Abstract: A cartridge-type valve assembly for controlling the flow of water to a plumbing fixture including a bonnet molded from a plastic material threadedly receiving a stem also formed of a plastic material. The bonnet defines a depending skirt having an inlet for receiving fluid and defining a sealing surface engageable by a sealing element preferably an O-ring, carried by the stem. Noise reducing structure preferably a plurality of flutes are formed in the bonnet, near the inlet and operate to reduce or inhibit noise in the valve as the sealing element moves into engagement with the sealing surface. The flutes open into the inlet and taper as they extend toward the sealing surface, gradually merging and blending into the sealing surface. The O-ring is replaceable thus eliminating the need for replacing the entire valve cartridge should a failure in the sealing element occur.

Abstract: A shower head assembly having a flow regulator for maintaining a flow rate through the shower head within preset limits, substantially independent of variations in supply pressure and operating temperature. The flow regulator includes a flow controller element disposed in a regulating chamber, biased in one direction by a metallic spring and urged in the opposite direction by supply pressure. The controller element cooperates with an outlet passage in the regulating chamber to form a variable orifice, reducing the effective area of the outlet in response to increased supply pressure. A retainer screen keeps the flow controller and biasing spring in place while serving as a protective filter.