Conference 7.286::home_work

    If it's not too far, the Settle Shop in West Townsend sells unfinished
    oak and pine bathroom fixtures.
    
    What about Unfinished Furniture House on RT 101 in Bedford next
    to Fireplace Village?  They might have it.
    
    Spags has finished oak fixtures in 2 or 3 different shades/finishes.
    

    Sommerville Lumber, Rt. 38 in Pelham N.H. has a good selection of
    bathroom items along with a variety of faucets for all types/styles
    of sinks.

    
    The Unfinished Furniture Store in Bedford next to FirePlace Village
    does have unfinished bathroom fixtures.  They seemed to have a pretty
    good selection when I was there.
    
    

    Also, try the furniture outlet in the Millyard Mall in downtown
    nashua (I think the name is the Outlet, or something like that).
    They have an incredible selection of unfinished wood EVERYTHING.
    And I'm pretty sure they have what you're looking for - and are
    extremely inexpensive.  They may not have exactly what you're
    looking for - but you'll have fun looking!

     A place caled Spaulding and Frost on rt.107 Fremont N.H. has an
    assortment of bath and kitchen items and also assorted size wooden
    barrels you can use as wastebaskets etc.They have a catalog an there
    tel no. is 603-895-3372.Nice folks to deal with.
    
    gary

    it may be a little far, but there's a place called Brassworks in
    the Colony Mill Shopping Center in Keene that has a reasonable
    selection of brass, some of which is more traditional than
    contemporary.

    
    
    If you can slide down into Mass. County Supply in Chelmsford also
    has a good selection.
        
    

    Muir's Kitchen and Bath Shop on Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua
    has a good selection of catalogs from which you can order. I got
    some brass accessories there. I believe I paid list price, but 
    I got precisely what I wanted.
    
    If you place a small order, they may be reluctant to send it in to the
    manufacturer until enough other people order things to make a big
    order. I ordered several towel bars and things. I got one towel bar
    right away, but it took something like five months for the toilet paper
    holder to make it to me. 

    						Val

    I've been looking high and low for a copper bathroom sink.
    I know they exist, but haven't been able to locate a
    dealer who sells them or knows of anyone who does. I've
    seen brass but would really prefer copper. I would love
    to find an antique one if the price wasn't prohibitive.
    If anyone out there knows where I could purchase a new
    or antique one in the Mass or NH area or even a dealer
    outside of that area who I could order one from, I would
    greatly appreciate it. Anyone have any ideas on the prices
    of new or antique copper sinks or any other info that 
    should be taken into consideration when choosing one?
    Thanks in advance.
    
    Sue

>        I've been looking high and low for a copper bathroom sink.

    Check Renovator's Supply in Miller's Falls, MA.
    

    Understand the implications of copper/brass sinks as opposed
    to stainless steel.
    
    Discoloration and other general uglinesses happen very routinely
    with these sinks.  You will be spending more time with the copper
    cleaner than you will using the sink as a sink.
    
    Also copper is $$$$$$.
    
    I'm sure you've considered these things but if not, please do. 
    A job I did once was some renovations to a place with a copper sink
    no more than 2 years old.  The sink was always discolored - the
    owner just got sick of cleaning it all the time.  
    

    Check out the plumber's supply in your area for a catalogue from,
    I think, Mansfield products.   They have various metal-based
    lavatories.  Including, gold and platinum (not plated either, solid
    stuff).   I'd think twice about one though, can you imagine taking
    your bathroom sink to the safety deposit box before going on vacation?

    Re .2
    
    	Copper and brass sinks may require a lot of cleaning to keep
    them looking nice but, in my opinion, their beauty is worth the
    effort.  We have one copper sink - it was installed by the builder
    at my request - and a lot of copper, brass and silver knick knacks
    throughout our home.  I shine the sink each week and all the other
    'pretty' metals once every other week to once a month, depending
    on use and location.
    
    Douglas

I think I'll reopen this note with a comment that the term Bathroom Fixtures 
refers to the sinks, toilets, tubs, and faucets.  I don't believe it refers to
think made out of wood, either finihed or unfinished - unless you're talking
about an oak toilet seat...

