I can't figure out what brand, manufacturer, or anything about this stoopid piece. I have been to 2 hardware stores, a plumbing supply store, and Lowe's. I've discovered that my fixtures are not a matching set either. The shower head is Delta, the spigot is Westbrass, the drain is K something, and I have no idea if the handles actually go with either. It would be simpler probably to just replace the entire rough set, but I can't afford that right now, and I'm spending a fortune on water bills. I've actually contemplated capping the faucet, attaching a handheld shower head and just having the water run through the shower head. It seems easier than tracking down this one little part. Can someone help me identify this piece? http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/down...Inbox&inline=1

Although you posted on the construction page I get the feeling you have a plumbing problem. You have expressed how frustrated you are but haven't told us what the problem is. I am guessing that you have a leak in a tub and shower valve but I don't know where or what kind of leak. Other than that, you haven't told us what you need except that the part is "stoopid" and that you can't find a replacement.

Bet that if you went over to the plumbing page and described the problem, some one there could tell you how to fix it. Sometimes it's difficult but you can usually find parts for any valve made in the last fifty years. For some reason manufacturers of plumbing valves often don't put their brand name on them but the guys over on the plumbing site are pretty good at recognizing them. However they can't do that from a description, so a picture would be nice.

So go over to the plumbing page and tell us what the problem is. Tell us where the leak is and when it occurs and post a picture of the faucet, which is really called a tub and shower valve.

We wuill try to move this to plumbing but your picture did not post. The shower head is not a source of a leak but the mixing valve is the likely problem. Concentrate on psting that only.

I'm still looking for a question here. What "part" are you talking about? I doesn't really mater if the tub/shower valve is one brand and the shower head another. They'll all work together. Can you rephrase your post to include a question about your concerns with enough details to work on?
Back to you. Tom

Sorry about all of that and thanks for the responses. The problem is that the shower diverter stem, a Zin-Plas (the "stoopid" part) is cracked and needs to be replaced but I can't find one to match it anywhere. I can't afford to buy a whole new set or call a plumber to come out and tell me what I already know, and then charge me for a service call . Would it be possible to just close off the faucet, have all of the water come out of the shower head and cost less than $20 to $30? We're going to remodel and replace all of the parts eventually, but right now, we don't have much to work with and it's causing a real problem.

Before you can replace a part you'll have to know the brand name at least. Yes you can put the stem back and use it that way. Would this be your valve?(see image). Regards, Toim

It is similar to what I have, but the stem is not so many parts. The brand of the faucet appears to be manufactured by Zin-Plas and sold by WestBrass. I've explored their sites, but neither offer "replacement or repair" parts or otherwise. I've also tried to do an image search to find it, nothing. Its 3.5" long, is plastic, and has a hollow tube, a nut in the middle (where it screws into the wall) and a much smaller tube that slides back and forth(which I'm not sure its supposed to do) and turns with threading on the end that the knob attaches to. I have a picture of it, but I can't seem to be able to attach it here. The hallow tube that goes into the wall has 3 small holes at the top running vertically on opposite sides and an o-ring at the top. The 3 holes on one side are broken and the ring around the top that secures the o-ring is cracked. I appreciate the help with this. I'm frustrated and I'm sorry if I am coming across as snippy.

How do I add pictures and other file types to my post?

A. "Attach" files (including pictures) from your computer. This method puts the attached file below the text of the post.

Click on an Ask or Answer button to ask or answer a question
Compose your question or answer in the window.
Under the window where you composed your question or answer is a section called Additional Options.
Click on the Manage Attachments button: a pop-up dialog will open. NOTE: The Manage Attachments dialog lists the maximum sizes of the various types of files that may be attached.
Click the Browse button to navigate to the image on your computer and double click the file on your computer: this will return you to the dialog window.
Click the Upload button.
Click the link to close the dialog window.

Why not just call them Zin-Plas Corporation : 2935 Walkent Court Grand Rapids, MI 49544 : 616-784-6100 and ask where parts can be bought. I am sure they sell replacement parts for their product.

I will call them today and see. Thanks so much for the help!! :)