Review on Duro Shower/Hand Shower Unit, Chrome - Symmons 3605-H321-V: The Perfect Combination of Style and Functionality by Josh Valentino

I have replaced three different faucets in my house; Two replacements were additions to the Vine program. It is relatively easy to replace one set of faucets with another in the same way. The most challenging project I completed was replacing a sink/faucet with a pedestal sink. Replacing a plumbing block that is only half an inch away from existing plumbing can be really difficult, even with the many "adapters" that can be purchased. I was finally able to successfully connect the drains from the new sink with plastic tubing to a fifty year old threaded cast iron pipe without a single drip. However, I consider my plumbing skills to be a "beginner" and so the following comments should be read with that in mind. Even a "newbie" should note that this "3605" model DOES NOT include a bath spout. , but "3606", which costs an additional $30, INCLUDES the tub spout. Surely Simmons should make it perfectly clear, and he doesn't. Normally you would think that you would need to replace an existing bathtub spout to keep the entire unit stylistically the same. And with this device you would have to buy a separate new bath spout, some of which are readily offered. The biggest problem might be that the existing shower switch is not in the same place as the Symmons block and mine is not. Mine is in the tub. I note that for an additional $100 you can purchase a 'professional installation', but the scope of work seems fairly limited: replacing an existing shower with a new one. It doesn't even mention how to judge if new pipes are required for the new shower diverter and handle. A plumber can cost as much as the unit itself, if not more, just to run the extra pipe. Of course, a "beginner" or even a somewhat sophisticated homeowner will have serious difficulties when working with an existing cast iron pipe. I note that one reviewer said even a professional installer had issues requiring multiple trips to the local major hardware store to get the necessary connections. The actual diverter and adjustments appear to be very well made, calibrated to deliver fractional water. Degree of difference in water temperature. There's even a screw that can be set to the highest temperature available to avoid scalding. Other parts are plastic and several reviewers have indicated that they are broken. Yes, Simmons says they will replace it, but why not make a more durable product first? As always, the question is how long the company will stay in business and stockpile parts. Some manufacturers provide excellent installation guides, including YouTube videos. Simmons gave virtually no instructions and I blame them for that as they retail to a lot of different 'amateurs'. For this reason, and also because of some wobbly plastic parts, 3 stars.