Hi Thays, I appreciate your comment very much as you are 100% correct. Delta made a major change to simplify the way their valve works in 2006. Previously they had more than 1 type of valve ie, the valve was not universal.
Now, the new style valve is in fact truly universal. What this basically means is that the valve will work with any Delta trim kit. Whether your trim kit has a 14, 17, or 17T series cartridge, you will be able to use the same valve.
Previously things were more complicated as you needed to make sure your particular Delta valve would fit your particular Delta trim kit. It was very difficult to identify exactly which valve you had and which trim you needed to buy. Also, you could not later choose to change to a trim kit with different shower cartridge. If you wanted to upgrade your 14 series pressure balanced shower cartridge to a to a 17T thermostatic shower cartridge, that would not have been possible.
So Delta made a change. Now the cartridge is included with the trim kit, as opposed to being included with the valve (which is not true of all manufacturers). Therefore the new style universal valves offer much greater flexibility.
Although you are correct that they could decide to change the valve again, it is much less likely as they have now solved many of the challenges that previously existed. The Delta universal valves are very good and it would be unlikely they will make such a major change again any time soon.
I do empathize with your situation because your 2005 shower is from right before they made this major change. As time goes forward less and less people will have old style valves. The new valve has a lot of advantages so although changing it is painful now, long term it may be a good option.
I am absolutley going to leave your comment here as I think you made a great point that our article failed to mention. We wrote this with the idea that it would be helpful for a new shopper, but you are correct that not everyone reading will be in that situation.
If someone else reading this article has an older (pre-2006) valve, I recommend you contact Delta at 1-800-345-DELTA (3358). They are very helpful and will let you know what options you have if you simply cannot change the existing valve to the new style.
After reading reviews I would like to recommend that younnclude the issue with newer than 2006 trim kits filtting older than 2006 delta valves. People usually change their trim kits that are 10 years and older. It is misleading to read that all Delta trim kits will fit universal Delta valves. Also, when the valve design changed, in order to really accommodate customers switching trim kits with new model cartridge, delta should have designed a cartridge that fits the older valves and new kits – a conector of some source. I purchased a 17 series trim kit under the assumption that it would fit my 2005 delta faucet – well it did not. Now, if I want to use this trim kit, I need to change the entire valve, which makes things much more complicated. What happens whe Delta decides to change the design of their valves again? Very misleading statement.
Hi Roger, unfortunately my only recommendation would be for you to change the shower valve in the wall to the new style. This of course would be a fairly large project and I see why you would try to avoid that.
Keep in mind, it might be possible for the plumber to change out the valve from the backside of the shower wall (if there is access). If possible, this can sometimes save you from tearing out the tile.
Other than changing the valve entirely, you can try calling Delta to see if they have any parts for your 1970s shower valve. Perhaps they will have some ideas for you about how to repair your existing shower valve.
Delta’s number is: 1-800-345-DELTA (3358) Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
As always, I’d also recommend talking to a licensed plumber. They have probably seen your situation and may have a better idea how to help.
Thanks!
.I have a shower tub type that the valve is dripping. It has been in house since 1970s. Delta u.s.pat. 3056418 . The valve Assembly has a round end with a round cap. Do you know what valve assembly I can use without replacing the body unit. It would mean cutting the tub wall unit because it’s sweatted together and hole is not big enough to remove the body unit.I can text you pics. If it would help.
Hi Gary, Delta Showers are designed such that the valve is universal, and the cartridge is a part of the trim kit. This is a bit different from other major brands where you often see the cartridge sold as part of the valve.
Therefore, if you have a single function cartridge and want to change to a dual function cartridge, you simply need to swap out your Delta trim kit.
As you mentioned however, it’s not quite that easy if you have an older style valve. In 2006 Delta made a major design change to their valve so that it would be truly universal going forward.
If the shower valve you have in your wall is older than this, you will NOT be able to use a newer style trim kit. If you have an old style valve you will likely have to change out both the trim kit and the valve if you want to upgrade to a dual function cartridge.
To identify your existing valve the best thing to do is contact Delta Faucet directly. They have a lot of experience and know what exactly to look for to help you identify what you have in your shower.
Delta’s number is: 1-800-345-DELTA (3358) Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Thanks!
I have a Delta Monitor shower valve. It is a single function valve. Can I replace the cartridge with a dual function valve. I do not know how old the rough in portion is. Is there any way to tell ahead of time or it just trial and error? Thanks for your help.
Hi Dale, unfortunately you will have to change the entire trim kit. The 17T cartridge is actually longer and significantly different so you cannot simply swap the cartridge. The good news is, you will NOT have to change the valve in the wall provided your shower valve was installed after 2006. A trim kit with a 17T series cartridge will increase your water pressure. For a detailed explanation as to why, see this article on Delta Thermostatic Shower Cartridges 17 Series vs. 17T: https://faucetlist.com/blogs/buying-guides/delta-thermostatic-shower-faucet-trim-kit-cartridges-monitor-17-series-vs-17t-series-tempassure – Because the 17 series uses pressure balancing to keep the temperature stable, you can see a drop in water pressure. The 17T series cartridges are true thermostatic and will allow maximum water pressure. Your showerhead may be a limiting factor in water pressure so you might also need to replace it. However, in the end water pressure is ultimately determined by the pressure coming into your home and if you don’t get good water pressure from the city, the shower faucet or showerhead is unlikely to fix that. Contact us if you have additional questions. Thanks
Hi, I have a Delta Lahara 17 monitor shower trim kit and cartridge. If I want to upgrade to a 17t cartridge, do I have to change the rest of the trim kit as well, or will the 17t cartridge fit in the monitor trim? And do I also have to change the shower head? I am trying to increase the water pressure.
