Is there temporary fix if 30 year old Valley shower valve breaks during repair?

Users who are viewing this thread

earlyboomer

New Member
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
southern california
Plumber has advised it's difficult to remove bonnet and cartridge without breaking connection to valve on old style Valley single handle shower faucet. But because the "antique brass" trim is so expensive I don't want to have to purchase and possibly ship back standby faucet just in case. So is there any interim fix so the house water can be turned back on if valve breaks? Wouldn't need to use shower.
Second part of this is plumber suggested I lubricate faucet in advance of visit. We have hard water. What is best method to loosen this without discoloring the wall tile and/or getting liquid in the wall cavity. Do I have to remove the handle with allen wrench and pull out the big round flange to do this effectively?
How difficult is it to install an access panel in the drywall after this is over?
Would really appreciate other ideas and advice.

earlyboomer
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
You questions do not have "generic" answers. IF the plumber knows what he is doing, the valve will NOT break, but "lubricating" it will do nothing to prevent it from happening. I haave repaired Delta and Valley faucets which homeowner and other plumbers "broke" but it is not something you try to do.
 

earlyboomer

New Member
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
southern california
thanks hj for comment. If the valve connection breaks and this plumber can't repair it, is it possible to plug the "holes?" so water can be restored to rest of the house while I either get someone and/or something else?
earlyboomer
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
Anything is possible, the difficulty levels change! And, the amount of destruction required to do it may increase.

Do you have any access to the back of the valve? If you do, and it broke, you could cut and cap the lines. Trying to do this from the front is likely tough to impossible without making the hole in the wall bigger.
 

Smooky

In the Trades
Messages
2,299
Reaction score
152
Points
63
Location
North Carolina
Here is a parts diagram etc.

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/vashosin.html

valley-cartridge.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Jimbo

Plumber
Messages
8,918
Reaction score
18
Points
0
Location
San Diego, CA
IF it breaks in the worst way, it is not repairable. Super_plumber hj claims to have repaired this damage. I know of no other plumber who would even consider trying!
And there is no way to "plug" the break. He MIGHT be able to pinch off and solder the broken pieces. You need to prepare to have a completely new valve installed, which will involve opening the wall up, either from front or rear.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
qutoe; Super_plumber hj claims to have repaired this damage. I know of no other plumber who would even consider trying!

That is WHY the plumbers call me when it happens. It takes about 1 1/2 hours, but is usually is still much cheaper than replacing the valve. Actually, it usually happens on a weekend when "homeowner" decides it is time to fix the faucet that has been leaking for weeks.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks