Thermostatic valve w/Integral stops

Hey Mary,

There are 2 types of tub/shower valves that are most common in the U.S. The first is pressure Balance, which is it's own on/off and the second is thermostatic which usually requires a separate shut off. Thermostatic valves are temperature control only and require an additional control valve to divert and/or stop the flow of water (shut off). There is a company that makes a thermostatic valve that also shuts itself off and that is Grohe. There may be others but I don't typically use Thermostatic valves in my remodeling because it drives up costs. The particular part of your question about integral stops refers to the little screw shut-offs that are mounted on either side of the valve. It allows you to shut the water off to the valve only, in order to service the valve IE. Replace cartridge. So you don't have to shut the water off to the house. Most valves come with integral stops but you can get them both ways, with or without.

Hope that helps. Let me know if I gave you the answer you need.

Thank you for asking, The Bathman