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Shower Faucet: Low Flow- Independent Transfer Valves

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What is a transfer valve?

A transfer valve is designed to divert water in a shower. It is often installed in a custom shower system called a Vertical Spa. These spa systems usually have multiple showerheads, body sprays, and handheld showers that operate independently or in tandem.  A transfer valve by itself cannot control the water flow or temperature, that’s why it is installed with a second valve referred to as a mixing valve. Moen has created many transfer and mixing valves since the first Vertical Spa was introduced in 2000. When troubleshooting this type of shower, you may need to identify the mixing and transfer valve to correct your issue.

Showering devices like showerheads and handheld showers are designed to provide varying flow rates. Before replacing or repairing your shower system, please confirm the flow rate (GPM/gallons per minute) of the device that is experiencing the reduced water flow. 

How do I know what type of valve is behind the decorative trim?

The best way of distinguishing the transfer valve from the mixing valve is by the features that it controls or operates.

  • The mixing valve is housed behind the handle or knob in your shower and is responsible for turning the water supply to the entire system on and off. It is usually installed below the transfer valve and characteristically has a larger trim plate. 
  • The transfer valve is usually installed above the mixing valve and characteristically has a smaller trim plate. When the mixing valve is turned on, the transfer valve handle can be rotated to activate the individual shower devices to operate independently. Some transfer valves also offer a setting where two or more of the devices will work simultaneously, also referred to as a shared function. 
Which part of my system is causing the symptom?
Transfer Valve

Shower systems that experience symptoms of one showering device not operating or a noticeable loss of water pressure, indicates there is a problem with the transfer valve.
Mixing Valve

Mixing valves are responsible for supplying water to the entire shower system. A shower system that exhibits no water to the entire system or a decrease in temperature specific water (no hot or no cold) indicates there is a problem with the mixing valve.
Shower Device

1. Check for blockage in the shower device. The low flow symptom can occur if debris has come through the line and became trapped causing a reduction of flow.

2. Is the flow of water normal with the shower device removed?

  • Yes, rinse any debris from the shower device and re-test the flow. If the symptom persists, replace the shower device.
  • No, replace the mixing valve cartridge, see the Mixing Valve Symptoms Chart below.
Valves- The symptoms and how to solve the problem:

Compare the mixing and transfer valve troubleshooting guides below for information on how to correct shower system issues. At the beginning of each guide, there will be instructions on how to navigate each section.

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MIXING VALVE SYMPTOMS: Low Flow: Temperature Specific or an Overall Reduction of Pressure from all devices

Here are definitions of the two most common flow issues:

  • Low Flow: Temperature Specific: There is a noticeable decrease of only hot or only cold water coming from the shower system.
  • Low Flow: Overall Reduction of Pressure from all Devices: There is an obvious decline in the force of water coming from both the hot and cold to all of the shower devices.

Moen Vertical Spa systems are designed to be used with a number of different mixing valves. You will first need to review Column 1 to determine which mixing valve is in your shower system. If you know your mixing valve number, it will be located in Column 2. Once you have identified your mixing valve, move to Column 3 for your recommended solution.

Column 1: Valve  Column 2: Valve Numbers Column 3: Solution

1/2" Exact Temp

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Retired: 2006

3301, 3321
  1. If the shower was recently installed or serviced, confirm the check stops are fully open. For more information see, Valve check stops comparison.
  2. Clean the Filter screens, see article, 1/2" Exact Temp Valve Filter Screen Cleaning

Moentrol 

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Retired:2021

3510, 3520, 3550, 3570, 63110, 63120, 63130, 63150, 63170, 63180, S935, 63140, 63160

 
  1. If the shower was recently installed or serviced, confirm the check stops are fully open. For more information see, Valve check stops comparison.
  2. Clean the Balancing Spool, see article, Maintenance: How to Clean a 1423 Balancing Spool
  3. Replace the Mixing valve cartridge see article, 1225 Cartridge: Single Handle Shower-Moentrol Valve

PosiTemp

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2580, 2590, 2326PF, 2385PF, 62300, 62320, 62330, 62340, 62345, 62360, 62365, 62370, 62380, 62385
  1.  If the shower was recently installed or serviced, confirm the check stops are fully open. For more information see, Valve check stops comparison.
  2. Replace the Mixing valve cartridge see article, 1222 Cartridge: Single Handle Shower- PosiTemp

M-Core 2 Series: This system controls the water temperature only.

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M-Core 3 Series: This system controls the water temperature and the volume of water.

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U130CI, U130CIS, U130CX, U130CXS, U130X, U130X, U140C, U140CIS, U140CX, U140CXS, U140V, U140VS, U140X,U140XS
  1. If the shower was recently installed or serviced, confirm the check stops are fully open. For more information see, Valve check stops comparison.
  2. Replace the Mixing valve cartridge see article: 

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TRANSFER VALVE SYMPTOMS: Low Flow or No Flow: Reduction of Pressure from one specific device
Symptom Solution

Low Flow: Using One Function (Showering Device)-The water flow is reduced only when using a specific showering device.

Example: System has a showerhead and a handheld shower

  • Showerhead-good flow
  • Handheld shower- low flow

OR

No Flow: Using One Function (Showering Device)-There is no water flow when transferring to another showering device. 

Example: System has a showerhead and a handheld shower

  • Showerhead-good flow
  • Handheld shower- no flow

Replace the Transfer (Diverter) valve cartridge:

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For additional information on Moen products visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of faucet you are repairing. The faucet guide will contain repair details, troubleshooting and specific information on assembling handles associated with that style of product.

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