What shower handle would fit? Price Pfister Flowmatic

[LynxMM]

We just bought a house that was built in 1971 and the master bathroom had a single handle Price Pfister shower valve that was corroded and falling off. We wanted to put on a new handle but none of the newer models fit. We called the home warranty company who sent out a plumber who basically said he had never seen anything like this type of piping in 15 years, and apart from cutting the three pipes in the wall and putting in a modern system, which he wasn't too keen to do as it would require a lot of back and forth with the warranty company, the only other thing to do would be to get a longer screw to put the old handle back in place. We are wondering if anyone has seen this type of valve and what would model handle would fit on. Thanks!

[jimbo]

You need a new plumber. That is the famous ( infamous?) Price Pfister Flowmatic. '70s vintage. Amazingly enough, the Flowmatic Cartridge is still available, but pricey....~~$50 As with ALL makes and models of shower valves, the ONLY handle that fits is THE handle. It is a lever, with a sort of star-shaped plastic piece covering the screw. A good plumbing store will have it, but the hardware stores may or may not, as the demand has fallen way off.

The Flowmatic Cartridge, although still available as OEM brand, is in reality an aftermarket mexico part, and while the originals had a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years, I have seen more like 1 to 3 years on a replacement, so at some point it is worthwhile considering a complete replacement. But get a new plumber!

[LynxMM]

Thanks jimbo! We've had this problem since we moved in in August and you've answered our question overnight and pointed us in the right direction as far as cartridge valve and handle. I've already got the part numbers for both. We would love to get a new plumber (maybe even you ) but unfortunately we are tied to whomever the warranty company sends, although we HAVE read atrocious reviews about this particular plumbing company. Anyway, if we did decide to request a complete replacement, what would be involved? Cutting the pipes or are there parts that would fit - just so we can educate the plumber who comes back......or to have enough factual information to ask the warranty company to send someone else.
Thanks again. This is a great site!!!