Imagine stepping into a shower without worrying about a random, sudden blast of icy cold or scalding hot water. Back in 1939, that wasn’t the case—showers could be unpredictable, and let’s just say, not the relaxing experience they are today. Enter Paul Symmons, the man who fixed this all-too-common problem and kickstarted a plumbing revolution.
Solving Shower Shock
Paul Symmons invented the pressure-balancing shower valve, a game-changer that ensured water temperature stayed consistent even when someone flushed a toilet or ran a faucet in another room.
This breakthrough made showers safer, more comfortable, and created the brief escape that they’ve become. It didn’t take long for his invention to catch on, and with it, Symmons Industries was born.
Building on a Great Idea
After the success of his first invention, Paul Symmons wasn’t content to stop there. He built Symmons Engineering – later to become Symmons Industries – in Boston around a simple but powerful idea: combining necessary and convenient plumbing solutions with top-notch craftsmanship. The company quickly became a leader in the plumbing industry based on its dedication to quality and innovation.
Fast forward to 1968, and Symmons introduced another hit: the Temptrol® valve. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade to that original pressure-balancing valve. Durable, dependable, and easy to maintain, Temptrol became a staple in homes, hotels, and commercial buildings across the country—and it’s still going strong today.
And because one of the goals is longevity, even the earliest Temptrol valves from the ’60s can be updated in minutes with any Symmons trim, including the latest Birch™, Braston™, Oak™, and Verity™ Collections.
Growing the Brand
Over the course of eight decades, Symmons has launched hundreds of products to make plumbing systems work better, last longer, feel comfortable, and look amazing.
From its vandal-resistant HydaPipe® institutional shower systems for demanding environments to graceful custom-designed faucets, showers, and accessories for the iconic Waldorf-Astoria® Hotel, Symmons is always pushing the envelope yet remaining true to its heritage of quality and durability.
Right. On Time.
Let’s not forget about the importance of availability and convenience. If you can’t get your hands on product when you need it, it’s useless. That’s why Symmons created their ReadyStock™ program, to make sure contractors and customers can get what they need fast—no annoying delays, no surprises.
Any ReadyStock product ships within three days, guaranteed. Symmons understands that in the construction world, deadlines are everything.
Proudly Based in the U.S.A.
Symmons has kept its roots firmly planted in the U.S., designing and manufacturing products that are built to last. Products like Symmons SafetyMix®, Temptrol®, TempControl® and dozens of others are still manufactured right in the Boston area, using brass, bronze, and stainless steel. It’s quality you can feel.
Looking Ahead
More than 85 years after it all started, Symmons is still leading the way in the plumbing industry, with innovations like the Symmons Evolution Building Management System, which identifies costly and wasteful water issues in large properties. Through it all, they’ve stayed true to that original vision of Paul Symmons—solving problems with smart, well-crafted solutions—and continuing to look forward for the next challenge.
So, the next time you enjoy a relaxing, no-surprises shower, take a second to thank Paul Symmons and his crafty little invention. It’s proof that one great idea really can make waves.
To learn more about the history of Symmons, visit Our History on Symmons.com.