Replies

1. 
   calvin | Mar 10, 2010 07:01pm | #1

   The simple answer is call a plumber.

   The harder one is to take off the handle, the trim and look.  I've only seen them soldered in, but I suppose there might be some alternative method for the newer styles.

   So what does it look like?  how old, what brand etc?

   You have a camera?

2. 
   DanH | Mar 10, 2010 09:29pm | #2

   If you like it, don't replace the valve, just replace the cartridge.

1. 
   calvin | Mar 10, 2010 09:57pm | #3

   That's what I like about you Dan, you know what the heck they're talking about.

2. 
   barmil | Mar 10, 2010 11:04pm | #4

   That makes little sense. Just how do you separate the term "valve" from "cartridge," especially when you don't even know what brand or model it is? "Call a plumbe"r may be the best advice here.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 11, 2010 04:50am | #5

   Most people equate the phrase "leaking valve" to mean the fixture is leaking through the spout, i.e. dripping.

   Single lever fixtures have a valve body, that contains a cartridge. Fixtures with hot and cold valves may also have seperate cartridges in each valve body, or handles on stems that operate seating valves within the valve body..

   In either case the advice was correct.

   Shut the water off. Pull the handle(s) and trim. Then remove the vale from the body and fix or replace the worn part(s), wheather it is a cartridge type or seating vale type. They are both still "valves".

3. 
   k1c | Mar 12, 2010 05:27pm | #6

   mixing valve

   Old valves I saw a lot was Gerber, 3 handles.  It's been a long time but these stems may need stem removing tool which is a metal tube that fits onto the 5 or 6 sided nut.  The plumbers store may identify the valve for you just from looking at the handle, if it is original.  If your valve is old, also ask about seat grinder, seat replacing tool and the seats.