From positions to a written chart
Do three diverter positions mean three outlets?
Not necessarily. On Delta’s 3-setting diverter, two showering devices run individually and the third setting runs both, so three settings serve two outlets.
Delta’s product names carry both counts: one trim is the 3-Setting 2-Port Diverter Trim, with two individual positions and one shared position. Delta’s 3-way shower arm diverter also serves two outlets, a shower head and a hand shower, singly or shared.
Kohler’s K-737-K is the opposite case: up to three outlets, which Kohler says can only be operated individually.
| Term | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Setting, position, function | One handle position. Delta’s product names count settings, and its feature text also says function and position; Moen and American Standard count functions. |
| Port | Brizo calls its R60700 a three port diverter rough; Delta names a trim 2-Port. |
| Individual, independent, discrete | One outlet runs alone: Delta, Moen and American Standard wording. |
| Shared | Two outlets run at the same time. |
How do you write down the outlet combinations you need?
Give every outlet a letter, then list each state the user must be able to select. American Standard’s installation sheet for the R433S shows its states this way: outlets A, B and C each alone, then A with B, A with C and B with C.
- Give each outlet a letter and a name.
- List every outlet that must run alone.
- List every pair that must run together.
- List any combination to exclude.
- Mark which control turns the water off.
- Ask for the operating chart of the offered valve, cartridge and trim.
Delta’s 6-setting cartridge page lists six states of the same kind for a shower, hand shower and body spray: three individual positions and three shared pairs. If a project needs three outlets running together, ask the maker in writing.
Which named valves are independent only, and which have shared positions?
Makers state this per model; Kohler and American Standard each sell both kinds.
| Product | Runs alone | Runs together |
|---|---|---|
| Delta 3-setting diverter | Two showering devices | Both, on the third setting |
| Delta 6-setting cartridge | Shower, hand shower, body spray | Three pairs |
| Kohler K-728-K transfer valve | Up to three outlets | Any two |
| Kohler K-737-K diverter valve | Up to three outlets | None: individually only |
| Moen M-CORE U361 series | 2 or 3 independent | 1 or 3 shared |
| Moen 3360 | 3 independent functions | None listed on the sheet |
| American Standard R422 | 2 discrete functions | Discrete only |
| American Standard R422S | 2 discrete functions | 1 shared function |
| American Standard RU531 | 3 discrete functions | Shared flow with an added cartridge |
Kohler calls the model that can run two outlets a transfer valve and the one that cannot a diverter valve. Read the function list, not the product name.
Which part sets the combinations: body, cartridge or trim?
On the products below, the cartridge, the trim or a site setting decides the combinations; the valve body alone does not.
| Product | What the maker states |
|---|---|
| Delta integrated diverter | Non-shared diverter cartridges can be ordered separately. |
| Brizo R60700 rough | Three port body for 3 or 6-function diverter trim. |
| American Standard RU531 | Shared flow requires an additional cartridge, sold separately. |
| Moen M-CORE U361 series | Factory set for 2 showering devices; can be adjusted for 3. |
| Kohler K-728-K | Supplied three-way, 360 degree rotation; can be set on site to two-way, 120 degree. |
Check the chart again after any change of cartridge or trim.
Does a diverter shut off the water or control temperature?
Not on the R422, 3360, K-728-K and K-737-K: their makers say they are not shut-off valves or require a separate valve. Other bodies below combine the functions.
Not a stop valve
American Standard says the R422 and R422S cannot be used as a shut-off valve; the R422S installation sheet says not to seal any outlet. Moen says the 3360 is not intended to be used as a shut-off valve.
On/off and temperature
Kohler says the K-728-K and K-737-K require additional valves, sold separately, for on/off operation and temperature.
Combined bodies
On American Standard’s RU531 the bottom handle sets temperature and on/off; the top handle controls the diverter. Kohler’s K-11748-K is a pressure-balancing valve with an integral diverter mechanism.
Volume, stops, cross flow
Symmons says its VersaFlex lever switches between two outlets or controls water volume. Kohler lists the K-11748-K without screwdriver stops. For the 3360, Moen requires check valves in the supply valve or in both supply lines to prevent cross flow.
- Routing: outlets alone and together
- Temperature control type
- On/off control
- Volume control, if any
- Stops and check valves
How much water do two outlets get in a shared position?
The sources give no general answer: Kohler and American Standard publish flow for their own valves.
Kohler K-728-K
Kohler lists 18 gpm at 45 psi using one outlet and 20.8 gpm at 45 psi using two. The two-outlet total is not double the one-outlet figure.
American Standard
The RU531 sheet gives separate flow graphs for the discrete and shared versions. The R422S installation sheet marks the port with the bath tub picture as the high-flow port.
WaterSense label
The EPA’s WaterSense showerhead specification, version 1.1, covers showerheads, rain showers and hand-held showers, not body sprays. Where several showerheads or hand-held showers form a single device connected to one shower outlet, the label may be used only if each head meets the specification and the whole device meets the maximum flow rate, 2.0 gpm or less, in all operating modes.
Ask for the flow of each outlet alone and of each shared pair at the project’s flowing pressure.
Where do tub spouts and add-on diverters fit?
A tub spout can carry its own diverter, and Delta sells a diverter for the shower arm. Makers also state which diverters suit a tub spout.
| Product | What the maker states |
|---|---|
| Symmons 053 tub spout | Slip-on tub spout with a pull-up diverter. |
| Delta integrated diverter | Delta does not recommend installing a tub spout using this product. |
| American Standard R422 | Outlets can be a showerhead, handspray, body side spray or tub spout. |
| Delta U4924-PK | Named a 3-way shower arm diverter; serves a shower head and a hand shower. |
How should a buyer specify a shower diverter?
These steps are procurement guidance, not a plumbing design. Confirm code requirements with the local authority.
- Label the outlets. A letter and a name for each.
- List the states. Each outlet alone, each pair, and any combination to exclude.
- Name the shut-off. Which control turns the water off.
- Name the temperature control. Pressure-balancing or thermostatic, as a separate line.
- Fix the assembly. Valve body, cartridge and trim by model number.
- Ask for flow per state. Each outlet alone and each shared pair, with the test pressure.
- Recheck after changes. A substitute cartridge or trim needs a new chart.
When an offer says 3-way
Delta’s 3-way shower arm diverter serves two outlets, while Kohler’s three-way K-728-K serves up to three. Ask what the number counts: outlets, ports or settings.
What should you send and ask before a quotation?
A complete request names the combinations, not only the number of outlets.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How many outlets does the valve serve? | Settings, ports and outlets are counted separately. |
| Which outlets run alone, which in pairs? | Kohler’s K-737-K runs outlets only one at a time. |
| Which control shuts the water off? | The R422 and the 3360 are not shut-off valves, their makers say. |
| Which cartridge and trim are quoted? | On some products they set the combinations. |
| What is the flow per state, at what pressure? | Kohler’s figures are for one valve at 45 psi. |
Include with your request
- Outlet list with letters
- Chart of required combinations
- Supply pressure and flow data
- Temperature control type
- Tub spout, if any
WNS Global confirms any offered shower system, diverter and commercial terms separately in writing. This guide does not state that WNS Global products have any diverter type, position, flow rate or listing named above.