With that said, does anyone know of a good place to get bathroom fixtures?
Anywhere within 30-40 miles of the greater maynard area is reasonable...

-mark

    	Republic Plumbing on Rt 1 in Norwood MA has a real nice showroom
    full of all sorts of different style toilets, tubs, sinks, counter
    tops.  Their prices are reasonable, but could probably be beat 
    elsewhere.  It is a great place to go while you are in the dream
    stage of your project.  It would take about 45 minutes to drive there
    from the mill.  They rep mainly American Standard, Delta, Corian
    and Lippart along with some more exotic stuff
                                                         
    					=Ralph=

    Re: .9
    
      Does this mean you don't like Spag's selection/prices?  The better/
    pricey'er (?) stuff (faucets, paper holders etc.) is at the school
    house and the rest is in the plumbing department of the main
    building.  Toilets, tubs, sinks, and vanities are on display at
    the school house.  If they don't have 'exactly' what you want and
    it's by a company that they deal with, they will special order it
    for you. I bought a toilet and sink there and found their prices
    very reasonable.  I don't know about their vanities...I wanted to
    make my own.
    
    -Jim
    

    
    
    	If you want the good stuff, have them open up the catalog and
    order it. My experence has been that most stores only stock the
    low and mid range for the majority. I was amazed at the variety
    of fixtures that are available but never displayed !
    
    	-Steve-
    

    I was going to put this in the For Sale note but since I want replies
    I didn't think it would be appropriate.
    
    	I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom and now have a
    toilet, sink and tub in my back yard.  When I start the second
    bathroom I'll have two toilets, sinks and tubs in my backyard.
    I put a note in Classified Ads for them but didn't get any response.
    Anyone have any ideas for what to do with used bathroom fixtures?
    They are in good shape (didn't match the new decor) and I hate to just 
    bring them to the dump.  
    
    I was going to half bury one of the tubs upright in my back yard for
    my Groucho Marx statue but my wife didn't like that idea ;-).
    
    George

    
    A "contemporary art" display in a Boston building consisted of several
    toilets placed in a circle with a copy of the congressional record
    opened on top.  Maybe you could donate the toilet to a local artist
    ;-)
    
    How about burying them in your backyard for future generations to
    discover!?!!  Everybody likes to find buried treasurer, right! 
    It will also provide an entry in the "Why did they do that" note.
    
    Phil
    

    
    Try Digital This Week.   You usually have to wait a few weeks to
    get in, but I have had success with everything I have put in.

    Try the classified ads file, WORDS::CLASSIFIED_ADS. I've had good
    luck there (but not with used bathroom fixtures!). 
    
   
    
    
  

    Use the WANT ADvertiser.  No charge until you sell your item.  Read
    by thousands weekly

    Put them at the end of the driveway and plant flowers in them.
    :-)

    C'mon, today is April Fools Day.  I'm sure you can think of something
    creative to do with used bathroom fixtures in your local area. 
    

    
    	Gee, I really like that Groucho Marx idea.  Why don't you ask
    your wife to reconsider?  You can even put a spotlight on it at
    night, and just think of the possibilities around the christmas
    season.

    
    Birdbaths, primitive outdoor whirlpool, goldfish pool, target practice,
    etc.  I don't think there is much of a market for used toilets!
    
    

    the toilets might make great mail box stands. mark the stool "FOR
    GARBAGE MAIL OR POLITICAL MAIL".
    
    /cal

    placed both tubs next to each other, burry them in your backyard
    with the top flush with grade level, fill with sand and make a good
    sand box for your kid/grandkids.
    

    Our town will pick up such articles when called and arrangements
    are made.  You might try calling, if you just want to get rid of
    them.  (NO! You can't dump them on my lawn {;-)
    
    Stan

    I sold mine to a second hand shop. They were old and in pretty poor
    shape, but he gave me *$10.00* and HE did the hauling.

    There's a used plumbing fixture place in Somerville, MA near Union
    Square which may buy your fixtures.  They have to be relatively
    modern, however.  He also doesn't pay much but it's a way to get
    rid of the stuff.
    
      

    An update, Nashua will pretty much pick up anything on trash collection
    day as long as you call them.  The fixtures are now on display at
    the city dump.
    
    George

    Might as well put it here...
    
    I bought a whole heap of stuff at Friend Building Supply in Burlington
    MA (they're also in Lowell).  The Kohler toilet and sink were okay.
    The Bertch cabinet is nice but came slightly broken (kickplate broke
    off, can be nailed back together).  The Bertch triview came intact
    but its pulls weren't up to par.  Now the fun part:
    
    Not knowing any better (how often do I buy faucets?), I bought a
    Price-Pfister kitchen sink faucet and a Spa bathroom faucet.  BOTH
    of them were NFG!  Both leaked badly at the spout.  The plumber
    replaced both with Deltas.  Guess who's going back for some refunds!
    
    I guess I should trust a name brand more than a store display...

    (BTW, the Schrock kitchen cabinets came through in good shape, on
    time.)
          fred

    Haven't you seen the people that bury tubs about two feet in the
    ground standing on end with statues of religious figures in them??
    Sometimes they also add small rocks painted white in front of the
    statue. It looks wicked good!! If you're thinking of selling your
    house, it adds a lot to the value too...
    
    Harry

>        Haven't you seen the people that bury tubs about two feet in the
>    ground standing on end with statues of religious figures in them??
>    Sometimes they also add small rocks painted white in front of the
>    statue. It looks wicked good!! If you're thinking of selling your
>    house, it adds a lot to the value too...
 
    Good idea. 
    Lots of realtors recommend that even if you don't have an old tub,
    just remove the door off an old refridgerator and use that.  The
    return on investment won't be as good as a tub, but just add more
    white rocks and you'll do ok.
    

    Damn, why didn't you guys come up with these ideas before I got
    rid of it.  Another opportunity lost.
    
    I'll have another tub when I do the downstairs bathroom and as I
    said in the base note I'd still prefer to use it for my Groucho Marx
    statue.  Now if I can just get a sink for Harpo and Chico.....

    George
    

    Has anyone ever heard of Universal-Rundle bath fixtures?  I am looking
    to buy everything from toilets and sinks through to a whirlpool
    tub.  MASI plumbing and heating supply in Nashua is strongly recommends
    them.
    
    Thank you.
    
    Roger

    I've always found Masi to be THE most expensive shop in Nashua.
    
    Have you tried United Supply on Crown street ??  Somerville Lumber
    in Pelham.  Capitol I think is only wholesale.
    
    Masi is the last place I go to.

As far as I know, Universal-Rundle (UR) is a standard item supplied by most
contractors.  I imagine they do toilets and sinks.  Our plumber got us UR
one-piece shower and one-piece tub/surround, and some other manufacturer for
toilets/sinks.  I don't know prices, but they came from Colonial Supply,
Manchester, NH.

    I disagree about Masi being the most expensive. In fact, when I
    went out for bids on my bathroom fixtures they gave me the best
    deal. I bought all UR toilets, and tub enclosures and are very happy
    with them. I bought 2 tubs, 1 was the Acrylic (sp?) has a roof over
    it and the other was the most common contractors' enclosure. I think
    I payed about $200 for the contractor's version and about $550 for
    the top line acrylic enclosure. The less expensive unit went into
    our master bath and the roofed unit went into the main bath. The
    unit in the master bedroom's bath is good but both my wife and myself
    agree that the acrylic, roofed unit is the best. It has more room
    and convenient selves built into the back wall. The roof keeps your
    walls from getting moldy and the floor is very rigid. If I had to
    do over again I'd probably pay the extra to have gotten both my
    units acrylic. My toilets ran about $80 each and matched the color
    of the tubs. I bought them from Masi in the spring of 1986 and have
    been very happy with both Masi and the UR units. BTW, I also bought
    a couple of vanities and mirrors from Masi because they too were
    the best price. 

re Masi

I have found that they are not  usually  the most expensive.  You can, however,
purchase cheaper (and less expensive) parts elsewhere.   When  I  have compared
them  brand-to-brand  with other suppliers, Masi comes out about  the  same  or
lower.

Dave

    I agree with .3 and .4.  I purchased about 90% of my bathroom
accessories and fixtures from MASI and as afar a price goes they
were/are very competitive. I purchased a couple of DELTA faucets
    from another supplier and have nothing but problems with
    them.  Went do to original supplier and tried to get parts
    and they were not carried for that particular DELTA grade. It
    seems that what I thought was a deal ended up being a
    disaster.  I went down to MASI and purchased new ones from
    them and havn't had any problems. Also UR is a very
    established brand name and very reliable. 


    Otto

    Where is MASI located?

>              <<< Note 3014.6 by ISLNDS::JULIEN "DTN 226-2736" >>>
>                              -< Where is MASI? >-
>
>    Where is MASI located?

In Nashua, 3/4 down Otterson Street on the left.  Otterson is a side street off
Main St;  right across from Nashua Auto (Ford).

I'm helping a neighbor with his new bathroom.  They decided to go out and get
an old claw foot bathtub and have it refinished (it does look very nices.)

He bought some polished brass plumbing fixtures for the tub.  The faucet/shower
diverter assembly alone cost $200+!!!

At any rate, now we're trying to hook it up.  The fixture has what look like
two large compression fittings to attach the hot and cold water lines.  I say
"look like" because they're not like any compression fitting I've seen.  They
have no brass insert.  They have a compression nut with about a 9/16" hole in
the top.  Inside there is a single rubber washer with about the same internal
diameter hole.  I can't see any beveled surface for a flare to seat against.

When I first saw these fittings, it looked to me as if your garden-variety
1/2 inch rigid copper tubing would fit inside these compression fittings.  But
we've tried and they're a bit too small.

Has anyone out there seen this type of fitting before?   Do we need some special
type of feed line to hook this fixture up?

Thanks very much.

    Sounds like 3/8 copper tubbing would fit, outside diameter is around
    half inch... Like under sinks where you have a shutoff on the half inch
    pipe, and a 3/8 internal diameter pipe up to the faucets...

    I just put one in myself about a month ago.  I got the supply tubes
    from the same manufacturer as the fausets.  They were brass an a little
    costly but they look great.   There was a flange that was a part of the
    supply tubes that the  compression nut fit against.
    
              rubber was washer here
             |
    	     |	|flange
             |  |  
             |  | |nut went here
             v  v v
             --``----\
             __,,---\ \
                    | |
                    | |
                    | |
    		
     If you have any questions give me a call DTN: 291-9305
    
    
    Hope this helps,
    
    Paul
    
    
    
    
    
    

Paul,

I tried calling you but no answer...

Are these special-order items only?  I.e., do you know if they would be avail-
able locally?  Thanks for the illustration --- one thing I'm not clear on is
how do you get from these tubes to "normal" plumbing supply lines?

Thanks very much!

    Even though we did speak, I am replying for others that may need the 
    same info.  They are available at the Classic Bath on Atlantic Ave.
    in Boston, that is where I got my entire set up.
    
    Paul

    The number of Classic Bath is (617) 423-4535 it is listed under BESCO
    Supply 

    I'm planning on remodeling a bathroom, and I have questions in regard
    to brand names and colors of fixtures. I'm going to install a whirlpool, 
    2 sinks, and a toilet; all 3 are going to be white. My wife and I have 
    decided on a Kohler whirlpool, but we haven't seen any other Kohler 
    products that we like.
    
    The questions that I have are: 1) Is there much of a difference between
    the quality of various brands; we've looked at Kohler, American Std.,
    and Eljer? 2)Are there any other major brands that we've missed? 3) Any
    good showrooms in the southern N.H or northern Mass. area? and 4) Is 
    there much of a color variation from brand to brand? My major concern
    is obviously white.
    
    Thanks,
    	   Terry

    I've been looking at bathroom fixtures recently too.  I believe that
    there is a good deal of standardization in colors between the major
    brands.  I even saw a chart that one manufacturer had on their
    literature which showed about a dozen different colors and what the
    other manufacturer's names were for the same colors (i.e. Kohler sky
    blue = Eljer light blue (I made that up))
    
    There are some good showrooms in:
    
    Lowell, MA: County Supply, in the Drum Hill area
    
    Lynn, MA:	Standard of Lynn (or something like that), Route 1A
    
    Both claim to have the largest showroom in New England!
    
    
    Regards,
    
    Steve
    

    You can find some Koeller products at HQ in Danver's, MA. As mentioned
    in the previous reply, some manufacturers have standardized their
    colors. For example, Artesian makes a beige toilet that's the exact 
    same shade as Koeller's 'Almond' color.
    
    Just as an FYI...a while back, Consumer Reports did a comparison of
    toilets, and the highest rated 1.5 gal toilet was/is the Koeller
    Wellworth Lite.

    Be very careful if you do go with a color.  I have found that even
    within the same manufacturer the tones of "Beige","Bone","Almond"
    vary greatly.  The fiberglass vs. the ceramic's have the biggest
    differences.  If you are planning on White.....How many shades of
    White are there?
    
    Jean
    

    I've also found that some manufacturers claim that their colors
    match those of other manufacturers, but they don't in reality.
    So try to get samples together for color matching if you can.
    
    Among fixtures, most of the "almond/bone/natural" colors are a pretty
    good match, though some are darker than others.
    
    As for "how many shades of white are there?", you'd be surprised...
    
    			Steve

    Several years ago we also compared these three companies...
    
    White is difinitly different....
    
    Also be careful about the toilets...There are different designs. Some
    flush much better than others. Some clog more easily.
    
    Kohler is the best from my standpoint but they are usually the most
    costly. Eljer always seems to flush with more difficulty.
    
    Also Pay attention the the location of the handle...some are on the
    side and others the front. This may make a difference depending on how
    close a wall might be to the toilet.
    
    If you go with an marblized finish the color differences are less
    noticeable.
    
    

    I'm thinking about buying one of those "shower massage" shower head
    devices (the kind on the end of a hose, not the fixed version).
    
    Can anyone offer opinions regarding the various brands and models
    (different numbers of settings, metal vs. plastic heads)?
    
    Dick

    I never met a shower massage that I liked. Maybe the amount of pressure
    needed to give a really good massage is too much, I don't know. I
    replaced my shower massager with a water saver type showerhead. Now I
    can't get a "massage" but I get a much better shower spray and save
    water to boot! 
    
    						to each his own :-)
    
    						Mark

I like mine -- I hardly ever change the setting from "spray", but I like
the fact that it's on a hose so that I can unhook it and spray different
places.  My water pressure is low enough (and the stall is small enough)
that a fixed head would be hard to use.  

I went to Spags and got the cheapest one that let me control the water
pressure (my water controler only lets me adjust the temperature).  It
was about $20, it's plastic, and it's lasted a couple of years now with
no observable ill effects.  And it saves water, since it has a convenient
lever that lets me quickly shut off the water while soaping.  

	Enjoy,
	Larry

    Like .17, I don't use the message too often, but when I do, I love
    it. I've got an old Teledyne (?) Showermassage. Bought it at Spag's
    about 10 years ago.
     
      - John
    

    
    We have the fixed one in the shower, and the one with the hose in the
    tub/shower. Back in 1983 we bought our first shower massage ( no hose )
    back 6 months ago we replaced it with a newer one. The old one wore out
    and clogged up quite abit from the hard water. Ther new one claims that
    won't happen. We bought the one with the hose for the tub/shower to
    replace a shower head that used tons of water, and also to use when we
    wash the kids in the tub. Quite happy with both. Like everyone else I
    leave in on spray, and use the massage every so often. I've also noticed
    the fixed one showing up quite a bit in the hotels as we travel.
    

    I like mine.  I like having the shower head on a hose, and, with our
    low water pressure, you can get a decent spray out of it (I suppose I
    could do that with a water-saving shower head anyhow).  We don't
    actually use the "massage" function much, unless someone has pulled a
    muscle, but I tend to tset the thing to spray from the central
    "massage" holes as well as the edge, while my husband likes just the
    spray.  I've had the thing for 14 years, and have replaced the hose
    once and the clamp that holds the head and hose to the shower-head pipe
    once.  The best part about the thing is having it on a long hose -
    great for washing your hair, or for taking a quick shower without
    getting your hair wet, etc.
    
    /Charlotte

    Q:  Is there such a beast as a "water saver" shower message?
    
    Steve

    
    We have one with the hose too, it's great for rinsing the shower after
    cleaning it.
    
    Steve

    re: .21
    
    The shower massagers sold most places are water savers, or there is one
    model that is and one model that isn't.  We got one for Christmas, but
    haven't used it yet.
    
