View Full Version : Unknown bathtub faucet valve stem - what is it? Where can I find one like it?
blaczko
Dec 11, 2007, 03:57 PM
I was working on my girlfriend's bathroom faucets this weekend. I took apart the bathtub faucets. I had never seen this style before, but, not being a professional, I thought that was just me. I live in Paducah, KY. I took it to the Lowe's and Home Depot with no luck. I then took it to the two large hardware stores in town with no luck. I put it back together for her for the remainder of the weekend. I took it apart again Monday afternoon and took it to the two professional supply houses in town. No luck yet again. A professional sitting at one of the counters mentioned that I should send it to you and surely someone would know what brand it is and where I can find replacement stems for it.
Anyone?
Signed,
Desperate5580
ballengerb1
Dec 11, 2007, 04:47 PM
Glad that guy thought of us but by now we would have replaced the mixer rather than run around. Try sending a private message to Speedball1 or Iamgrowler, they certainly know more than I do.
doug238
Dec 12, 2007, 10:55 PM
MARLIN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC : Home (http://www.marlinmfgco.com/products)
Kissler & Co., Inc. : For all of your plumbing repair parts needs (http://www.kissler.com)
Kissler & Co., Inc. - Repairs (http://www.kissler.com/repairs.cfm)
I searched at great length and could not find that stem. It is likely that it is a 'knockoff', or clone type faucet. Basically a no name. You can search my resources and see for yourself.
Probably you don't need a new stem but new rubber parts under it.
blaczko
Dec 13, 2007, 08:39 AM
Doug,
Thanks for your search and your response. One of the stem assemblies is actually cracked and one of the o-rings was stuck in the crack - so to speak. The other one operates fine but its stops have been knocked off so it spins in any direction with the water coming on and going off as you do.
Looks like it's time to break down and start taking the shower liner down and replace these inexpensive knockoff faucets.
Thanks for your help - and your sage disclaimer.
Brian
doug238
Dec 13, 2007, 02:00 PM
You may not have to remove the shower liner. There is a 'remodel plate' available for those that want to save the wall but change the faucet.
blaczko
Dec 13, 2007, 02:09 PM
Doug,
Thanks so much for your help! I have not seen a 'remodel plate' as of yet but, then again, I have not been looking for such item. That will certainly speed the process - as long as I don't end up cutting lines in the process!
Now I only have to sell her on this answer!!
You are a great help to those amateurs of us foolish enough, or enough in love, to attempt what you do for a living. Thank you.
Brian
doug238
Dec 13, 2007, 02:18 PM
Glad to help. We help many that choose to do it themselves. They later determine if they ever want to do that again. Many do, most don't. Either way we get satisfied people and future service work because even though they fix some stuff, they refuse to do most of it and then call us saying 'just come do it'. It all pays, some now, some later.