[GoGreen517]

So I have some extremely worn down knobs and a diverter valve stem that doesn't function well at all. I want to get a new set that includes that same style valve stem (I am assuming this must happen to work properly). The only markings I see are on the stem itself and it appears to say 1548-C. I am quite the noob and have a minimal understanding of these matters but would like to learn. Below is a picture of my shower/tub diverter knob with the valve. I can't find any name brand or anything to replace it and I am wondering how I can go about this or if it doesn't matter what brand I get. Its a three-knob style. Any assistance would be of extreme value, thank you!

 

[jmon]

Take all that to your local plumbing or hardware store and try to match them up. They usually have more knowledgeable people working there that may be able to help you out.

You can also try the big box stores, but I have better luck at the plumbing supply or hardware stores for those older types. You could also try typing that number in a google search and see what comes up. This may help in identification. Just a suggestion.

 

[GoGreen517]

thanks for the reply jmon. I did go that route of self identification through google searches and it was rather inconsistent. It appears that the valve stem is made by central brass but the product is discontinued. I wish we had a local hardware store but the big boxes pushed them out despite my purchasing habits. I was hoping someone would recognize the handles and say those are danco or kohler but I knew it was a long shot. Thanks again for your help!

 

[jmon]

sorry about that gogreen. i don't recognize them enough to say what they are. perhaps someone else will.

 

[GoGreen517]

things just went from bad to absolute worst. I think its called the bonnet, well part of it on its thread broke off when I put it back with a new washer to see if that would fix the problem. Essentially a small piece (the red part I circled below) of the bonnet is holding in the valve stem now and i can't get either out... any ideas? ... fml

 

[GoGreen517]

I gave up, I think the valves will need to be replaced since the bonnet is stuck in there. Made a couple calls around, first guy said 750, next guy said 500. 500 to replace the valves, valve stems, handles, spout, head, etc seems like a good deal.

 

[Nealtw]

Is that changing it to a single lever with out destroying the shower walls?

 

[hkstroud]

That appears to be a Price Pfister tub and shower diverter valve stem.

This person doesn't know what he is doing but apparently he got it done any way. So can you. Just look for Price Pfister valve stem that fits your valve.

 

[ct18]

Is that rebuild existing or put in new. I would not throw 500 at a rebuild. You need to upgrade to anti scald, they make kits to cover the 3 holes.

 

[Nealtw]

Like this.

https://www.sunrisespecialty.com/how-to-replace-two-handle-shower-valve

 

[GoGreen517]

Is that changing it to a single lever with out destroying the shower walls?

It was a rough estimate I think but she said they were doing the same project for someone this week and it would be up to me what to do with the exposed holes lain: . My guess is that I'd have to pay extra for them to patch them or something but it is to switch it from a three to a single.

 

[GoGreen517]

Is that rebuild existing or put in new. I would not throw 500 at a rebuild. You need to upgrade to anti scald, they make kits to cover the 3 holes.

Not sure what all I should expect to be included with a ball park 500 estimate. I had mentioned that the bonnet was stuck in there and both plumbers said it wasn't going to get taken out with any special tool and that the assembly will need to be replaced. I know I can do patch work on tiles but dismantling the assembly behind the wall seems above my pay grade (according to tWife)

 

[Nealtw]

It was a rough estimate I think but she said they were doing the same project for someone this week and it would be up to me what to do with the exposed holes lain: . My guess is that I'd have to pay extra for them to patch them or something but it is to switch it from a three to a single.

The other holes are covered with an extra wide face plate that is bought separately. It would part of the job.

 

[Nealtw]

 

[GoGreen517]

Well slammed through the wall to see what the piping looks like and I got sitting water under the tub that looks nasty. It doesn't look good.

On a side note, what should I expect from this 500 dollars of work?

 

[ct18]

They should install single handle with a trim plate to cover the hole they put in.

 

[CaptTom]

Just for the record, I'm not a huge fan of single-handle controls OR anti-scald faucets.

I'm not going to go so far as to say you "should" follow my opinion. I just wanted to throw it out there as an alternative to those who say you "should" follow theirs.

The single handle thing is simply a personal preference. Anyone can understand how two faucets work. Some of those single-handle designs can leave you guessing. I'm not a form-over-function kind of guy. YMMV.

The anti-scald thing is a good idea, taken to an extreme in some cases. Personally, I prefer being able to access truly hot water when needed. I'm also smart enough to know how to work the handle to temper it with cold when I need too.

But, knowing that half the population has below-average intelligence, I recognize the need for some "nanny" regulations. Even I went and put a thermostatic mixing valve at my boiler so the hot water can never scald anyone. Some days I wish I hadn't, but it protects me from legal liability if some idiot gets a boo-boo through their inability to comprehend the "hot" part of phrase "hot water."

Because of this valve, in addition to no desire for an anti-scald shower faucet, I have no need for one. Anyone who tries to sell me one will be met with skepticism.

Again, these are all personal preferences. You have options. Decide what works best for YOU.

 

[ct18]

Anti scald is just a statement for pressure balance for the toilet flush.You can always take apart the diverter to adjust the discharge temp. they are mostly all made to be below 120 if not lower.

 

[Nealtw]

Well slammed through the wall to see what the piping looks like and I got sitting water under the tub that looks nasty. It doesn't look good.

On a side note, what should I expect from this 500 dollars of work?

Sounds exciting. once you have that dried up you want to deal with anything living in there mold, rot, critters, or??