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November 11, 2007
Shower pushed to the limit
Q: Dear Ed Del Grande, I'm so glad I read your column because you answer a lot of problems that I have at my own home! My question is about a one-handle shower mixing valve that is the push/pull type. Lately the shower head will continue to drip unless I put a lot of pressure on the handle and push very hard until the dripping eventually stops. I had a licensed plumber tell me that the back wall on my bedroom side will have to be broken to get to the water pipes and the entire valve will have to be replaced. Is the plumber right? Also, can the valve just be fixed? Mary (California)
A: Hi, Mary. Without seeing the valve first hand, all I can tell you is that you will have to investigate this problem further. Your plumber is licensed and may very well be correct that because of age, availability of parts or condition of your present valve, the best bet may to install a new valve.
But you do have a valid concern, since many older mixing valves can be rebuilt. That would save you from opening up the wall. What I recommend doing is setting up another call with your plumber and ask if it's possible to rebuild the present valve and the cost of rebuilding compared with installing a new valve. In some cases, though, rebuilding a shower valve may actually take more time than replacing one and many plumbers are hesitant to warranty a rebuild job compared to a brand new valve.
Your best bet is to do your homework and work with your plumber to find your best option. A good plumber will be happy to shower you with all the necessary information!
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at November 11, 2007 12:22 PM
Comments
any home owner should be able to rebuild the valve. Might have to purchase a valve puller, research what kind of valve it is and remember to remove the retaining key before applying pressure.
A plumber doesn't want to rebuild a valve as, other issue may pop up then the consumer will complain, easy way out it total replacement.
also it you do go the open wall route, then replace the opening with an access for later repair work.
Posted by: cw at November 7, 2007 5:35 AM