    Elaine

I have found that the Water Pik Shower Massage brand gives excellent results 
even with low pressure.  It is also a "water saver" model.  I've tried the
Pollenex brand and was not satisfied with it.

			Steve

    A word of advice regarding Water Pik Brand Shower Massages:
    
    They make a number of different models, so beware of generalizations.
    We have two different hand-held models in our house: an 8-setting model 
    (approx 3-yrs old) in the upstairs bath, and a new, 5-setting model in 
    the downstairs. The 8-setting is far superior to the 5-setting: it has 
    better pressure and gives a stronger pulse, in addition to providing
    combination settings not available on the 5-setting model. The downstairs 
    one seems weak in comparison, so much so that if either of us wants to 
    take a 'shower massage', we only use the upstairs bath.
    
    Just my $0.02
    
    Freddie

Hi everyone,

We are going to remodel our bathroom and am looking for fixtures
(tub, sink, toilet, lights, mirror or medicine cabinet).

I someone give me any ideas on places with a good selection and
reasonable quality/price ratios?

Thanks in Advance,
Diane 

    

    Didn't say where you were located but two places I've used in the past are 
    County Supply in Chelmsford and Masi in Nashua.
    
    George

    Other places to shop for plumbing fixtures:
    
    Splash (Highland Ave, Needham)
    Prices a bit on the high side, but they have *the best* showroom.
    (A lot of the displays are Kohler, but they carry most of the major
    brands.)
    
    Brickman's (Moody St, Waltham)
    Prices probably better than Splash, display selection not as extensive.
    
    Also, as mentioned in .1, County Supply in Chelmsford.  Displays aren't
    great, prices are OK.
    
    Don't forget to have your plumber price things for you too.  He may
    be able to get them cheaper than you can.
    
    >Mark
    P.S.  Home Depot carries a number of major brands.  Getting prices on
    non-stock items may be a bit of a headache, though.

    
    	I just put in a complete bathroom and re-did another..I bought almost 
    everything at Home Depot in Nashua..  The prices were the best I found 
    anywhere
Ron

    Depending upon the style of your house, you might want to check out
    Renovator's Supply, Sturbridge MA. They specialize in
    colonial/victorian furnishings (but not furniture), bathroom items,
    lamps, door knobs, and hard to find items for old homes. They're having
    a special on pedestal sinks if you buy a pedestal sink, faucet and (I
    think) toilet if you buy them as a unit. 
    		Cindy
    

    
    
    I have bought Renovator's Supply plumbing fixtures - faucets
    for a sink, drain for the sink and faucets for an old tub.
    
    There were problems with the installation - I had a plumber do
    the installation but I don't think it was his fault- and
    I continue to have problems with the drain and pop-up in the
    sink.
    
    In the future I'm avoiding Renovator's Supply
    
    Sue

    Plus, Revovator's Supply is EXpenSIVE compared to places like Home
    Depot.  That pedastal sink deal isn't so great, you can get a nice
    faucet of similar design for a lot less...I know, I checked.
    
    FYI.

Renovator's Supply may be pricey on some items, but they lowered their
prices on lots of stuff a couple of years ago.  I don't think you can
beat their prices on brass switchplates.

    Gee, out of 4800 notes don't you think there was already a topic on
    bathrooms did you have to create a new one?

    It's plumbing-revamping time at the old homestead, and my plumber has
    suggested some Delta faucets to replace the chronically leaky bathroom
    fixtures. I was wondering if anyone had had any experience with the
    models he's recommended, as they'll be something of a change from the
    old-style ones I've been used to...
    
    For the tub/shower, he's suggested a (fairly straightforward)
    pressure-balance mixing-valve model with a single-lever control. Has
    anyone used one of these for long enough to tell whether they (a) work
    well to begin with, and (b) last? [I have fairly high water pressure,
    which is nice when I'm showering, but it could cause problems with the
    plumbing fixtures.] While I've never felt completely comfortable with
    the single-control valves (usually encountered in motels), it does make
    sense, and I'm not wedded to the idea of the "good, old-fashioned
    separate-handle-for-hot-and-cold" model - but if I'm going to the
    trouble of having tile torn out and replaced, etc., I'd like something
    I can live with.
    
