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Author:
zook388 (TX)
Hello,
So yesterday after I was done with my shower I couldn't get the hot water to turn off. After I got the stem removed I saw that the retaining screw had come out and damaged the washer and seat. I went to Lowes and got a replacement (http://www.lowes.com/pd_28735-1366-15420_0__?productId=3369712&Ntt=dalco+valve+stem&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Ddalco%2Bvalve%2Bstem&facetInfo=) which I was able to install... after fighting with the old corroded seat for an hour. I turned on the water and the installation fixed the issue I was having, the water was off. However, now when I turn the hot water on, the handle never stops spinning on, it just keeps spinning like it is not on a thread anymore. To get it to turn off I have to spin clockwise while applying pressure for the threads to catch again and it turns off fine.
Did I do something wrong or is it possible I got a faulty stem? Any ideas? Thanks!
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Author:
hj (AZ)
It would have to be almost 'impossibly' defective to do what you describe. It is more likely the handle is not turning the stem.
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Author:
packy (MA)
remove the handle and have a look at the grooves inside it. if they are worn then that is the problem.
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Author:
zook388 (TX)
I agree, but it is definitely turning the stem. In fact one part I left out is that I have taken it back apart already and I see that the stem continues to spin counter clockwise when it is all the way open. I think I will go get another from Lowes to see if it has the same issue.
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Author:
zook388 (TX)
Not the handle. I observe the same thing when I manually turn the stem with the handle off.
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Author:
packy (MA)
yeah, your clarification sure does change our responses.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
About the ONLY way that could happen is if the large thread on the stem is coming out of the grooves in the body.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I popped over to the Lowe's site and they have a live chat and sent the guy the url to this thread.
You: at 16:54:28
It sounds like the threads on the stem aren't engaging properly. Is this a common problem?
Francis T: at 16:56:12
There is a possibility that the grooves inside of the stem have gone bad, in the case that you provided. However it is best to get this looked at to be sure of what might be the exact issue.
You: at 16:57:32
According to the OP on the thread, it was replaced yesterday.
Is there anything that you would do in store to test it, or just replace it with a new stem?
Francis T: at 16:59:24
Yes, it would need to be replaced with a new stem.
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Author:
zook388 (TX)
Thank you for doing that! I was not aware that chat was available on their website. I have obligations this evening but I will be going to get a replacement tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
packy (MA)
the part they sold you has both the male and the female threads in it.
i find it hard to believe that the threads are worn on a new assembly.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Exactly, and the stem screws into the body so it could NOT "rotate constantly" either.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I don't find it hard to believe that they are cheaply made with poor quality control, and are machined out of tolerances with improper thread depth.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Do you have any idea how poorly the machining would have to be to have the two threads NOT engage so they turn inside one another?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
yes. Or the wrong inner stem matched with the correct body. Parts from crate 1134A switched with 134A on an assembly line or any number of other missteps could cause the new stem to be defective.
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Author:
itsnotlevel (KS)
22 years of plumbing and I have NEVER purchased a new stem where the threads were gone or not working. A little grease always helped but Im sure thats not the case here.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
65+ years here, but I also have never encountered a NEW stem with the problem being described, assuming it is being described properly.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Years of experience have nothing to do with manufacturing defects.
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Author:
zook388 (TX)
Hello all, OP here. I find it amusing how much discussion has spawned from the issue I was having. I thought I would update everyone and let you all know it is in fact a faulty stem. I got another one from Lowes and it is perfect.
Just to clarify, on the faulty valve I can turn the stem counter clockwise and it never stops spinning. When I turn clockwise the stem pushes through the casing just like it is made to. When I turn the other way the stem goes back in until it is flush with the casing and it continues to spin. Thanks for the help!
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
"Years of experience" would mean exposure to all kinds of "manufacturing defects", but NOT the one you are describing. If he changed the seats and used a "shorter" one than the original, (because he just matched the thread), THEN the stem could be exiting the body so the theads are no longer engaged, and THAT would cause his symptoms.
Edited 2 times.
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