A faulty shower valve is probably one of the most annoying things a homeowner comes home to. Fortunately, replacing it is an easy fix but the question is, what kind of shower valve to buy next? Delta and Moen are the two most recommended brands by homeowners and plumbers alike.
But who wins in the battle of Delta vs. Moen? Both offer quality and promise to provide a better shower experience. Therefore, choosing between this two can be channeling.
Thankfully, here we discuss everything you need to know about Delta vs. Moen shower valves, including costs, features, and more. So let’s take a look!
What are Delta Valves?
Considering the high quality that Delta valves offer for their price, it’s easy to see why they’ve become the market’s favorite.
They are made of a combination of metal and plastic. This means that replacing any parts is just as affordable. Plus, most homeowners agree that having plastic parts makes them easier to install.
Despite being super lightweight, they can withstand wear and tear. You can secure them with a mounting valve, and they won’t come loose. With them, you won’t have to worry that they start moving back and forth after a certain number of uses like some other products in a similar price range.
They have several models available. Some valves even offer the option for testing water temperature and pressure, which can come in handy in new installations. They also have different connection types, including the universal, IPS, and PEX. The latter fits most plumbing types, which is another positive point for Delta shower valves.
What are Moen Valves?
Despite the higher pricing, Moen shower valves are just as popular as the Delta ones. Apart from their quality, these valves typically have handy features that significantly improve the shower experience.
Remote-controlled features and adjustability will ensure that every shower you take will be relaxing and hassle-free. As you have a little experience handling water valves, you can install and launch every function yourself.
While Moen valves are made mostly of brass metal, this doesn’t mean they are less durable. In fact, the fact that they are made of metal is what makes them so durable.
The rust and corrosion-resistant zinc and copper elements on each Moen valve are designed to withstand the test of time, making them an excellent value for money.
While they are slightly heavier, these valves also help maintain strong water pressure. Despite this, they’ll let you adjust or change the type of shower you’ve installed without having to deal with plumbing issues.
Delta VS. Moen Shower Valves Comparison
Now we’ve had an overview of these two shower valves, let’s look into their differences in a little more detail.
1. Style
Style doesn’t matter when it comes to shower valves but you need to look beyond that. It’s a good idea to see what faucet you’ll be adding to the valve and how that fits in with your aesthetic.
In general, Delta usually prioritizes functionality over style and its range of options can be a little limited. You’ll likely get more choices with Moen but that often comes with a higher price tag as we explain in the next section.
2. Costs
If you’re on a tight budget, Delta shower valves will be your best option. They’re more affordable than Moen, but you don’t have to compromise on the quality either. The cheapest option, the universal valve, is around $60 and will last you for a long time.
The ones with the more advanced features will cost you a bit more, but you’ll still pay less than you would for a Moen valve with the same function. With Delta valves, the repair costs aren’t too high either, and with a little experience, you can do everything yourself.
The price of Moen valves starts above $90, but their quality justifies the higher costs. Made from highly durable materials, they can withstand all the abuse they can get from daily usage – and will last longer than the Delta valves.
If your budget allows it, Moen valves could be a great investment. You’ll have a reliable fixture for years to come – and won’t have to replace it so often. This means you’ll save money on repair costs – even if you opt for a valve with specific features (which is in the higher price range).
3. Material
As mentioned, Delta and Moen shower valves are made of different materials. The Moen valves are made of solid brass material. This is a mixture of zinc and copper – both robust and durable materials. Not only will they withstand regular wear and tear, but they’re not sensitive to corrosion either.
The plastic material in the Delta valves makes them less durable. While this makes them inexpensive, you’ll need to check them regularly and perform any repairs or maintenance work as soon as possible. With Moen valves, you can forget about any of this for a long time.
4. Water Conservation
It’s virtually possible to talk about shower fixtures without considering water conservation. With modern solutions, nowadays even those who prefer a luxurious shower experience can find ways to save water. If for nothing else, to reduce their water bills.
