Rome, GA on Aug 23, 2011

I've been trying to replace my bath tub handles, thinking it would be the simplest task, now I can't find any handle

that fits right into the 3 fixtures. It's an old house and I've tried all, even the universal kind. When I decided to put the old ones back in place until I find a solution to my problem I ended up having another problem: the shower pressure is not strong as it was before I removed the old handles (maybe because my husband had to break the third handle when he couldn't unscrew the rusty screw?). Anyway....did anybody have the same problem and can help?

17 Comments

KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

The universals should work...they "clamp" on rather than fit over the "star" shaped stem. You may want to do what I have done quite a few times is to replace the whole stem assembly and use new knobs. This means you need to shut down the water for a bit. If you know the manufacture this is much easier. If not you will need to take out one of the "stems" and take it to a well stocked hardware store or a plumbing specialty shop. This will cost a bit more than just knobs but as long as ...»
the brass "body" of the faucet is sound and the seats are not nicked this can be done for years and years with no trouble. I have worked on some that were over 50 years old.

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 1
Paola Rome, GA

so is it easy to replace the whole assembly? Do I have to mess around the back of the tub or something?

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 0
James A Roswell, GA

Might want to buy replacement valves they aren't expensive, around $14. You'll need three, shower, hot and cold. I use two sizes of spark plug wrenches to remove the valves. They fit perfectly and allow leverage. See my post: http://www.hometalk.com/6d036bf871/project/5....
on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 2
Harold M Franklin, NC

Good idea KMS! The couple of times, I've tried to get the stems out though I've had trouble. Special tool?

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Sometimes the spark plug wrench "trick" works other times a regular socket can be used and allow the stem to stick through the square "drive" hole ...you can then use a pipe wrench on the socket sides or "flats" of the socket if it has them. Hopefully the tile is not to tight to the stem so the socket fits.

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 1
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

You may indeed need to get to the back of the assembly to replace Paola. Is there an access panel behind the wall that backs to the tub/shower? That's where I'd start looking. Let us know and take a picture of the unit once you remove the "door" ...might be screws holding it on....

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 1
Paola Rome, GA

Yes, there is an access panel behind. Thank you all for the help!! I will keep you updated about the progress and might be able to take a picture of the back of the tub tomorrow so you can help me. You all are awesome!

on Aug 23, 2011 · Like 0
James A Roswell, GA

I never had much luck with universal handles, they seem to work loose alot.

on Aug 25, 2011 · Like 1
Paola Rome, GA

Sorry for not showing up much! I've been soooo busy, but I plan on going back to my tub issues this week and I will let you all know how it went!

on Aug 31, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

@Paola...thats OK...life can be busy...and we will still be here when you get around to it.

on Aug 31, 2011 · Like 0
James A Roswell, GA

Luckily, if we can do a little home improvement everyday our house should be square at some point. I used to paint one room a year. Then after a few years a room always needed painting. It's a journey, not a destination, to use an over-quoted phrase. Home maintenance can be a solace not a chore and provide healing and serenity. Don't rush, you are right on cue.

on Sep 01, 2011 · Like 3
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

If it were not for an endless list of home projects...the weekends would have no purpose....What do all of those urban condo dwellers do all weekend...sit around and watch football on TV ? Sounds like a wasted weekend to me.

on Sep 01, 2011 · Like 0
M. Cary And Daughters Plu... Decatur, GA

if you send me an email picture of the valve (handles stems etc) i can try to identify the brand for you and then tell you what original equipment handles will fit back on it and where to get them... michelle@mcaryanddaughters.com

on Sep 01, 2011 · Like 2
James A Roswell, GA

KMS, watching football is the reward for all my hard work!

on Sep 05, 2011 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

There is an old Ace hardware not too far from you in Marrietta, called Ragsdale Ace that carries a good selection of old stem parts etc. Call and describe your part but you probably need to bring it in to verify. Years ago I found replacement stems for our 60's brick ranch there.
Best, Charles

on Sep 05, 2011 · Like 3
M. Cary And Daughters Plu... Decatur, GA

check your email, im sending you model numbers and where to get the parts!!
:) michelle

on Sep 14, 2011 · Like 2
DONNA Cedartown, GA

Since it is a three fixture tub, I am "assuming" that this home is approximately 30 years old or more. Therefore, there is a possibility that the stem is brass or plastic. The first thing that I would recommend, if you want to try to find "true" replacement handles, is to cut-off the water and take out the stems. You need to be careful and not strip them with the tool that you are taking them out with. Then, once you have the stems (since you live in Rome, Ga.), take it either to ...»
Southern Pipe, Home Depot, Lowe's, or Calhoun Wholesale in Calhoun, Ga. and show them the stems. They should be able to look it up in the stem book to see what the company is that made the fixture. Once that is know, there might be a possibility that you can order replacement handles from their vendor. However, Home Depot and Lowe's sells "universal" handles (cross, porcelain, etc.) that tighten up with a screw and "clamps" onto the original stem. It is not the "perfect" answer, but it is something that would work. Just to let you know, I have worked in the home remodeling/plumbing industry since 1984. I wish you the best.

on Sep 15, 2011 · Like 1