Moen 2510 vs 2520 vs 2570 vs 2590: Which Shower Valve Is Best for You?
By Julian Gill Updated · 7 min read
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In this article
- What a Shower Valve Does
- Moen 2510 vs 2520 vs 2570 vs 2590 at a Glance
- Moen 2510 Posi-Temp Tub and Shower Valve
- Moen 2510
- Moen 2520 Posi-Temp Shower Rough-In Valve
- Moen 2520
- Moen 2590 Posi-Temp Valve with Stops
- Moen 2590
- Moen 2570 Posi-Temp Valve with Stops
- Moen 2570
- How to Choose the Right Moen Valve
- 2510 or 2590
- 2520 or 2570
- How to Replace the Cartridge in a Moen Valve
- FAQs
Moen's Posi-Temp rough-in valves look almost identical in the box, and their model numbers only differ by a couple of digits. Pick the wrong one and you find out the day you open the wall. Here is what really separates the 2510, 2520, 2570 and 2590, and which one fits your plumbing.
Quick answer
All four are 1/2 inch brass Posi-Temp pressure-balancing valves; the difference is the connection type and the stops. The 2510 has threaded IPS connections, the 2520 has copper sweat (CC) connections, and the 2590 (IPS) and 2570 (CC) add built-in stops so you can service the cartridge without shutting off the whole house.
Key takeaways
- Same valve family: all four use Moen's Posi-Temp pressure balancing and the M-Pact common valve system.
- IPS or CC: choose 2510 or 2590 for threaded IPS, 2520 or 2570 for copper sweat.
- Stops or no stops: the 2570 and 2590 include stops for easier maintenance.
- Trim upgrades without plumbing: M-Pact lets you change the handle and finish later without replacing the valve.
- 80 psi maximum: the listed maximum pressure for these valves.
What a Shower Valve Does
A shower valve is the part inside the wall behind a single-handle shower faucet. With one handle, you control both the flow and the temperature, and the valve with its cartridge does the mixing. A worn or blocked cartridge is what makes a shower drip or run too cold.
These four Moen valves are Posi-Temp models. Posi-Temp is pressure balancing: when someone flushes a toilet and the cold pressure drops, the valve cuts back the hot side too, so you do not get a blast of scalding water. That is what Moen calls protection from "shower shock".
Moen 2510 vs 2520 vs 2570 vs 2590 at a Glance
| Model | Connections | Stops | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moen 2510 | 1/2 inch IPS | No | 1.31 lb | Check Price |
| Moen 2520 | 1/2 inch CC (copper sweat) | No | 1.05 lb | Check Price |
| Moen 2590 | 1/2 inch IPS | Yes | 1.84 lb | Check Price |
| Moen 2570 | 1/2 inch CC (copper sweat) | Yes | 1.44 lb | Check Price |
All four are brass, measure 7 x 7 x 6 inches and work for shower or tub and shower applications. You can pair any of them with a transfer valve to build a spa shower with an extra shower head, a hand shower or two body sprays.
Moen 2510 Posi-Temp Tub and Shower Valve
The Moen 2510 is a brass Posi-Temp pressure-balancing valve for tub and shower, with 1/2 inch IPS connections. It is built on the M-Pact common valve system, so you can update the style or swap finishes later without replacing the valve. It installs like any standard valve.
The same valve family is offered for 1/2 inch copper, CPVC, crimp ring PEX, cold expansion PEX and IPS. Set the maximum temperature limit before you install the decorative trim.
- Material
- Brass
- Connections
- 1/2 inch IPS inlet and outlet
- Type
- Pressure-balancing valve
- Application
- Tub and shower
- Maximum pressure
- 80 psi
- Weight
- 1.31 lb
- Dimensions
- 7 x 7 x 6 inches
- Lead
- Complies with federal lead guidelines
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime
Pros
- Cycles from cold to hot at full volume
- Pressure balancing prevents shower shock
- Temperature limit for a safer shower
- Can be installed back to back
- Upgrade the trim without changing the valve
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Does not control water pressure
- No built-in stops (see the 2590)
Moen 2520 Posi-Temp Shower Rough-In Valve
The 2520 is the copper version of the 2510. It has 1/2 inch CC (copper sweat) connections and the same Posi-Temp pressure balancing, so it holds a steady temperature while delivering a generous flow. It is built from brass and has four connection ports.
Like the 2510, it lets you upgrade the trim at any point without touching the plumbing. Built-in temperature limit stops control how far the handle turns, and so how hot the water can get. The valve meets ASSE performance requirements.
