Posted: 10/30/2012 5:54:42 PM EDT
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I have a shower that was dripping like there was no tomorrow. So I decided it would be a simple errand to fix it. Boy was I wrong......... I believe its a delta shower valve but I don't see any brands or model numbers on it. It could be anything really. Its a single handle valve. Turn counter clockwise it turns on starting cold and getting warmer. Trying to get the faceplate off was a chore. The screws didn't come out easily as whoever installed it BENT the screw behind where it stuck out from the valve. I ended up breaking off the screw head. With the screw still embeded in the valve i pushed the valve back and pushed the screw thru the opposite wall using pliers to spin it out.
The actual valve has some black rubber spring loaded valve components that are common and I have replaced them but they were not the culprit. The leaks are due to worn out blue, what I believe to be, silicon seals. I have not been able to find these anywhere and have been without a master bath for weeks at this point. I can't find anything on the net that looks exactly like what I need. I can find neither the entire valve cartridge to replace nor the seals. If I can't find replacements I will have to open up a wall to install a while new shower valve. If anyone could provide some specific information, links, etc on what parts will fix this thing I would be grateful. Pics are below. Please read the descriptions that appear overtop the image The valve with the faceplate off. There is a large brass nut that spins off to take apart the valve. Luckily, to the left and right, where water shutoff valves so I was able to turn my house water back on. 
The entire valve cartridge. 
Inside the brass shower valve. These seals are ones I'm trying to replace (they were just stuck in there when I pulled it apart) 
This scald guard mates up to the seals in the valve. I can't find the blue seal around it. Its not a simple O-ring 
Side of scald guard 
Front of scald guard 
This is the valve that controls the water temp. It mates to the front of the scald guard. It has the internal black rubber spring loaded valve components. I've replaced them so I'm not showing it torn apart. I am trying to find the blue seal for this too. 
Side of temp valve 
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Best bet, call a plumber (we like money and try to stick together).
Second bet, go to a plumbing parts house in your area. Look up "plumbing wholesaler" or something along those lines. Really though, HD or Lowes should have the parts you need. Since you are saying they dont, the parts house will. You would need to remove the valve (turning water off to your house again) and take it with you. That way they could get you the same valve. Thirdly thirdiest 3 bet, Buy this or like product: http://www.hardwareandtools.com/Danco-80360-Waterproof-Grease-0522391.html?utm_source=Google%20Products&utm_medium=Product%20Search&utm_campaign=Google%20Products&gclid=CNG9kNueqrMCFYF7Qgod0hUAOQ Lube up everything rubberish you see in there liberally. Re install and profit. Replacement is always a good option as I mentioned, however many of these annoying little issues can be band aided with faucet grease. I am a licensed Journeyman Plumber for the record. |
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That's not a Delta.
The stop block looks similar to a delta rp1991, but Delta doesn't use splined handle shafts, and has never used a pressure balancing unit like what you have. At first glance it looks like a Chinese import, which isn't surprising as they make many faucets using adaptations of others parts. I've poured through all the catalogs I have, and cannot find one just like that. I will look some tomorrow, but you may have to cut a hole in the wall behind it, and replace the faucet. |
| Thanks. I'll try the plumbing places. Thats pretty much all thats left outside of replacing the whole unit. Lowes and Home Depot have not been helpful. I've made multiple trips to each and their employees haven't been able to find the parts either. I went through the book they had showing the parts lists for various valves as well. |
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I had no luck today. The part that kills me is that I'm sure I've seen that before. I install many, home owner provided, tub/shower faucets.
The problem is that most hardware stores are inventing brand names for import faucets (tuscany, pegasus, glacier bay, etc.) but hardly any have parts available for them. Make sure when re-assembling that, that the blue gasket inside the valve body is removed, and replaced into the corresponding groove on the cartridge. good luck, wish I could've been more help. |
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Quoted:
I had no luck today. The part that kills me is that I'm sure I've seen that before. I install many, home owner provided, tub/shower faucets. The problem is that most hardware stores are inventing brand names for import faucets (tuscany, pegasus, glacier bay, etc.) but hardly any have parts available for them. Make sure when re-assembling that, that the blue gasket inside the valve body is removed, and replaced into the corresponding groove on the cartridge. good luck, wish I could've been more help. I really do appreciate the effort. I'm hitting the local plumbing supply tonight if they're open. |