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(More customer reviews)Having gone through all of the research for a newbie shower valve assy installation, I thought I would share some of that with you here. I paid my dues so why should you? :-) Anyhow, this shower model L2352 as the ad states does not come with volume control. What that means is the actual valve does not have the 2 adjusters, one on each side, one to control the hot overall inflow, and the other to control the cold overall inflow. The adjustable ones have a threaded adjusting rod with a seating nut so you can secure the setting once you found your ideal spot. The old Moen shower setup I was replacing had two adjustments, one that you pull away from the wall, and the other you turn in a clockwise direction for example to adjust the temperature setting. These new ones do not have that flow/pull it away from the wall option. They only adjust by spinning them around clockwise, which turns it on at a full flow, and adjusts temp considering where you leave the dial.
So to shed some light on the flow problem, my neighbor had a contractor install a shower and valve assy., one of unknown origin in their shower. It also did not have adjusters. The contractor also installed an energy saving shower massage, or shower head that produced a scant amount of flow. They complained because the flow was insufficient, which led them to taking much longer showers to get the job done of completely rinsing off. So they put on a fuller flow head, and then they didn't like it because the water flow was too much. All of this led to the problem of not having an adjustable flow control setting. You could install a couple of ball valves, or even a faucet type valve somewhere along the feed line, but that would result in you possibly having to go downstairs, and either have someone upstairs on the phone while taking a shower telling you which setting they like the best, or you have to try a setting, take a shower, try it again, etc. So it is ideal to have the 2 set screws right in front of you when you are taking the shower to get your preferences right.
All of this could be eliminated by using the combination of this high quality, yet money saving Chateau L2352, in combination with the consumer reports number one rated shower head; Moen 21777BN Brushed Nickel Inspire Inspire Seven Function Shower Head Only with 1/2 Inch Connection 21777 (or preferably get the 21778 with the shower massage setup) That puts out the preferred econo flow of 2.5 That is what I have, and I love the flow level. The satisfaction that is derived from that shower head is like the results of consumer reports; they used about 70 subjects who tried all different shower heads and flow levels, and hands down the Moen models I just mentioned won. Not only did they conserve water, they created such a large head, with so many fine jets, that you felt like you were getting flooded with water, but were actually conserving water instead. (Don't tell anyone :-) let them think they are getting the major flow model)
When I first went in to take a shower, I was anticipating a scarcer feeling flow, so much so that I wanted to even reduce it some. It was at that point that I understood that having the ideally suited adjustment would be nice. But upon taking my second shower, and having adjusted my mind to it, I loved the precise amount of flow I was already getting. (If not I could tweak it by installing the shut off valves inline) I really don't want to change a thing.
I had read in the forums that Moen does not advise you to install a shower shut off at the head, something about possibly damaging the anti-scalding valve. Calling the included 800 number for Moen was great. They are ready to answer any one of your installation etc. questions.
This Chateau model is a beautiful set. I also bought the Moen Model 1920: Chrome Remodeling Cover Plate which has the wonderful quality Moen chrome finish. It almost looks like it was hand polished as a final step. Cover plates are the wide cover that goes under the standard plate in the event that you are upgrading your old 2 handle model to this type that has the single handle and anti-scalding valve. If you need to knock out tile to open it up the hole is covered by the remodeling plate. The exact dimensions as well as other info are all available in PDF format at Moen.
My brother told me to get the brushed nickel because that was all the rage. I was considering doing a return exchange etc, but when I saw what the prices were I decided the chrome was great. The shower room is a separate room so to speak, and think when I do the bathroom, I am going to be looking for a combo brushed nickel and chrome set for the faucets which will tie it all together. I just got the Oxo Steel Garlic Press, Stainless which has that same combination which is gorgeous.
So there you have it. Get this Moen Chateau single, and save a bundle over the other models, and use the number one rated shower head to automatically adjust the flow to the precise spot you want, and save on the water bill. By the way that shower head is large enough to give you the feel of one of those very expensive huge rain shower heads, yet smaller enough to make it a comfortable hand held.
Another by the way is be sure and install the pipe to mount the head included in the kit with the long part going into the wall. That way you have sufficient clearance for the hose, away from the wall to allow the shower head to be adjusted to any position that suits you; even straight down, once again, creating that rainfall large head feeling.
I'm out of space, so with all of this info you should be able to make the right decision for yourself. One note of caution pricing for these items varies widely. I did buy both the chateau shower posi-temp and cover plate here at Amazon, which had the best prices.
One final item worth mentioning is that I have an older home circa 1955 and the wall this setup is mounted into is 2 1/2" deep, the maximum depth allowable with the kit. When I installed the cover plate, that took up another 3/4". I was heartbroken when I felt like I had to return it for a flat plate, because the beauty of this thing, the way it is sculpted, and with a polished chrome look, I didn't want to part with it. Then I discovered that Moen sells an extension kit for walls that measure much thicker than that. All it is comprised of is a longer chrome tube that the handle mounts too, and some longer screws. So now I can enjoy the full setup including the remodeling plate. If you pull your existing plate off and take some measurements from the center of the pipe line, to the inside wall of your shower, you can use that info to check with the PDF file diagrams available for free at [...].
One more installation tip: Ignore the sticker on the valve section warning you to take it easy when soldering it in because you can damage the plastic and rubber valve components; instead, remove them altogether. It is so easy to just take it out, and then solder away the brass body. The secret to removing it is to use the included plastic removing tool. It has a square head on it so you can use a wrench or a pair of pliers to grab it. It slides down over the valve, and the 2 extender pieces sit down in there so you can spin it. Then just turn it like you would remove a jar lid, and because of the tapered sides at the top it pops. Then just use a good pair of pliers, and pull on the stem, and it comes right out. Everything that you would be concerned about overheating is contained right inside of the cartridge. The body as I mentioned is all metal. When you are done, reinstalling is even easier. Just line up the plastic tab marked H-C at the top, and top is marked "Up" on the housing, and push it straight in all the way. Your done. It couldn't be simpler.
Oh and one more thing. Remember how I said that the price on this stuff is all over the place. I just saw, current as of today, the model from Moen just like this one; the one with the volume control, and the price wasn't that much different than this one. So if you want to use your old shower head, and set it and forget it concerning the flow level, get that one instead. I love the consumer reports number one rated shower head mentioned above. It makes all the difference. The Chateau is nice for anti-scalding, but you won't notice much of a difference over what you already had, when you add the shower head, you are on a different planet.
The initial reason why I bought this posi-temp model is that I no longer have to fear someone flushing a toilet, or turning on a spigot in the house while I am showering and then getting scalded. I got so caught up in the design and installation stuff I almost forgot to mention that. I love my new shower setup, and I believe you will too.
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MOEN L2352 Chateau Single Handle Posi-Temp Valve and Shower Trim, Chrome (Not CA / VT Compliant)Product Description: Moen L2352 Chateau Single Handle Posi-Temp valve and shower trim, ChromeMoen - Chateau SeriesMoen L2352 Chateau Single Handle Posi-Temp valve and shower trim, Chrome Specifications:;Single Handle Posi-temp Valve and Trim;Pressure Balancing Volume Control Valve with Stops;Without Volume Control;4 Port;Adjustable temperature limit stop;Lever Handle;Single Function Showerhead, arm and flange
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