So, if you want your new shower valve to help you cut down your water usage, you’ll be happy to know that both Delta and Moen can do this. Of course, these features come with higher costs for both brands. However, when they start reducing your bills, this will become a worthwhile investment.
Moen shower valves have features that can reduce water usage up to 30%, but Delta doesn’t stay much behind either. Both companies have won awards for making environmentally conscious products and making our planet a better place to live. If this is your only criterion, whichever product you choose, you will regret it.
5. Functionality
The key to the functionality of shower valves lies in their ability to provide adequate water pressure. For Moen, this isn’t an issue. These valves provide superior water pressure at all times, which makes showering a much better experience.
Delta valves tend to restrict the water pressure, so if you prefer a strong stream of water at all times, you’ll go for the other option. The issue with the water pressure tends to worsen over time as the product wears down.
However, some Delta valves have a feature that prevents residue buildup in the shower. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning your shower. Delta valves also provide a wavy flow, which can come in handy, especially if you’re looking for water-saving options.
Moen valves offer a different experience, but they also have plenty of features that improve their functionality. That said, if you prefer to feel like you’re standing under a waterfall while showering, you can still get Moen and find an adequate solution for water preservation.
Delta valves also offer three cartridge options. One balances the hot and cold water to guarantee the right water. The second one is a dual-function pressure-balanced valve cartridge that allows independent control over the temperature and volume.
The third option automatically measures and adjusts the hot and cold outputs to provide the perfect temperature while allowing you to control the volume.
6. Compatibility
You may be wondering whether or not these two types of valves are interchangeable but they’re not. One of the biggest reasons for that is due to them having different mechanisms. Moen uses a ball system, whereas delta has a cartridge system.
That’s not the only reason they aren’t interchangeable either. They can also have different dimensions, designs, and types of fittings. This is why it’s important to choose the right valve for you at the start as changing them once fitted can be a huge task.
7. Installation
While both brands are easy to install, Delta valves still have a slight advantage in this regard. These valves are compact, lightweight, and considered user-friendly for those with some experience in plumbing.
You don’t have to be an expert to install them, it’s enough that you know your way around water valves. Once mounted, they’ll stay in place until you decide to remove them.
Moen shower valves, on the other hand, are a slightly different matter. You’ll need to pay attention to their installation.
Otherwise, they’ll come loose and start rocking back and forth. They’re heavier, which makes them harder to mount and fix correctly. To avoid this, many homeowners rely on plumbers to do the tasks, which further adds to their costs.
8. Durability
Moen shower valves are typically more durable than Delta ones. The high-quality materials, the fail-safe mechanisms for pressure, and the unique solution that makes them easier to use all contribute to the durability of these valves.
That’s not to say that Delta valves aren’t durable. Compared to similarly priced products, these valves will last longer. So, even if you’re on a budget, you won’t have issues with their durability. However, you have to replace them sooner than you would the Moen valves.
For some homeowners, this isn’t an issue. For others, having a more durable product is definitely worth it if it means they don’t have to worry about changing it any time soon.
9. Warranty
Homeowners who care about durability will also want a warranty that ensures the longevity of the product they’re buying. In this regard, Delta and Moen stand on equal grounds. Both manufacturers offer lifetime warranties and have all the replacement parts widely available.
You don’t have to be a professional plumber to get them, like in the case with other manufacturers’ products. So, even if your budget doesn’t allow you to get the more durable valve, you still won’t have to worry about finding replacement parts for it.
Despite the lower price tag of their products, Delta provides the same level of coverage in the warranty as Moen does.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Delta shower valves are more affordable. They’re relatively easy to install, even without professional experience or the risks of damaging your plumbing.
However, while Moen valves tend to be more expensive, their top-notch quality means they’ll last you for a longer period of time. Plus, they have a lot more features that Delta valves lack.
So overall, the final choice always comes down to your budget and preferences. Whether you wish to invest in a more luxurious experience or prefer simple solutions, it will be up to you.