Delta 600 series shower valve repair

[NameTaken2]

Pics show what I believe is a 600 Series Delta shower valve that's leaking by 5dpm, installed approx 1987.
Link to brochure with 600 Series schematic -see "Delta 2000 Parts Catalog" -pg 66:
https://www.deltafaucet.com/for-professionals/product-resources/catalogs--brochure

Q's:

1) Is repair with Delta renovation kit the best option? -any reason to consider replacement ($+work)?

2) Are following kits correct? Price diff $45 -which is best option?

Basic kit RP77738:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-R...and-Tub-Shower-Applications-RP77738/205166198

Complete renovation kit RP54870 -upgrades from knob to lever:
https://www.deltafaucet.com/parts/product/RP54870.html

3) Schematics for both kits don't show the RP250 adjusting ring.
RP54870 kit also doesn't show RP250 adjusting tool: is part RP250 deleted with this upgrade?
Is the adjusting ring normally undamaged after removal?

Valve is at relative's house >1Hr from big box/plumbing supply, therefore goal is to ensure correct parts and good repair plan before tear into it.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Sylvan]

Personally I would replace it with a pressure balance type and the valve body with integral stops

Also Delta is an amazing company as they guarantee their showers for life. If you contact Delta and E mail your valve and take a picture of the cartridge chances are they will ship you new parts for free

 

[Sponsor]

 

[NameTaken2]

Sylvan, thanks for your reply-

What is the basis for your recommendation to replace with a pressure balance type and the valve body with integral stops?

Replacing the valve adds lots of work and expense, requiring opening/closing wall behind the valve and a much higher cost of new valve/plumber vs the DIY valve rebuild.

This valve works fine, therefore appreciate reasons why replacing and the related work/much higher expense was recommended as best option.

Thanks for your time

 

[Terry]

I sometimes use the
https://www.deltafaucet.com/bathroom/product/rp54870
kit.

Or the simple kit with seals, springs to cover.
If you want to go pressure balanced, then like Sylvan mentions, that's a good option. They make a nice upgrade to what you have been used to.

 

[NameTaken2]

Terry, thanks for your recommendation of the RP54870 kit, and apparent OK for the basic RP77738 also-

Understand that pressure-balanced is a nice upgrade-

Unless rebuilding current valve is clearly a bad decision(?), then prefer to avoid the extra hours to open/close the wall and the 100's of $ extra to have a plumber upgrade this valve vs the DIY rebuild.

Therefore, unless the votes here are that upgrading is worth the extra time/expense, will use the RP54870 kit.

RP54870 kit doesn't show the RP250 adjusting ring or tool: is part RP250 deleted with this upgrade?
Is the adjusting ring normally undamaged after removal (if needed to install RP54870)?

Thanks

 

[hj]

The adjusting ring is integral with the chrome cap, and stays in it. Most kits include the tool.

 

[Mad Plumber]

25 year old house on a well. Leaking Delta shower valve. Let the hot water run 5 mins. Drained down applied the most awesome strap wrench in the world and the nut pops right off. Its a Sloan strap wrench
Craig Allen

Don't do what this guy did!!