Delta R22000 vs R22000WS: Which Shower Valve Is Right for Your Bathroom?
By Julian Gill Updated · 6 min read
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In this article
The Delta R22000 and R22000WS are two rough-in shower valves that look almost identical, and the product names do not help. The difference matters, though, because whatever you choose ends up behind tile for years. Here is how they compare and which one I would put in your wall.
Quick answer
For most bathrooms, buy the Delta R22000WS. It has built-in stops, so you can service the valve without shutting off the water to the whole house. The plain R22000 is a good choice if you want a simple valve body and already have shut-off valves you can reach.
In my experience as a plumber, the cheapest moment to add convenience to a shower is before the wall is closed. Stops are a good example: they add almost nothing to the job today, and they save real time the day the cartridge needs replacing.
Key takeaways
- Stops: the R22000WS has them, the R22000 does not. This is the main difference.
- Material: the R22000 is listed in bronze and the R22000WS in brass, the most common material for valve bodies.
- Size and weight: the two are close, at about 3 pounds and 3.14 pounds.
- Same core function: both have pressure-balance temperature control and can be installed back to back.
Delta R22000 vs R22000WS at a Glance
| Product | Material | Size | Weight | Stops | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta R22000 | Bronze | 9.13 x 8.38 x 5 in | 3 lb | No | Check Price |
| Delta R22000-WS | Brass | 9.84 x 6.61 x 5.75 in | 3.14 lb | Yes | Check Price |
Main Differences Between the R22000 and R22000WS
Stops
This is the difference that matters most. "WS" stands for "with stops". The R22000WS has small shut-offs built into the valve body for the hot and cold supply. Close them with a screwdriver and you can pull the cartridge without touching the main valve.
The R22000 has no stops. To service it, you shut off the water at the main valve or at separate shut-offs, if your plumbing has them. That is fine in a house with an accessible main, and a nuisance in an apartment or a busy family home.
Material and durability
The two bodies look alike, but the R22000 is listed in bronze and the R22000WS in brass. Both materials are strong and durable in a shower wall. Brass is the most common material for valve bodies, so fittings and parts are easy to match.
Size and weight
The R22000 is listed at 9.13 x 8.38 x 5 inches and about 3 pounds. The R22000WS is a little longer and deeper but narrower, at 9.84 x 6.61 x 5.75 inches and 3.14 pounds. The weight difference is small, but check the depth if your wall cavity is shallow.
Delta R22000 and R22000WS Reviews
The R22000 covers the basics well. Its pressure-balance function keeps the water at a safe temperature and prevents sudden swings when someone flushes a toilet or runs the dishwasher. The body is made in one piece, and it can be installed back to back, which helps when two bathrooms share a wall.
It is ideal when the valve's only job is to mix hot and cold water for a shower. Customers say it is easy to install and to use, and it has good reviews overall. The main risk is buying it without checking that it suits your wall and your trim, so read the specifications before you order.
- Material
- Bronze
- Size
- 9.13 x 8.38 x 5 in
- Weight
- 3 lb
- Stops
- No
- Temperature control
- Pressure balance
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Pressure-balance function prevents temperature swings
- One-piece body that can be installed back to back
- Good customer reviews
Cons
- No built-in stops, so servicing means shutting off the water elsewhere
- May not fit every wall or trim, so check the specifications first
The R22000WS does everything the R22000 does: the same pressure-balance control, the same back-to-back installation option. What it adds is a pair of stops, which is a real plus in daily life and especially on repair day.
Buyers praise its quick, easy installation and say it performs as it should. A few reported defective or low-quality parts that spoiled the finish or failed early. That is not the norm, but it is a good reason to inspect every part when the box arrives, before anything goes into the wall.
- Material
- Brass
- Size
- 9.84 x 6.61 x 5.75 in
- Weight
- 3.14 lb
- Stops
- Yes
- Temperature control
- Pressure balance
Pros
- Built-in stops for easy servicing
- Quick, easy installation
- Pressure-balance function and back-to-back capability
- Brass body
Cons
- Some buyers reported defective or low-quality parts
- Slightly deeper than the R22000
Which Model Is Better for Your Home?
Best for most homes
Delta R22000WS
You want the easiest servicing, your main shut-off is hard to reach, or several people share the house water. The stops pay for themselves the first time you change the cartridge.
Best for simple setups
Delta R22000
You want a straightforward valve to mix water for one shower, and you already have accessible shut-off valves.
Before You Install
- The trim kit and its installation sheet
- Tape measure and level
- Wood for a stringer or backing
- Pipe cutter and the right fittings for your pipe
- Torch, solder and flux for copper
- Screwdriver and adjustable wrench
Safety first
Turn off the main water supply and drain the lines before you cut any pipe. Remove the cartridge or test cap before soldering so heat does not damage the seals, and pressure test every joint before you close the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Delta R22000 and R22000WS?
The WS version has built-in stops that shut off the water at the valve for servicing. The R22000 is listed in bronze and the R22000WS in brass, and the two differ slightly in size and weight.
What do the stops on the R22000WS do?
They let you close the hot and cold supply at the valve itself, so you can change the cartridge without shutting off the water to the whole house.
Do both valves control water temperature?
Yes. Both have a pressure-balance function that keeps the shower at a steady, safe temperature when someone uses water elsewhere in the house.
Can the Delta R22000 be installed back to back?
Yes. Both valves are one-piece bodies that can be installed back to back, for example in two bathrooms that share a wall.
Which one should I buy?
For most homes, the R22000WS, because the stops make every future repair easier. Choose the R22000 if your shower already has accessible shut-off valves and you want the simpler body.
Both Delta valves do the core job well: steady temperature and a one-piece body that fits back to back. The R22000WS adds built-in stops, and for most homes that makes it the better buy. Choose the R22000 only if you have easy shut-offs and want to keep things simple, and inspect the parts of either valve before it goes into the wall.