Faucet Handles snapped off, what are my options here ?

[GoodGuyGreg]

This is an old cast iron tub, it's used almost daily for hand washing big dishes, towels, etc. Both handles have snapped clean. Does this need replacing ? Can this be welded ? How hard would it be to find a whole new fixture ? Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated. Wishing you all the best blessed.


Thanks in advance,

Greg

 

[Jeff H Young]

On the East coast probably can walk in somewhere and buy a stem. I'm guessing you aren't looking for a pristine restore. I'm sure a little MacGyver work can get a handle to work on it. especially if it doesn't need to match
Never been back to your area where I live a home from 1950 is ancient. I thought places like Boston would have hardware stores with everything. 100 year old homes are common right. assuming you looked

 

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[Michael Young]

This is an old cast iron tub, it's used almost daily for hand washing big dishes, towels, etc. Both handles have snapped clean. Does this need replacing ? Can this be welded ? How hard would it be to find a whole new fixture ? Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated. Wishing you all the best blessed.


Thanks in advance,

Greg

just replace it.

if its something special and you want to maintain the valve to keep it period-specific, pull the whole damned thing and send in to a faucet machine shop and have the thing completely re-tooled. It'll come back looking and functioning like a brand new one

 

[Jadnashua]

IF you can find one, a new stem would allow new handles to fit. If you take the stems out and take them to a good plumbing supply shop, they MAY be able to match it up and get you a replacement, but getting them out may be tough.

FWIW, you could not install that valve on a new install today...the code now requires the spout to be above the rim of the tub, and you'll not find a tub with provision for a valve/spout assembly as that is configured.

 

[Mr tee]

You can replace it with a new bath cock and the stuff on the back side of the tub should hook right up to it. This would also allow you to get one with a gooseneck spout that is code compliant and safer.

 

[Jeff H Young]

just replace it.

if its something special and you want to maintain the valve to keep it period-specific, pull the whole damned thing and send in to a faucet machine shop and have the thing completely re-tooled. It'll come back looking and functioning like a brand new one

Usualy these come down to cost issues people dont want to spend other wise it mighta been changed 50 years ago. I cant imagine a place like boston would be hard to get this handled. But I never been there

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

I probably have those stems sitting in the yard as art! At least I have a set with cool handles like that.

I would imagine that any professional would be required to replace the whole faucet since its a cross contamination risk.

But you should be able to pull the stems out of the body and take them to a shop that specializes in old stems, have them cross referenced in a big ol book of old stems and get new ones ordered... if you can get the stems out.

 

[GoodGuyGreg]

Thank you all so much for your advice ! I'm looking for the cheapest functional fix possible. There is zero concern about cosmetics or vintage retainment. Just looking for a permanent fix for functionality.

 

[GoodGuyGreg]

just replace it.

if its something special and you want to maintain the valve to keep it period-specific, pull the whole damned thing and send in to a faucet machine shop and have the thing completely re-tooled. It'll come back looking and functioning like a brand new one

amazing advice ! looking into bath cocks now

 

[Jeff H Young]

Thank you all so much for your advice ! I'm looking for the cheapest functional fix possible. There is zero concern about cosmetics or vintage retainment. Just looking for a permanent fix for functionality.

I think between finding a replacement stem and attempting repair youll come up with something local. hopefully without much cost

 

[GoodGuyGreg]

You can replace it with a new bath cock and the stuff on the back side of the tub should hook right up to it. This would also allow you to get one with a gooseneck spout that is code compliant and safer.

perfect suggestion ! looking into replacement bath cocks now