Since we moved into the house, the bathroom always develops a leaky/dripping shower. I would replace the stem and after a year or so it leaks again. When I turn off the cold water, it feels as though it doesn't shut off smoothly and closes at an angle. Since the fixtures are ugly and outdated, I was thinking of replacing them with something more modern. The current fixtures are made by American Standard - can I replace them with any manufacturer? I assume the valve body stem threads are standard size no matter the manufacturer? Is this something a somewhat-handy dufus like myself can handle or best that I call a plumber? Are there any plumbers in the club house?
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I delt with the same thing you are going through when I bought my house. The hot water destroys the valve stem washer pretty fast. Then you end up cranking it down more, thus creating more damage. The only solution is to get an updated all in one unit that has one handle for hot/cold with a tub filler/ diverter (if you have a tub). Unfortunately, you will need to open the wet wall, plumb in the new pipes and valve body, close the wall back up and retile. It's a big PITA but it's the only way to stop replacing those valve stem washers.
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