Grohe >

this bath spout is of top quality. materials - solid heavy brass and chrome. no cheap flimsy parts about it. it is designed to last several hundred years. flow - this includes a fantastic device called a "flow director" which, instead of some cheaper spouts that just spray water down, has a directed flow reminiscent of a sink flow, but 3x to 4x plus switching - our bathroom uses a device on the spout called a diverter which is basically a push or pull button (depending on model) to switch the operation between the flow of the bath spout and the shower head. other cheaper tub spouts often have the diverter. this model has a "push button" rather than a hard to pull pin like many models and is very easy to use. when you're done showering, the diverter automatically switches back to bath spout mode with one less action. this feature is very well built. plumbing compatibility/easy DIY installation - this uses a 3/4 threaded connection. tub is 3/4 npt female. this is standard for high end bath fixtures, but low end plumbing is done in 1/2 slip copper tubing. make sure you have either an existing threaded 3/4 pipe sticking out from the wall between 1/2" and 11/16" and no more, no less. it is likely that you will need a threaded elbow installed behind the wall to change the pipe. if you don't, it's not for you. if you have 1/2 npt threaded pipe, you can simply unscrew the 1/2 pipe and replace it with a 3/4" to 1/2" thread reducer. any plumbing supply store can get you this pipe cutter and thread it for less than $10-15 (new york price). enjoying!

When I first ordered this I didn't realize there were different ways to install bath spouts, so I'm starting this review with this information for other buyers unfamiliar with the options. the grohe bath spout turned out to be incompatible with the moun recessed installation in my house. must (and other) tub spouts slide over a long length of pipe and are then secured with a small screw underneath with an Allen wrench. grohe spouts (and a few others) basically screw directly onto a pipe with a thread on the end, like screwing a knob onto a screw. also in the us this thread is usually 1/2" and the grohe spout needs 3/4", which is discussed in other reviews and requires an adapter (1/2" socket to 3/4"). all this to say I had to have a plumber come and cut the pipe and then install the thread through the 3/4" socket. cheap and never worked properly. out of the box the grohe spout was heavier, the diverter was stronger and smoother to use and the lines are tighter.after installation i can say that operating this is still a bit tricky which is the reason for my 4 star rating.the diverter is pushed down to get out of the water to get to the shower, not pulled up like most bath spouts I've ever used, which in itself isn't a problem - actually quite fun to use! I first turn the water on/off lever to the cold or middle position water has a powerful little fan shaped water stream tail always comes out the spout never fully switch to the shower and the shower has reduced water pressure instead i have to turn the water all the way to the warmer side and back to lukewarm or cold, in which case I switch to 100% shower flow. it's annoying because I have to instruct clients on how to use it properly. also, when i clean my tub i have to go through this process before i get full pressure to rinse with cold water. turning off the shower, some cheap spouts have a backup with drips that occur for a while and require manual pressure. the inverter to release it. on the grohe spout, although the diverter releases automatically and all the water flows out of the pipes which is great!

i had this product before. exceptional faucet. expensive, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. works very well. I am really satisfied with it.

works well