There’s a moment in every homeowner’s journey when you stand in your bathroom, look at the dated, perhaps slightly corroded fixtures, and sigh. A full-scale renovation is a maelstrom of dust, decisions, and dollars—often more than you’re willing to commit. Yet, the desire for a fresh, modern space persists. This was precisely the scenario we faced in our guest bathroom. The tiles were fine, the tub was solid, but the chrome-pitted shower trim from a bygone era was an eyesore. We needed a solution that would deliver a significant aesthetic upgrade without requiring us to tear open the walls and start from scratch. The challenge is finding a product that balances style, reliability, and cost. Choosing the wrong fixture can lead to leaks, frustrating installations, or a cheap look that undermines the entire effort, leaving you with buyer’s remorse instead of a revitalized room.
- ROUGH SOLD SEPARATELY: Trim kit only, purchase Delta's MultiChoice Universal Shower Valve separately to complete the unit (recommended rough-in valve model R10000-UNBXHF)
- INTENSELY POWERFUL: Immerse yourself in the steady, intensely powerful full body spray with forceful streams of water to satisfy all of your showering needs
What to Consider Before Buying a Bathtub & Shower Faucet Set
A Bathtub & Shower System is more than just a metal spout and a handle; it’s the command center of your daily cleansing ritual. It controls water temperature and pressure, dictates the style of your entire bathing area, and plays a crucial role in water conservation. A quality faucet set solves the problem of inconsistent temperatures, weak water flow, and dated aesthetics. The primary benefits are safety, through pressure-balancing valves that prevent scalding, improved user experience with comfortable and intuitive controls, and the ability to completely transform the look of a bathroom with a relatively simple installation. For many, it’s the most impactful and cost-effective upgrade you can make.
The ideal customer for a trim kit like the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel is someone facing this exact scenario: a DIY-savvy homeowner, a landlord refreshing a rental property, or anyone with an existing Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve looking for a quick and easy cosmetic update. It’s designed for those who prioritize value and brand reliability over luxurious, all-metal construction. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those building a high-end master bathroom from scratch or those who desire a spa-like experience with features like a rain shower head, body jets, or a handheld sprayer. If you’re seeking that premium experience, you’d be better served by exploring complete shower systems with more advanced features.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Valve Compatibility & Installation: This is the single most important factor. Is this a new installation or a replacement? This Delta set is a “trim kit,” meaning it does NOT include the essential in-wall valve. It’s specifically designed for the Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve (like the R10000 series). If you have this valve, installation is a breeze. If not, you’ll need a plumber to install one, which significantly adds to the cost and complexity.
- Performance & Water Flow: Consider the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This model is WaterSense certified at 1.75 GPM, which is great for water conservation but may feel less powerful to those accustomed to older, high-flow fixtures. Also, look at the features of the shower head itself. This one offers a basic two-function spray, which is functional but not luxurious.
- Materials & Durability: Fixtures come in a range of materials, from solid brass to zinc to plastic. While the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel boasts a durable Brilliance Stainless finish, it’s crucial to know that many core components, like the handle and shower head, are made of plastic. This keeps the cost down but can impact the long-term feel and perceived quality compared to all-metal alternatives.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A single-handle design offers simple control over temperature and volume. Features like Delta’s Touch-Clean spray holes, which allow you to wipe away mineral buildup with your finger, are a significant long-term benefit. However, also consider how the finish holds up to daily use. Some finishes, as we discovered, are magnets for water spots and fingerprints, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance.
While the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel is an excellent choice for a value-driven upgrade, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those geared towards safety and accessibility, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Comprehensive Review of the Best Walk-In Tub Shower Combos for Enhanced Safety and Accessibility
- ALL-METAL CONSTRUCTION: The entire shower faucet set is crafted from premium, durable metal materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. This all-metal build is highly resistant to rust, corrosion,...
- 【Pressure Balance Shower Valve】Constructed of solid brass materials, The Shower Fixtures with a rough-in valve will be no bursting or water leakage in extremely cold environments. Pressure...
- 3 Function Shower System: The tub shower faucet set has 3 water outlet modes, shower head, handheld sprayer, and tub spout.with 3 in 1 diverter cartridge to switch shower modes. single handle design...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Delta Foundations BT13410-SS
Upon opening the box, the components of the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel were neatly packaged and individually wrapped to prevent scratching. The kit includes the main escutcheon (the backplate), the single handle, the tub spout with its pull-up diverter, the shower arm and matching flange, the shower head, and the necessary mounting hardware, including the Monitor 13 Series valve cartridge. The first thing we noticed was the finish. The Brushed Nickel (labeled as Stainless) has a modern, muted sheen that is versatile enough for nearly any bathroom decor. However, picking up the pieces reveals the product’s value-oriented nature. The tub spout and shower arm have a satisfying heft, but the handle and shower head are noticeably lightweight, confirming their plastic construction. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker at this price point, but it’s a tangible difference from the solid metal feel of premium lines. As one user aptly noted, the parts have a “nice weight” overall, but the tactile experience varies by component.
Key Benefits
- Excellent value for a complete trim kit from a reputable brand
- Monitor Pressure-Balanced Valve provides crucial anti-scald protection
- Simple and straightforward installation on existing Delta MultiChoice valves
- Timeless Brushed Nickel finish complements a wide range of styles
- WaterSense certification helps conserve water without a major performance drop
Potential Drawbacks
- Significant use of plastic in key components like the handle and shower head
- The finish is highly prone to showing water spots and smudges
- Included shower head offers very basic, underwhelming performance
Putting the Delta Foundations 13 Series to the Test: A Detailed Breakdown
A fixture set can look great in the box, but its true worth is only revealed through installation and daily use. We spent weeks with the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel, evaluating everything from the wrench-turning to the water-spraying. We wanted to see if its performance lived up to the Delta name and if its budget-friendly price tag came with too many compromises.
Installation and Compatibility: The Delta MultiChoice Advantage
This is where the DELTA Foundations 13 Series truly shines for a specific type of project: the refresh. Our guest bathroom was already equipped with a Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve, making this a trim-swap rather than a full plumbing overhaul. For anyone in this situation, the process is remarkably simple. The kit includes everything you need for the “above ground” portion of the job. We found the instructions clear and the parts fit perfectly. It came with a new valve cartridge, which we chose to install for peace of mind. This decision was validated by a user’s experience shared online, whose plumber noted the included cartridge was slightly longer than older models but was essential for proper temperature control. This is a critical detail; using the new cartridge ensures you get the full benefit of the Monitor technology.
However, the installation was not entirely without issue. The tub spout, a common point of failure in many kits, requires a perfectly clean and properly sized copper pipe stub-out for a leak-free seal. We initially had a small drip from the rear of the spout against the wall. After removing it, cleaning the pipe thoroughly, and reapplying thread seal tape, we achieved a perfect seal on the second try. This experience mirrors that of a user who reported a persistent leak and ultimately had to have a plumber sweat on a different style of spout. This underscores a crucial point: while the trim kit installation is DIY-friendly, the quality of the underlying plumbing it connects to is paramount. Any imperfections in your pipe can lead to frustrating leaks with this type of slip-on spout design.
Design and Durability: The Brilliance Stainless Finish Under Scrutiny
Aesthetically, the DELTA Foundations 13 Series is a home run for minimalist and transitional designs. The soft, brushed finish and clean lines provided an instant, dramatic update over our old fixtures. It looks sharp, modern, and far more expensive than it is—from a distance. Up close, the story becomes more complicated. The primary issue we, and many other users, encountered is the finish’s performance in a wet environment. Despite Delta’s claims of a “Brilliance Stainless finish engineered for durability,” we found it to be a magnet for water spots. After just a single shower, the escutcheon and handle were covered in droplets that dried into noticeable marks. One user expressed immense frustration, stating, “after just 2 showers in our new bathroom… Water drops everywhere and it changes the clean appearance.” We can confirm this is not an exaggeration. Keeping this trim looking pristine requires wiping it down with a microfiber cloth after every use, which is an impractical maintenance routine for most households.
Furthermore, the material composition is a point of contention. While plastic is common in modern plumbing to reduce cost and resist corrosion, the feel of the handle is undeniably less substantial than a metal one. An observant user also pointed out that the color is a “deep grey” rather than a bright stainless steel, a detail we also noticed when comparing it to a stainless steel sink drain. It’s not an unpleasant color, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re trying to match other fixtures perfectly. The durability of the finish itself seems good—we saw no signs of scratching or peeling—but its susceptibility to spotting is a significant functional flaw in its appearance.
Everyday Use: Water Flow, Temperature Control, and Ergonomics
In day-to-day use, the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel is a mixed bag. The star of the show is the Monitor Pressure-Balanced Valve cartridge. We tested this repeatedly by flushing a toilet and running a sink faucet while someone was in the shower. The result was a barely perceptible flicker in temperature, with no dangerous surges of hot or cold water. This anti-scald technology is a non-negotiable safety feature for any home with children or elderly family members, and Delta’s execution here is flawless and reliable.
Unfortunately, the shower head is the system’s weakest link. The WaterSense-rated 1.75 GPM flow is environmentally responsible, but the head itself does little to make that flow feel satisfying. The “full body spray” setting is adequate but lacks the invigorating pressure of better-designed heads. The second spray setting is a more forceful, concentrated stream that we found less practical for daily showering. Our experience was strongly echoed by a user who bluntly called it “the worst on the planet bar none.” While this is hyperbolic, the sentiment is understandable. We quickly found ourselves wanting to replace it with a higher-performance shower head, which would be an easy but additional expense. The ergonomics of the handle also drew some criticism. As one user astutely noted, its shape makes you want to pull it outwards to turn it on, but it actually rotates. They worried a guest might break it, and we agree that the design isn’t as intuitive as a classic lever style.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are well-aligned with the broader consensus from online user reviews. The sentiment is generally positive when viewed through the lens of value. Many users, like one who was remodeling a rental, were “very pleased with this trim kit,” citing its great look and reliable function for the price. Another customer celebrated it as a “much better way to purchase than buying a prepacked kit at the hardware store,” as it contained exactly the parts needed for a trim replacement without waste.