- Material
- Brass
- Connections
- 1/2 inch copper sweat inlet and outlet
- Type
- Pressure-balancing valve, single function
- Application
- Tub and shower
- Maximum pressure
- 80 psi
- Weight
- 1.05 lb
- Dimensions
- 7 x 7 x 6 inches
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime
Pros
- Trim can be upgraded without plumbing work
- Adjustable temperature limit stop
- Meets ASSE performance requirements
- Four connection ports
- Durable brass body
Cons
- Some buyers reported leaks, usually a sign of a rushed solder joint or a missing seal
- No built-in stops (see the 2570)
Moen 2590 Posi-Temp Valve with Stops
The 2590 is a good valve for updating a tired bathroom with new fixtures without the cost and trouble of new plumbing. It has 1/2 inch IPS connections, an adjustable temperature limit stop for the maximum hot water temperature, and quarter-turn stops on the supplies.
It is lead-free, passes ASSE performance requirements and works with tubs as well as showers. It must be used with Moen Posi-Temp trim.
- Material
- Brass
- Connections
- 1/2 inch IPS
- Stops
- Quarter-turn stops
- Weight
- 1.84 lb
- Dimensions
- 7 x 7 x 6 inches
- Trim
- Moen Posi-Temp trim required
Pros
- Long-lasting brass valve
- Easy to install and service
- Can be used with PEX adapters
- Works with tubs too
Cons
- Some users find the handle feel less comfortable
- Only works with Posi-Temp trim
Moen 2570 Posi-Temp Valve with Stops
The 2570 is the copper sweat (CC) version with stops. It holds the water temperature steady with Posi-Temp pressure balancing and gives a generous flow. Because it is built on M-Pact, you can change the style later with no plumbing work.
The included quarter-turn stops are its big advantage. Close them and you can replace the cartridge without shutting off the water to the whole house.
- Material
- Brass
- Connections
- 1/2 inch CC (copper sweat)
- Stops
- Quarter-turn stops
- Weight
- 1.44 lb
- Dimensions
- 7 x 7 x 6 inches
Pros
- Very low failure rate
- Stops isolate the shower for repairs
- Cartridge can be changed without shutting off the house water
Cons
- An experienced plumber noted the integral stops often do not line up well
- Best installed by a professional, since it needs soldering
How to Choose the Right Moen Valve
Threaded pipes
2510 or 2590
Pick IPS if your supply lines end in threaded fittings or you plan to use threaded PEX adapters. Choose the 2590 if you want stops, the 2510 if you do not need them.
Copper pipes
2520 or 2570
Pick CC if you are soldering onto copper. Choose the 2570 for built-in stops, the 2520 for the simplest, lightest valve.
How to Replace the Cartridge in a Moen Valve
Most leaks and temperature problems on these valves come from the cartridge, not the valve body. Posi-Temp valves like these take the Moen 1222 cartridge. Here is how to swap it.
Safety first
Shut off the water before you pull the cartridge. Close the integral stops if your valve has them; otherwise turn off the main water valve. Open the faucets to drain the water left in the lines.
- Turn off the water
Close the stops or the main valve, then open the shower to let the remaining water drain out.
- Remove the handle
The Moen handle is held by a Phillips screw or an Allen set screw. Remove it and pull the handle off.
- Remove the sleeve and the clip
Behind the handle is a plastic piece held by a Phillips screw. Remove it and slide off the chrome sleeve around the cartridge. Pull the brass retaining clip straight up with pliers.
- Pull out the cartridge
Grip the cartridge stem and pull it straight out of the valve. If it is stuck, use a Moen cartridge puller rather than forcing it.
- Install the new cartridge
Push the new cartridge into the valve. It is marked H and C so you do not put it in upside down. Refit the retaining clip.
- Reinstall the trim and test
Put the sleeve and the handle back, turn the water on and check hot and cold before you call it done.
FAQs
Are all Moen shower valves the same?
No. Moen makes three kinds of valves: Standard, Posi-Temp and Moentrol. The 2510, 2520, 2570 and 2590 are all Posi-Temp pressure-balancing valves; they differ by connection type and stops.
What is the difference between IPS and CC connections?
IPS (iron pipe size) connections are threaded. CC (copper) connections are sweat fittings that you solder onto copper pipe. Pick the one that matches the pipes in your wall.
Do I need to replace my shower valve?
Only if the valve body itself leaks or is damaged. A dripping shower is usually fixed by replacing the cartridge, not the whole valve. Our guide on how to stop a Moen shower head from dripping shows how.
Do you have to replace the valve when replacing a shower faucet?
No. On a Moen M-Pact valve you can change the handle and trim without touching the valve in the wall, as long as the new trim is compatible.
The Moen 2510, 2520, 2570 and 2590 are the same reliable Posi-Temp valve in four versions. Match the connection to your pipes (IPS for the 2510 and 2590, copper sweat for the 2520 and 2570), then decide whether built-in stops are worth it for you. Check the warranty on the seller page, set the temperature limit before the trim goes on, and you will not need to open that wall again for years.
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