Old tub/shower faucets.

[Service Guy]

When you run into one of these and your customer isn't excited about cutting into the wall and replacing it, what do you do?


I'll go to pretty extreme lengths to get the parts if the customer wants it, and then charge a premium to do it. But lately I'm thinking its a waste of time. I'm curious what you other service plumbers do in these situations.

[gear junkie]

I'll go to pretty extreme lengths to get the parts if the customer wants it, and then charge a premium to do it.
I do the exact same thing.

[Herk]

I voted for rebuilding, but it actually depends upon availability of the parts and the condition of the valve body. For example, if you had a valve that could have frozen, there may be a crack in the body internally, and it will leak no matter how many parts you put in it. Sometimes, the seats have been trashed badly enough that a reseating is necessary. Sometimes, it's just not worth the hassle. However, if there's tile or some other expensive surface and it's in good shape, and no available access, I'll try harder to repair the valve.

[aero1]

you know thats a good question,if ive got the time and i feel it will benefit both me and my customer i will make it real clear what may or may not happen and the incurable cost invovled, on the other hand if i feel a fixture has reached its usefull end will inform my client and waste no further time.

[Masterplumb]

I'll always give the customer the option.

Although I have it pretty good with 2 specialty faucet repair supply houses within about 4 miles of each other.

The only time I cant get a repair part is if it is a foreign faucet. We have many residences around here that still have tub and shower valves from the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's.

The problem with replacing the shower body is they like to keep the old tile.

[PLUMBER RICK]

i carry literally 75 different brands of seats and a good assortment of stems including ceramic stems. this includes an aluminum seat thread gauge and 2 different brands of full assortment of seats. of course there are only a couple dozen that i ever use.

there are only issues with the super old valves and the foreign made valves with no names.

i am sometimes surprised at how old a valve is and i have to use my "expose a valve'' to access the stem from the tile/mud.

rick.

[SlimTim]

I agree. After you chisel away the very old mud you have to wonder, has this valve not been repaired in 55 yrs? And then, the homeowner calls you back in a year because the new washer has disintegrated. They must not make washers like they used to.

I also carry some taps to rethread Gerber and Sayco valves. Sometimes, rarely, but sometimes they strip when taking the old seat out.

[ToUtahNow]

i carry literally 75 different brands of seats and a good assortment of stems including ceramic stems. this includes an aluminum seat thread gauge and 2 different brands of full assortment of seats. of course there are only a couple dozen that i ever use.

there are only issues with the super old valves and the foreign made valves with no names.

i am sometimes surprised at how old a valve is and i have to use my "expose a valve'' to access the stem from the tile/mud.

rick.

I can't find my old expose a valve anymore but that was sure a great tool.

For those who would not look for an old stem what do you do when you have two lavs, a bidet, a water closet, a roman tub and a shower which all have matching trim? I've had new stems made and I've re-chromed old trim. Never say never as it all depends on circumstances.

Mark

[plumberscrack]

I can't find my old expose a valve anymore but that was sure a great tool.
Mark

I give up :scratchhead: What is it? What does it do?, where do I buy one? and how much is it going to cost me?

[ToUtahNow]

I give up :scratchhead: What is it? What does it do?, where do I buy one? and how much is it going to cost me?

They quit making them well over 30-years ago but it was a hole saw which instead of a pilot drill it had a pilot tube. You would slide it over the stem and it would drill a perfect hole in the tile to expose the valve. No more hammer and chisel to expose the valve.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

I give up :scratchhead: What is it? What does it do?, where do I buy one? and how much is it going to cost me?

bill, an expose a valve is a specialized carbide hole saw that centers on the valve stem and drills a nice hole through the tile and mud.

when properly adjusted the saw stops before the valve body.

if not properly adjusted,
the saw will cut right through the valve body:trash-him:

rick.

[ToUtahNow]

bill, an expose a valve is a specialized carbide hole saw that centers on the valve stem and drills a nice hole through the tile and mud.

when properly adjusted the saw stops before the valve body.

if not properly adjusted,
the saw will cut right through the valve body:trash-him:

rick.

You adjusted yours? Joey told me you were a wimp but I didn't believe her. I don't ever remember adjusting mine and I never used the plastic bushings. All I ever did was make beautiful holes through the tile.

Mark

[MrsSeatDown]

Mark, he just left for a job but he is going to be calling you:killingme:

[ToUtahNow]

Mark, he just left for a job but he is going to be calling you:killingme:

Boy it didn't take you long to rat me out.

Mark :nanner: :way-to-go: :poke: :canoodle: :killingme:

[westcoastplumber]

Depends on the situation.

if the customer cannot afford it, or most importantly, the valve is fixable, then I go for it.

I have had maybe 1 valve a year fail after I rebuilt it.

We have a really good stem place, if they don't have it, the customer gets a new valve.

I never replace just washers, I do a total rebuild. stem and seat.


I never use an expose a valve, never needed one. I don't have a problem taking a cold chisel out and cleaning out the tile.

[MrsSeatDown]

Boy it didn't take you long to rat me out.

Mark :nanner: :way-to-go: :poke: :canoodle: :killingme:

My loyalties lie with the one I have to live with:lol:





Besides. . . you are more forgiving:D

[NorthernIllinoisPlumber]

Old valves are dangerous. No pressure balance or anti scald. I replace them with new for safety. I dont want some old lady, or young kid getting hurt.