Shower Valve Stumped Me

Sterling Shower Valve 15 years old
The cold side was leaking so I pulled the stem. I replaced the rubber boot and spring. It stopped leaking for about 20 uses and now it is a leaking a steady stream of water.
What next?

With all the plumbing going on in your life, molo, I think you're a fellow doing plumbing repairs/side jobs and learning as you go.

I'm doing a lot repairs for a family member!

The wife?

Plumbing is a joy anyway. I cannot see how anyone could charge for it. It's like asking to be paid for watching a game of baseball with a cold beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other.

I cannot wait for the weekend to come so I can replace a garden faucet for a friend. I dream about doing DIY at night.

@ Ian

Wish I could invite you to the next mainline sewer job I get called to. lol Bet you wouldn't be eating corn for dinner that nite.

The next step is to replace the stem.

Replace the valve...

Sterling has an odd and poorly designed stem. It's a plastic/brass hybrid with a delta-like seal. Not surprising since it's made by Kohler (a company whom IMHO can't make a decent valve to save their life).

Do yourself a favor... bite the bullet and replace the valve. It will be expensive but you'll save yourself many instances of future frustration. If you like the two (or three) handle style, put in a Grohe, a Delta or a Price Pfister (which, by the way is about the only halfway decent thing Price Pfister makes).

I shouldn't complain too much about Kohler or Price Pfister. After all, they keep me very busy fixing all their crap.

seattleplumber said:

I shouldn't complain too much about Kohler or Price Pfister. After all, they keep me very busy fixing all their crap.

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