    The bathroom faucet choice is a bit more exotic: It's got a
    single-lever control for the water, and the spout pulls out on a hose
    so that it can be used as a sort of mini-spray. Looked like it might be
    handy for washing one's hair in the sink, etc., but it also looked like
    a possible point of failure; anybody used one of these for very long?
    My kitchen sink spray-hose holds up very well, but it doesn't have to
    double as the "regular" faucet...
    
    Thanks for any information,
    -b

>>                       <<< Note 829.26 by DSSDEV::RUST >>>
>>                    -< Consumer reports on Delta faucets? >-

I bought 2 Delta pressure-balancing, shower valves ($120).  It's a round chrome
model with a center clear handle.  I've used 1 of them everyday for about
2.5 years and had no problems.  The other one has been used for about a 
year and I had to replace one part of the valve assembly ($20).  It had
a plastic tab on the inside that wore out so the valve control would 
just spin around. I HATE PLASTIC PARTS!  

Garry

Make sure the shower control is able to control the volume and temperature
independently ... eg pull out-push in for volume ... rotate for temperature.

These ones that are essentially only rotate for off/on/temp are a real
pain since you cannot reduce the flow rate for say just hairwashing ...

Stuart

We've had the big circular knob Delta in the upstairs bath since 1976. It
has just started dripping an occasional drip. I like it better than the
constant pressure types I've used in hotels.

Art

The ubiquitous Symmons Temptrol pressure-compensating shower valve CAN
be adjusted for pressure; you swing the tub/shower lever towards the center
and it cuts down the flow.  These are very reliable, if perhaps not the
latest in decorator fashion.  They're also relatively cheap (compared to
the competition.)

As for the faucet-sprayer combination, I have one of these for my kitchen
faucet and it works very well.  Indeed, it's probably more reliable than
the kind with the separate sprayer and you'll be amazed at how much more
spray pressure you get out of the single-hole model.

				Steve

I have a Symmons Temptrol fitting on my shower that is leaking.
How do you get the handle off ? There does not appear to be a center
screw holding it in. Also, do these have packings that can be
replaced to stop the dripping ?

Randy

    There is a center screw - pry off the decorative cap (about half an
    inch wide) covering it.)  
    
    				Steve

Follow-up to .31 ....

I went to the Faucet Emporium in Maynard and they had a repair kit
for that fixture. The lady there had a sample fixture and told me
how to take it apart, where each part went and how to put it back
together. Total fix time was about 15 minutes, no more leak !.

Randy

    I've got Delta faucets in my bathroom.  They're the style with one knob 
    on the sink that you turn left or right for hot/cold.  the shower
    has a knob to turn on the water, then a level you slide to the right to 
    get whatever level of hot water you want.   
    
    the problem is they are starting to drip. I haven't looked at the sink
    one yet.  but on the shower I took off the small cover on the center of
    the knob, removed the screw and then took off the knob.  
    
    YUP, looks ok to me. NOW WHAT ??? 
    there's an flat rubber "O" ring in there, 
    do I need to replace THAT?? 
    Or... do I find a socket and remove the nut that's on 
    there and replace something else???
    
    Anyone does this before.  Plumbers can't be bothered with this type of
    job, + $.
    Thanks
    Judi

    42  GRAMPS::LISS         16-JAN-1986    52  Leaky Faucet?
   746  MRMFG1::C_DENOPOULOS 30-JAN-1987     7  WASHERLESS FAUCET LEAKS

    Been there - done that!
    
    Go to the hardware store and ask for a faucett washer replacement kit. 
    It contains various size O-rings, special wrench tool, etc.  Inside are
    directions that provide detailed information on various faucett types
    and exactly what washers you should consider changing.  Fairly simple
    once you do the first.
    
    Regards,
    Steve

    
    I went through this for both a Delta single lever kitchen and bath
    faucet. 
    
    Delta guarantees their faucets, call customer support and they will 
    send you new rubbers. 
    
    When that doesn't work, call the customer support and they will 
    send you new valves with new rubbers.
    
    When that doesn't work, go out and buy an American Standard.
    

    but, it usually takes nine months to get the results of the defect!