Hi Larane, the R10000-UNBXHF has a slightly higher flow rate than the R10000-UNBX valve. The main difference is that the bottom port of the R10000-UNBXHF is permanently soldered closed so it can only be used for a shower only (and not as a tub shower combination). The “HF” in the part number stands for high-flow. Delta has designed this valve to provide a high water pressure for a complete shower system or just a normal showerhead. Keep in mind, often the valve is not what actually limits the amount of water pressure coming out of your showerhead. The showerhead itself is the primary bottleneck to water pressure. A standard Shower Valve will put out between 6-9 gallons per minute of water. However, a standard Shower Head will only allow 2.0 or 2.5 gallons per minute of water to flow through. Therefore it’s not very important which valve you use if you are only going to have a single showerhead in your shower. If you plan to have a complete shower system with multiple showerheads or body sprays, then the high-flow valve might be a better choice. Hope this helps! Thanks
Will the R10000-UNBXHF High Flow Shower only valve create more water pressure in the shower head then the R10000-UNBX valve.
Hi Michael, 58471-PK is an in2ition hand shower / shower head combination. It will work with any normal shower arm. You can use that item in your existing shower without changing anything else – you just screw it on to the shower arm. If you are planning on redoing everything, you might want to take a look at our Shower Faucets with Hand Showers category (Hover over Shower in the top menu and in the second column click “Shower Faucet with Hand Shower”. If you plan to change out everything you might want to go with one of these items. If you have any other questions please let us know! Thanks
Redoing my master bathroom (which has a tub/shower combo) and am wanting to use the Delta 58471-PK shower head. Which valve and cartridge is best for this application?
Hi Danny, glad we could help! Although this stuff isn’t rocket science it definitely can get a little tricky. We have so much experience with Delta Shower Faucets that we just want to share that information and help others. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us! Thanks again for your nice comment!
Just wanted to thank you for writing this explanation about the Delta valve and trim kits for showers and tubs. It has been extremely helpful as I’m just getting ready to do a complete remodel of our master bath.
Hi Vince, if you have a Delta R10000 series rough-in valve installed in the wall, you would be able to switch your 1400 series to a 1700 series trim kit. The key thing when it comes to Delta is that the rough-in valve is universal. It can be used with all their trim kits. Just remember, this only applies to the new style rough-in valve that was released in 2006. If you have a very old valve you will need to also upgrade the valve if you want to switch a 1400 to a 1700 trim kit. Hope this helps, if you have any questions please email sales@faucetlist.com! Thanks
Will a 1700 series upgrade work on a 1400 series faucet?
Hi Tamara, “R10000-LBX” is shown on Delta’s website as an item exclusively available from Lowes. After reading through the questions on Delta’s website, it seems this item is identical to the R10000-UNBX but the packaging is different. It definitely is a little confusing but it sounds like the LBX is exactly the same as the UNBX. Hope this helps!
I bought the R10000-LBX from Lowe’s. Is that the same as the R10000-UNBX?
Hi, in 2006 Delta made a major change to their valve so it is unlikely you can use the old valve with a new trim kit. You should try calling Delta tech support to see if they can help you identify your valve. They are actually very helpful with more technical questions about specific situations. Here’s their number: 1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Can a 10 year old Delta shower valve be used with a new Delta shower kit.
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January 22, 2024
Hi Shawn, happy you found the article helpful! If you have a 600 series trim, I do not believe it will fit on the current version of the Delta’s universal rough-in valve (the R10000 series introduced in 2006). It may be worth a call over to Delta tech support however to confirm this as it could be they know something that we don’t, or perhaps they even know of some type of adaption kit that would let you reuse your existing shower trim kit. When you describe a pull down spout, I am guessing you mean that the tub spout has a built in diverter which works by pulling down the ring at the tip of the spout where the water comes out. Assuming everything else works out for you with the trim, I do not believe you would have to replace the tub spout. If you were to buy a shower only trim control that fits the new R10000 series shower valve, you should be able to continue to use the existing tub spout. Most new Delta tub spouts have a pull-up diverter on the spout, but functionally they do basically the exact same thing as your existing tub spout. They simply cut the flow of water to the tub spout so it can flow up to the showerhead. Therefore with regards to at least that aspect of your project, you should be in good shape. Hope this helps! I do recommend you reach out to Delta support as they know all the ins and outs of their products and are actually really helpful. Thanks
1-800-345-DELTA (3358)
Mon – Frid : 8 am – 8 pm EST
Sat: 9 am – 6 pm EST