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TOM'S TECH TIPS
Grohsafe 35 016 vs 35 033
A few of times a year, I’ll get a call from a showroom or plumber who says “My customer is not happy with their new shower/hand shower set. What can I do to make them happy?" My question is then (even though I’m already sure of the answer), “What valve did you use?” The reply is usually “Why the GrohSafe™ 35 016 000 Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve Outlets with Built-In Spring Loaded Diverter, of course!” (or words to that effect).
I’ll reply “Bummer, dude.” Because that's just the kind of sympathetic, understanding person I am.
Because unfortunately, this valve is not made for a shower/hand shower. It’s made for a shower-over-tub-spout, but still people sell them for shower/hand shower combination. My advice: Don’t!
In “the good ol’ days” with 2.5 gpm shower heads, you could use this as an economical way to make a shower/hand shower combination. But as shower head flow rates have decreased from 2.5 GPM to 2.0 to our current 1.8 or less, the back-pressure on the diverter (from the restricted flow rate) makes it nearly impossible for the user to switch from hand shower to shower, and back again. This means that every time the user turns on the shower valve (because the plumber has installed the hand shower out of the bottom [default] outlet), water comes out of the hand shower. The user tries to pull the diverter button, but can’t (too much back pressure) – and the user is unhappy.
The user can turn off the valve temperature handle, then pull the diverter button, and then turn the temperature handle back on. But this uses two hands and a contortionist.
Oddly enough, I have some thoughts on the subject. (You're shocked, I’m sure…)
- If you’re going to use the Grohe GrohSafe™ 35 016 000 Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve Outlets (with Built-In Spring Loaded Diverter) for shower/hand shower combination, make sure that the plumber knows to install the shower head from the bottom (default) outlet, and the hand shower from the top outlet. At least that way the water will come out of the shower head when the valve is turned on.
- A somewhat better solution is to use the GrohSafe™ 35 033 000 Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve Outlets (with Built-In Manual Diverter). With the 35 033, the diverter doesn’t automatically return to the bottom outlet and will stay in the same position that was last used. If you’ve supplied/installed the 35 016 000 automatic diverter model, the 48 008 manual diverter from the 35 033 000 can be purchased as a separate part and installed to change the valve into a manual diverter model.
- For my money, a much better valve for shower/hand shower combination is a dual-function GrohFlex (either PBV or thermostat). The user can rotate the volume control lever clockwise for the shower head and counter-clockwise for the hand shower. Simple, plus it has the advantage of volume control.
- The very best valve for shower/hand shower combination is the new GrohTherm 2-handle valve & trim. The user gets absolute control over temperature and volume. And this is why your customer comes to you: For the very best solutions.
And this is why you come to me! For all the Grohe info and wise-guy commentary you can handle.
Thanks, Tom S
