Pressure balancing faucets required by code?

[Vector]

I've been told by a local plumber that pressure balancing faucets are required by code on all showers and tub/shower combos.

Is that a standard thing? If not I'll have to check with the city, but if it's a nationwide thing I'd rather save the aggravation dealing with them.

I absolutely hate, hate, hate, hate pressure balancing faucets! Not to mention that they make absolutely no sense when used with a tankless hot water heater that won't generate water hot enough to scald anyhow.

If forced, I will have them installed for the inspection and then rip them back out and redo them with real faucets, but I'd like to avoide all the cost and work.

[Dragon]

I'd say that is a local code.

[Tom R]

I kinda' thought they were, - - or at least will be real soon, - - required by code everywhere, - - they're code here now (Jersey).

[bkrahmer]

They are required in Idaho, and ID pretty much follows 2000 UPC, with rare exceptions.

[rodster]

Why do you dislike them so much? My personal pet peeve are the ones that don't allow you to control the flow of water. I installed ones that allow you to control the flow. Maybe my wife is right, I am a control freak. :)

[Vector]

Well, I dislike the lack of flow control on most. Even the ones that allow flow control still limit it more than traditional valves.

But what I dislike the most is that no matter how far you crank them towards hot, they still mix in some cold. With a tankless water heater, you want to set the temp to the level that is comfortable for bathing, and not higher (wastes energy). With the balancing faucets, you have to set the water heater artificially high to compensate for the cold water the valve allows in.

[Dragon]

Hey as long as I can turn it off at the showerhead without having to turn a knob I'm happy.

[bkrahmer]

Vector, I don't understand the logic of what you are saying. What is the difference if you raise 1.0 gallons of water per minute from 50 to 110 degrees or raise .92 gallons of water per minute from 50 to 120 degrees and mix in .08 gallons of cold?

I'm not aware of any efficiency difference in that equation...