I wanted to stop water dripping from my shower head by putting an inline cutoff valve before the head. The first valve leaked so I tried another one and it too had a slow drip. I looked on EBay and was amazed to see that they are made to leak. (?? ) Here is the link: Chrome Showerhead Control Valve Shower Head Controller Chrome | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/chrome-SHOWERHEAD-CONTROL-VALVE-SHOWER-HEAD-controller-CHROME-/161353002561?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2591636e41) Is this true? And why do they call them cutoff valves if they don't actually cut anything off?

Rman,
A " cut - off " valve, installed as you have described, may cause a cross connection between the hot and cold water piping...

This can result in hot water migration - the hot water will cross over, and displace the cold water. In extreme cases of cross connections, I have seen hot water delivered at most cold water faucets in a home...

Hi Rman

I agree with Mike45. Why not simply repair the shower valve itself and stop the drip altogether the right way? In most cases, you shut off the water to the house, disassemble the shower valve and install replacement parts.

Back to you...

Mark

I have had a showerhead cut off valve installed on my shower arm for years with no problems. This allows me to shut off and soak up without having to temper the water again. It works great for me and over the years has caused no problem with a cross connection. I agree with Mark that this is not the way to address a leaky shower valve although it sure makes taking a shower easier. Cheers, Tom

The reason I did this initially was to buy some time before I could get the shower valves repaired but I liked the idea of having a single knob control the water flow plus the water temperature was always slightly warm. I did not experience any problems with migration. The only problem I have is it still drips. What I am asking you plumbers is, in your experience. Are all valves like this designed to leak slightly? I am skeptical because on that EBay site it says it is an FDA regulation. Food and Drug regulation for plumbing??

What I am asking you plumbers is, in your experience. Are all valves like this designed to leak slightly? now would be a good time to tell us exactly what design faucet that you have. Is it one handle or two knobs? Water valves are designed to contain water pressure and not to allow any leakage.
I am skeptical because on that EBay site it says it is an FDA regulation. Food and Drug regulation for plumbing??
Say What?? The Feds say that all valves should leak a little? What will nonsense! If you give us information about your valve we can help with the repair. Back to you, Tom

Speedball1, the valve I am asking about looks like the one in your post.
Does yours have a slow drip and have you looked at the EBay
Link to read about the valve there?

the valve I am asking about looks like the one in your post. now I am completely confused. I asked what type of shower valve you have that leak and you point back to the image of a shower arm cut off valve.

Does yours have a slow drip and have you looked at the EBay
Link to read about the valve there?
One more time !!Valves are not designed to leak!! If your getting plumbing advice from E Bay then send me the link that says fall faucets are designed to leak a little because that is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard. PS please do not furnish us with the information that we require we cannot help. Tom

I am kind of puzzled over the eBay post claiming the valve will drip - and that it is OK for it to drip. As Tom said, valves are not suppose to leak. Be careful before you buy from that eBay seller.

Milo