What are these called? Moen integral shut offs

[Amateurplumber1]

http://images.meredith.com/diy/images/2009/02/p_SCP_008_04.jpg

What are those shutoffs called? I can't locate them, and mine are stuck. I'm rebuilding my shower and need to repair the faucet mechanism, and I'd rather use those as shutoffs than the main. I've heard they are the cause of leaks because the gaskets fail easily. Should I even bother replacing them if there are no leaks but they dont functions as shutoffs?

Thanks all!

 

[hj]

They are called "integral shut offs" and if you call 1-800-BUY-MOEN they will probably send you replacement stem. As a practical matter, I and the majority of plumbers, would NEVER use them because we do not remove the large plate when we repair the faucet. Therefore, we would never see them and would not know they were there.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Amateurplumber1]

Ah, thank you master plumber. Question: they are extremely old and locked up...should I just not bother with them at all? I am scared any tinkering will compromise their seal. I guess that leaves me with the shutoff in the basement, which also is old and I'd rather not use, but I've used in the past so it's not a big deal, heh. Thanks!

 

[Cacher_Chick]

I consider working main shut-off valves in a house to be just as important as working smoke detectors.
If you are not certain of your ability to shut off the main water and/or fuel supply to your house, it should be a priority to have this fixed ASAP.

 

[Amateurplumber1]

It works, but I think it doesn't shut entirely. It must shut almost all the way, but in the lowest faucet in the house it comes out, albeit not in full force or anything.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

Imagine what happens if something springs a leak and you cannot shut it off. The best time to have it fixed is now.

 

[Amateurplumber1]

I better pray the leak is anywhere other than the basement, lol. If I had some more money I'd definitely do it. I guess once I'm a little more comfortable with soldering I can have the city shut off our water at the street and then do it myself; I don't think it's anymore complicated than any other valve installation. Hopefully.

 

[SHR]

If they are not leaking around the body of the faucet and they do let water through to the faucet, leave them alone. I too never install a faucet with the integral stops due to their unreliability and limited usefulness even if they work correctly.

 

[Terry]

I don't see too many Moen valves with the diverter like that. And on old galvanized piping too.
It's a quck and simple job to pull and replace the cartridge on that Moen.