However, the negative feedback is consistent and points to the product’s specific weaknesses. The most common complaint, by far, is the finish’s tendency to show water spots. One user’s statement, “Very disappointed… it changes the clean appearance of my shower,” captures this frustration perfectly. The second major theme is the perceived quality relative to the price. Comments like “great look but rather cheap for the price” and critiques of the “terrible” tub faucet design that can leak highlight that while it’s a Delta, it’s from their entry-level collection. It’s also worth noting several reports of receiving packages with broken or missing parts, a logistical issue that can derail a weekend project.
Top Alternatives to the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel
While the Delta Foundations 13 Series is a strong contender in the budget category, it’s important to know what other options are available, whether you’re looking for a different style, more features, or a more premium build.
1. DELTA 14 Series Matte Black Shower Faucet Kit
- ROUGH SOLD SEPARATELY: Tub faucet and shower faucet trim kit only, purchase Delta's MultiChoice Universal Shower Valve separately to complete the unit (recommended rough-in valve model R10000-UNBX)
- LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: You can install with confidence, knowing this Delta shower head and shower trim kit are backed by Delta Faucet's Lifetime Limited Warranty
For those who love the Delta ecosystem but want a more contemporary aesthetic, the DELTA 14 Series in Matte Black is a fantastic alternative. Functionally similar, this trim kit also relies on the MultiChoice Universal Valve and features the Monitor pressure-balancing technology. The key difference is the step up to the 14 Series, which offers a slightly different handle design, and the bold, modern matte black finish. This is the perfect choice for a bathroom with a modern, industrial, or farmhouse design scheme. It costs a bit more, but you’re paying for a more dramatic and on-trend style statement while retaining the core reliability of the Delta brand.
2. DELTA Modern 14 Series Rain Shower System Matte Black
- COMPLETE SHOWER SYSTEM: The Modern Raincan shower system includes a raincan shower head, shower arm, integrated diverter shower trim, wall-mount handheld shower, wall elbow and all required valves for...
- RAIN SHOWER HEAD: Achieve a spa-like experience with an overhead rainfall shower head without the need to run plumbing through the ceiling. The large rain shower head is both superior in design and...
If your primary complaint about the Foundations 13 Series is the underwhelming shower experience, this model is the answer. The DELTA Modern 14 Series Rain Shower System represents a significant upgrade in performance and luxury. It swaps the basic shower head for a large, 10-inch square rain shower head, designed to provide a drenching, spa-like experience. While it still operates on the same reliable valve technology, this system is aimed squarely at users who prioritize shower comfort and are willing to invest more for it. It’s an ideal choice for a master bathroom renovation where a touch of luxury is desired.
3. GABRYLLY Wall Mounted Shower System Brushed Nickel
- 10-INCH RAIN SHOWER HEAD: Experience full-body coverage with our 10-inch overhead showerhead, designed to deliver a powerful and invigorating shower experience. Providing strong water pressure even in...
- HIGH PRESSURE HANDHELD SHOWER HEAD: The handheld showerhead in this shower system offers flexible use and targeted water flow, making it ideal for both personal showers and rinsing down the shower...
If you’re doing a new installation or a more involved remodel and want maximum functionality, the GABRYLLY Shower System is a compelling option. This is not just a trim kit; it’s a complete system that often includes its own valve. Its standout feature is the combination of a high-pressure 10″ rain shower head *and* a separate handheld spray wand. This dual-functionality is incredibly practical for rinsing the shower, washing pets, or bathing children. While it may not have the long-standing brand recognition of Delta, it offers significantly more features for a competitive price, making it a top choice for those who value versatility above all else.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Delta Foundations 13 Series the Right Choice for Your Bathroom?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the DELTA Foundations 13 Series 2-Spray Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set Brushed Nickel is clear: it is an exceptional value proposition with some notable compromises. Its greatest strengths are its affordability, its reliance on Delta’s proven and safe Monitor pressure-balancing valve, and the sheer convenience it offers for anyone looking to quickly update an existing Delta fixture. It provides a clean, modern look from a brand you can trust, all at a price that makes it accessible for almost any budget.
However, the compromises are tangible. The plastic construction of the handle and shower head feels less than premium, the included shower head’s performance is decidedly basic, and the finish, while attractive, requires constant maintenance to keep it free of water spots. It’s a workhorse, not a show pony. We recommend it wholeheartedly for secondary bathrooms, rental properties, or any project where budget and reliability are the top priorities. If you’re designing your dream master bath or if the feel of solid metal and a powerful shower spray are important to you, you may want to invest in a higher-tier model. For everyone else, this is a smart, sensible upgrade that delivers where it counts. If you’re ready to give your bathroom a fast and affordable facelift, you can see the latest price and user reviews for the Delta Foundations 13 Series here.
Last update on 2025-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API