A week ago, a small diverter part in my shower spout broke and since it's Moen with lifetime warranty, I reached to the company to ask for help. They refused to send me only the part needed, even though I gave them the exact part number and sent me a whole new replacement spout, but this time made entirely out of plastic. I didn't want to replace my nice brushed nickel spout with plastic, so I had to go online, find the part from a plumbing supplier and pay for it myself.
During our communication, I was also sent as a courtesy a discount coupon and since I've been thinking for a while to add a handheld shower to my existing set, I chose one that matches the rest of my shower and even though it was quite pricey just for the handheld extension /it was listed on their site as 380$ and even with the discount I paid 100$/, I bought it. Unfortunately, my excitement of the new purchase lasted only until I received my package today.
The design is quite nice, but again the entire set is made out of plastic, even the articulated hose. 380$ for a plastic shower extension? Seriously?
I'm sure they'll present the argument that non-metallic products do not rust and corrode and help prevent heat transfer. Unfortunately, they are also very short lived. You can't clean them with any household cleaners because their finish gets damaged, which mean that soon I won't be able to clean the mineral deposits left from the water, they scratch and wear off easily and the threading give up in a year or two. I have plastic plumbing parts and I know how bad the quality is and not because they are not made well, but because that's the nature of the material.
The only benefit in this case is for Moen, who spend less to produce them, while getting the higher returns, because people still rely on their good reputation.
It's a shame Moen. You did have a good name. read more